Watch: Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture on video
Watch a look back at Rochdale's year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, which ran from April 2025 to March 2026. Working with over 35 incredible organisations and partners to deliver well over 100 events for all ages, the programme, produced by Rochdale Development Agency was inspired by Rochdale’s rich heritage, the co-operative movement, the borough’s musical legacy, creative talent and the unmistakable Rochdale spirit.
Murals painted during the Common Walls event in September 2025 are located within a 30-minute walking route around Rochdale town centre, with sites on Drake Street, Smith Street, Baillie Street and Bell Street.
A year-long celebration of Rochdale’s vibrant cultural scene, uniting communities through creativity, music, heritage, and art, with exciting events throughout the year.
From major festivals to grassroots projects, our year as Town of Culture championed local talent, showcased artistic excellence and invited everyone to experience Rochdale’s dynamic cultural heartbeat through a diverse programme of events and creative experiences.
Celebrating our heritage
Rochdale’s story is one of innovation, creativity, and resilience. From the co-operative movement’s birthplace to a hub of industry and art, our heritage is unique.
Through exhibitions, performances, and storytelling, in stunning venues and spaces, we honoured our town’s pioneering past, celebrating the people, places, and moments that have shaped Rochdale’s identity - and will continue to shape its unique cultural future.
Showcasing creativity
It was a year to spotlight Rochdale’s talented artists, musicians, writers, and performers. Our creative community is thriving, and the year provided its biggest platform yet.
From emerging talent to established names, we showcased art, music, theatre, and digital innovation, bringing exciting experiences to audiences across the borough.
A borough to be proud of
Although the Town of Culture focuses on Rochdale we’re programmed and promoted activities across the borough and making sure the valuable work and experience over the year was used to further develop the cultural offer in Heywood, Middleton and the Pennines.
A borough of culture
A mural painted by Aylo at Common Walls International Mural Festival. Aylo is a Rochdale-born, award-winning street artist and artistic director of the festival, who creates socially engaged murals rooted in identity, history and healing.
BMX riders from Fusion Extreme perform a live show at Rochdale Town Hall Square.
An artist painting at the Merhaba Halal Food Festival, the popular event celebrating food and art will be staged during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
Visitors to the main stage at Rochdale Feel Good Festival.
The 20-strong drumming collective, Drum Machine, bringing their techno-infused beats to Ignite Fire Festival.
A model in a fashion show celebrating African fashion as part of the Rochdale Borough Festival of Ideas.
The famous Black Dyke Band played a special concert to mark the reopening of Rochdale Town Hall after its extensive refurbishment.
An artist takes part in a Paint Jam event in Rochdale town centre as part of Common Walls International Mural Festival.
The Muslim Hikers group, the largest community in the world for Muslims interested in the outdoors, taking part in a special walk at Hollingworth Lake as part of the Rochdale Borough Festival of Ideas.
A dynamic dance performance of Zugswang, supported by M6 Theatre, at Rochdale Town Hall as part of the Rochdale Borough Festival of Ideas.
A mural painted by Smug at the Common Walls International Mural Festival. Smug, an Australian-born muralist based in Scotland is known for his hyper-realistic, spray-painted artworks blending nature and humanity, often focussing on everyday individuals.
