An epic new mural has been unveiled in Rochdale town centre, and it’s the biggest of them all.
On a huge wall on the side of Wetherspoons pub, the former Regal Cinema, the new artwork measures a whopping 10 metres high and 32 metres long.
Painted by Hayley Garner (aka Aylo), the award-winning co-curator of last year’s Common Walls International Mural Festival, its design was inspired by the thoughts and aspirations of over 100 children from Healey Foundation Primary School and the youth steering group for the recent FAB Youth Arts Festival. They were asked what comes to mind when they think about Rochdale and came up with wonderful ideas.
Hayley said:
“I had the best time working on this. It was fascinating to hear how Rochdale looks from the eyes of children. They came up with the striking design, which shows a young person studying a book about Rochdale. On one side it looks back to the town’s heritage and on the other towards the present and future. There was a lot to include, but I think we managed it! The falcons, the town hall, the tram, nature, and the birthplace of the co-op is all in there, along with some hidden meanings.”
The new mural on the side of Wetherspoons pub, the former Regal Cinema.
‘Wonderful ideas’
As well as the young people, Hayley who is also director of community interest company The Butterfly Effected, a partner of last year's mural festival was supported by fellow outdoor artists Christian Fenn (also known as Seca One) and Jamie Buckley, who she describes as her dream team. Hayley added:
“It’s been such a rewarding project and an honour to be able to paint something like this in my home town.”
Hayley and fellow outdoor artist Jamie Buckley, who also worked on the mural.
The mural now forms part of Rochdale’s Common Walls Mural Trail, a walking route around the town centre that includes 24 murals and was recognised with a national award at the prestigious Pineapple Awards in London, beating strong competition from Birmingham, York, London and Stockport. Judges said the project serves as a premier blueprint for how creative activation can strengthen a town’s cultural identity.
Pete Courtie, head of culture and placemaking at Rochdale Development Agency added:
“This latest mural is another fabulous addition to our amazing outdoor art gallery and one of the lasting legacies from our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture. It brings real energy to a prominent local building and shows the power of public art to inspire. It celebrates the creativity of Rochdale’s young people, and they should all be very proud.”
The mural on the side of the Regal Moon, which originally opened as a cinema in 1938 was unveiled during the closing weekend for Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. It was funded by Rochdale Borough Council and JD Wetherspoon and commissioned by Rochdale Development Agency.