Our Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) calendar for 2026 lists significant dates to support awareness raising and understanding of our differences. It helps us acknowledge and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, cultures and identities represented within our organisation and the broader community. Inclusion and equity are central to Rochdale Borough Council’s values, ensuring that everyone feels respected and has equal access to opportunities.
Use this calendar to:
- Promote equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Remove obstacles and create a welcoming space for everyone.
- Avoid waste by making sure any meetings or appointments are planned accordingly.
- Make sure important events do not clash with major festivals.
- Promote good health and wellbeing.
- Support you in organising diversity and inclusion campaigns, events and activities locally.
January
4 January 2026 – World Braille Day
World Braille Day raises awareness of Braille as a means of communication for blind and visually impaired people.
27 January 2026 – Holocaust Memorial Day
Holocaust Memorial Day commemorates victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides, promoting tolerance and human rights.
February
All month – LGBT+ History Month
LGBT+ History Month celebrates LGBT+ history and promotes equality and inclusion.
1 February 2026 – World Hijab Day
World Hijab Day promotes religious tolerance and understanding for women who choose to wear the hijab.
18 February 2026 (this is the expected date, but may change depending on the moon sighting) – beginning of Ramadan
Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer and reflection observed by Muslims worldwide.
March
8 March 2026 – International Women's Day
International Women's Day celebrates achievements of women and advocates for gender equality.
17 March 2026–23 March 2026 – Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Neurodiversity Celebration Week raises awareness and acceptance of neurodiverse individuals.
20 March 2026 (this is the expected date, but may change depending on the moon sighting) – Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is the festival marking the end of Ramadan. It's celebrated with communal prayers, charity and family gatherings.
April
1 April 2026–9 April 2026 – Passover
Passover is a Jewish festival commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
7 April 2026 – World Health Day
World Health Day promotes global health awareness and wellbeing.
14 April 2026 – Vaisakhi
Vaisakhi is a Sikh festival celebrating the founding of the Khalsa.
May
1 May 2026 – Vesak
Vesak is a Buddhist festival celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
12 May 2026–18 May 2026 – Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week encourages conversations and actions to improve mental health.
26 May 2026 (this is the expected date, but may change depending on the moon sighting) – Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is a festival of sacrifice observed by Muslims worldwide.
June
All month:
- Pride Month celebrates LGBT+ communities and promotes equality.
- Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month raises awareness of the history and culture of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
22 June 2026 – Windrush Day
Windrush Day commemorates the arrival of the Windrush generation and their contributions to British society.
July
All month – Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month celebrates disability culture and promotes inclusion.
18 July 2026–17 August 2026 – South Asian Heritage Month
South Asian Heritage Month celebrates South Asian heritage and contributions to UK society.
September
11 September 2026–13 September 2026 – Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, a time of reflection and renewal.
15 September 2026–21 September 2026 – National Inclusion Week
National Inclusion Week promotes inclusive practices in workplaces and communities.
20 September 2026–21 September 2026 – Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement, observed with fasting and prayer.
October
All month – Black History Month
Black History Month celebrates Black heritage and achievements.
10 October 2026 – World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day raises awareness of mental health issues globally.
November
All month – Islamophobia Awareness Month
Islamophobia Awareness Month challenges Islamophobia and promotes understanding.
8 November 2026 – Diwali
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights symbolising the victory of light over darkness.
19 November 2026 – International Men's Day
International Men's Day highlights men’s health and gender equality issues.
December
1 December 2026 – World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day raises awareness about HIV/AIDS and supports those affected.
4 December 2026–12 December 2026 – Hanukkah
Hanuakkah is the Jewish festival of lights commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple.
10 December 2026 – Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day promotes human rights globally.