Rochdale will be recognising homegrown individuals, creatives and organisations who make the borough shine at Rochdale Culture Awards to be staged in March 2026.
Residents and organisations are now invited to put forward nominations for the awards, ahead of the closing date of Friday, 19 December 2025.
Rochdale Culture Awards will be staged at the town hall on Friday, 27 March 2026, as part of the closing weekend for Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26.
Local band Pool Era performing at Rochdale Town Hall.
Nominations are being accepted across seven different categories: cultural legacy, creative of the year, young creative, cultural event of the year, health and wellbeing, heritage, and community.
‘Diverse and vibrant’
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for culture and communities at Rochdale Borough Council, said she wants the new awards to recognise the imagination, talent and dedication that shape the borough’s cultural life:
“Culture means many things to many people so these awards will recognise diverse and vibrant ways cultural activities improve our lives. Each category will highlight those whose work inspires others and strengthens our community. From well-known names to unsung heroes, we want to hear about those making a real difference. Please consider submitting a nomination and we are looking forward to reading them.”
Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture opened with the Flight of Fancy parade on Rochdale Town Hall Square in April 2025.
Nominees must either be based in the borough of Rochdale or have a strong track record of delivering activity for the benefit of people who live in or visit the borough, or that benefits the local economy.
Estelle Rowe, chief executive of Your Trust said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be part of Rochdale Culture Awards which provide a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the creativity, passion and dedication that exists across the borough. From grassroots projects to major events, there is so much inspiring cultural work taking place that deserves to be recognised. These awards are a chance to acknowledge the individuals, groups and organisations who are enriching lives and strengthening communities through arts, heritage and culture.”
Pete Courtie, head of culture and placemaking at Rochdale Development Agency added:
“This is an opportunity to shine a light and celebrate those who make a great contribution to the wealth of community culture that we’ve seen already this year, as well as hopefully inspiring others to get involved too, so do get nominating.”
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for culture and communities with Common Walls International Mural Festival Hayley Garner and one of the town’s new murals.
Make a nomination
All nominations must reflect activity that has taken place since January 2025, other than the Cultural Legacy Award which can recognise achievement over a number of years.
The awards are supported by Your Trust, Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale Development Agency, Culture Co-op, Cartwheel Arts, and Rochdale Borough Cultural Network.
Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26
Rochdale Culture Awards 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.