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 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. The artists will create beautiful artwork on 10 buildings in and around the town centre.
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).
Artists and artworks
International artists taking part in 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 Festival Arts. They are excited to be working with Rhian Kempadoo-Millar on their first mural, exploring Women’s Unheard Stories around reproductive health care, the project is inspired by women’s stories from across Greater Manchester, including Seriously Crafty and Soul Sisters based in Rochdale. More on Unheard Stories
Lead Artists: Rhian Kempadoo-Millar, Lizzie Rigby, Emily Wood.
Activities
Thursday, 11 September 2025
Mural Artists in Conversation
- Times: 7pm–9pm
- Location: The Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale OL12 0NU
- Description: hear from the mural artists transforming the town with their amazing artwork as they talk about their creative process and inspiration.
Friday, 12 September 2025
Hip-Hop Night
- Times: 8pm–12midnight
- Location: Hoochi Koochi, South Parade, Rochdale OL16 1LR
- Description: join DJ Woody on the dancefloor for a night of hip-hop bangers.
Saturday, 13 September 2025
Extreme Sports Displays
You’re invited to see the finished works as well as enjoy free family friendly activities and attractions. These include
Fusion Extreme BMX Ramp Show
- Times:
- 11am–11.30am
- 1pm–1.30pm
- 3pm–3.30pm
- Details: see world class professional riders launch into the air to perform breathtaking stunts.
- Location: Rochdale Town Hall Square, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1NJ
BMX Flatland Show
- Times:
- 10am–10.30am
- 12noon–12.30pm
- 2pm–2.30pm
- Location: Rochdale Town Hall Square, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1NJ
- Details: riders have nothing but their bike and the blank canvas of a smooth surface. An emphasis on creativity, style and originality as riders link and mix tricks together.
Mountain Bike Trails Show
- Times:
- 11.30am–12noon
- 1.30pm–2pm
- 3.30pm–4pm
- Location: Rochdale Town Hall Square, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1NJ
- Details: see some of the UKs best Trail Riders, as they control and jump across huge distances and obstacles.
Parkour and Freerunning Show:
- Times:
- 11.30am–12noon
- 1.30pm–2pm
- 3.30pm–4pm
- Location: Rochdale Town Hall Square, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1NJ
- Details: athletes flip and leap across any obstacles in their path with agility, flexibility and precise co-ordination
Skateboarding and Scooter Show:
- Times:
- 10.30am–11am
- 12.30pm–1pm
- 2.30pm–3pm
- Location: Rochdale Town Hall Square, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1NJ
- Details: some of the UK’s best skateboarders and scooterists perform flips over ramps and grind boxes
Basketball Show:
- Times:
- 10.15am–10.30am
- 11.30am–11.45am
- 12.45pm–1pm
- 2.15pm–2.30pm
- Location: Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
- Details: streetballers showcase their artistic flare with basketballs through breathtaking tricks and skills
Breakdance Show
- Times:
- 11.am–11.20am
- 12.15pm–12.35pm
- 1.30pm–1.50pm
- 3pm–3.20pm
- Location: Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
- Details: see the breakers bring the energy through explosive shows on the streets of Rochdale town centre
Guided tours
- Times: please meet at the starting point at least 5 minutes before the start of the tour.
- 12noon–1pm
- 2pm–3pm
- Starting point: Rochdale Town Hall Square, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1NJ
- Description: meet at Rochdale Town Hall for a fascinating guided tour by renowned street art blogger Stuart Holdsworth, editor of Inspiring City. See the stunning new murals up close and discover the stories and inspiration behind them. The tour lasts around an hour.
- Booking required: places are free but booking is required to confirm your place, as spaces are limited. Book free tickets for a guided tour
Saturday, 13 September 2025 and Sunday, 14 September 2025
Paint Jam
- Times: 10am–6pm
- Location: The Butts, Rochdale OL16 1ES
- Description: watch 9 artists compete as they paint live in front of you. Organised by Spray Days.
- Artists competing:
- Adam Illes - view Adam Illes on Instagram
- Amy Callaghan (Pigs In Mud Art Studios) - view Amy Callaghan on Instagram
- Callum Simmons (Piicasa) - view Callum Simmons on Instagram
- Liskbot - view Liskbot on Instagram
- Marcus Method - view Marcus Method on Instagram
- Nick Hamilton - view Nick Hamilton on Instagram
- Reasm - view Reasm on Instagram
- STOGLIFE - view STOGLIFE on Instagram
- Trik09 - view Trik09 on Instagram
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.