An internationally renowned photography exhibition, marking the 25th anniversary of KFOR in Kosova opens in Rochdale this month.
‘KFOR and Kosovo +25’ will be on display from 16 January 2026 until 28 February 2026 at Number One Riverside in the town centre. Find Number One Riverside on Google Maps
Produced in partnership with Heartstone and funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, ‘KFOR and Kosovo +25’ includes over 50 photographs from photojournalist Nick Sidle during the operation’s early stages. The images provide a unique insight into the work of peacekeepers whilst highlighting the human stories of the people of Kosova, and the need for such an intervention to take place so they could safeguard lives, homes and re-build ordinary life in extraordinary circumstances. The free exhibition will also tell the stories of those involved and refugees who fled to Manchester to set up home.
Before coming to Rochdale the exhibition has been on display at the Tower of London, the National Museum of Kosova in Pristina, the House of Commons, NATO HQ and at The Fusiliers Museum in Bury.
An internationally renowned photography exhibition, marking the 25th anniversary of KFOR in Kosova, will open to the public in Rochdale from 16 January 2026, including over 50 photographs from photojournalist Nick Sidle. Photographs courtesy of Nick Sidle.
‘Extraordinary circumstances’
In 1999, KFOR, the NATO led international peacekeeping force entered Kosova following Resolution 1244 by the United Nations Security Council. 2024 was the 25th anniversary of that deployment. The first UN Security Council Resolution connected to Kosova was passed on 31 March 1998 and the second on 23 September 1998. This was followed by a series of resolutions culminating in Resolution 1244 one year later.
The exhibition will take visitors through a visual, non-political, cultural experience into a world where they can empathise with those of different backgrounds, understand the commonality of human experience, why the issues need to be addressed, the need for peacekeeping forces and the refugee experience. Some local veterans who have already been traced are part of the programme.
Councillor Janet Emsley, the council’s lead member for the Armed Forces, said the unique exhibition covers a period of history that must not be forgotten. She said:
“25 years later, this story holds many lessons for our time in a world where many are living with conflict, and the same issues of prejudice, intolerance and hate. It’s also a positive story, about human resilience and hope in extraordinary circumstances and the importance of people and nations working co-operatively together to achieve positive outcomes. I am looking forward welcoming it to Rochdale.”
The exhibition will be on display until 28 February 2026 on the ground floor at Number One Riverside in the town centre. The venue has staged many other renowned exhibitions, including ‘Gaia’ - the huge work of art depicting the earth, in 2021, and Dippy the dinosaur from London’s Natural History Museum in 2020.
The exhibition in Rochdale is being led by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency, funded by The National Heritage Lottery Fund through Arts Council England and the Flexible Fund.
‘KFOR and Kosovo +25’ 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.
The exhibition will be open to view 6 days a week.