Rochdale named Greater Manchester Town of Culture

It’s official – Rochdale is  Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025/26!

Councillor Susan Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, shared the thrilling news at the Rochdale Borough Culture Network Conference, confirming that the town’s bid had been successful.

This prestigious title, awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) each year, recognises the artistic brilliance, cultural diversity, and historic charm of one of the region’s towns. And for the next twelve months, Rochdale is ready to shine!

Rochdale Greater Manchester Town of Culture

Rochdale is gearing up for a cultural extravaganza like never before! With over 35 arts organisations collaborating, the town is set to become a hub of creativity, heritage, and entertainment. Expect a whirlwind of festivals, exhibitions, performances, and immersive experiences that will captivate audiences of all ages. Here’s a glimpse of what’s to come:

On a sunny afternoon, families can gather at the Feel Good Family Picnic, where music, delicious food, and entertainment create the perfect day out. Art lovers will be drawn to the Urban Arts Festival, a brand-new event celebrating street art, contemporary works, and creativity on the move.

Foodies can indulge in the Street Eat Festival, where Rochdale’s best culinary talent will serve up mouth-watering delights, while those looking for a fiery spectacle won’t want to miss the Ignite Fire Festival, a dazzling display of flames, performance, and artistic expression.

As night falls, the Lantern Parade will light up the streets with glowing artistry, setting the stage for an electrifying lineup of live music featuring local bands and international acts alike.

Culture takes center stage at the Merhaba Halal Food Festival, a celebration of diverse cuisines and traditions, and inclusivity shines at the Pride Parade, bringing color, joy, and unity to Rochdale’s streets.

And that’s just the beginning! Rochdale promises major international collaborations, pop-up surprises, and even more thrilling events as the year unfolds. Get ready for an unforgettable celebration that will put Rochdale on the cultural map like never before!

Poetry, youth, power

Adding a poetic touch to the celebrations, Rochdale will commission its own Poet Laureate and Young Poet Laureate to capture the spirit of the town throughout the year.

Young people are also taking center stage with Rochdale’s first-ever Youth Arts Festival in Spring 2026, as well as a Young Producer’s Scheme to help aspiring creatives plan and deliver events. It’s all about giving fresh talent the chance to shine!

As part of the award, Rochdale has been granted £50,000 from the GMCA Culture Fund, which will help bring this ambitious programme to life. This investment will support new opportunities for local artists, enhance community engagement, and attract visitors from near and far.

Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Rochdale has a rich cultural history, and it’s fantastic to see it named Town of Culture as its town centre and town hall enter a new era. This bid was exciting, ambitious, and deeply rooted in Rochdale’s incredible talent and heritage. Over the next 12 months, the town is going to showcase the very best of what it has to offer.”

Paul Waugh, MP for Rochdale, added: “Culture brings communities together and drives economic growth. Rochdale’s arts scene is more vibrant than ever, making it the place to be in Greater Manchester. I can’t wait to see all the events and activities that will highlight the town’s creativity.”

Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “I’m thrilled Rochdale will be Town of Culture for 2025/26. We’ll be drawing audiences from across Greater Manchester and beyond. With our community spirit, incredible attractions, and talented artists, this year will be something truly special.”

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation, said: “This is an amazing opportunity for both residents and visitors. We want as many people as possible to get involved in delivering creative and fun events. And while Rochdale takes centre stage, we’ll make sure the impact of this year extends across the entire borough.”

Save the Date – the fun starts April 1st!

Mark your calendars! Rochdale’s Town of Culture celebrations officially kick off on April 1st, 2025, and run until March 31st, 2026.

Past winners of the title—Bury, Stalybridge, Stockport, and Bolton—have all used this platform to raise their profile and boost cultural engagement. Now, it’s Rochdale’s turn to step up and make history!

Stay tuned for more details as the programme is finalised. Follow all the latest updates by clicking here

Get ready, Rochdale – your year of culture is about to begin!