About this event
Sunday, 7–Sunday, 14 September 2025. Some of the world’s best artists will descend on Rochdale for this new event to turn Rochdale town centre into a huge urban art gallery.
- Who is this event suitable for? Everyone's welcome.
- Do I need to book? No, you can just come along.
- Where are the murals? The murals will be within a 30 minute walk of Rochdale Town Centre and a map will be available.
- Contact: info@aylonomad.com
- Event organiser: Aylo Nomad
The artists will create beautiful artwork on 10 buildings in and around the town centre.
International artists taking part Common Walls International Mural Festival include Insane51, Onur, Smug, SecaOne, AYLO, Epod and Lei Mai.
Also painting at the festival will be artists from Cabasa Carnival Arts.
Rhain Kempadoo-Millar Millar, Lizzie Rigby and Emily Wood from Cabasa Carnival Arts will be painting their first mural, exploring Women’s Unheard Stories around reproductive health care. Inspired by women’s stores from across Greater Manchester including Seriously Crafty and Soul Sisters based in Rochdale. More on Unheard Stories
The ‘Common Walls’ International Mural Festival will give you a chance to see artworks being created up close by the world-renowned artists who will be in town all week bringing their artworks to life.
From Sunday, 7 September 2025, you’re invited to come and watch the artworks being created up close with new designs that that tell the story of Rochdale, its history, people and culture. The murals will be within a 30 minute walk of Rochdale Town Centre and a map will be available.
The artworks will be completed by the weekend (Saturday, 13 September 2025 and Sunday, 14 September 2025).
Activities – Saturday, 13 September 2025
Location: the activities will be located at various points in Rochdale town centre.
On Saturday, 13 September 2025, you’re invited to see the finished works as well as enjoy free family friendly activities and attractions. These include:
- BMX freestyle stunt shows
- Street art workshops
- A graffiti jam with artists competing live
- Pop-up galleries
- Live music
- Artist talks
- A series of other fringe events
Common Walls is part of a spectacular line up of festivals, live performances, exhibitions and art during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. The title, awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority celebrates the town’s rich history, creativity, talent and diverse arts scene.
Disclaimer
Events and activities are not organised by Rochdale Borough Council unless stated otherwise. Neither is Rochdale Borough Council responsible for the accuracy of the information provided. If you are under 18, ask your parent/guardian before taking part in any event or activity.