Rochdale's Town of Culture Year Far Exceeds All Expectations
Rochdale's year as the Greater Manchester Town of Culture has far excelled all expectations, driven by a truly pioneering co-operative approach led by the Rochdale Creates team at the Rochdale Development Agency. Many of the creative artists and organisations fundamental to this successful year were celebrated at a spectacular closing weekend event held at Rochdale Town Hall, known as the Rochdale Culture Awards.
The awards were supported by Your Trust, Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale Development Agency, Culture Co-op, Cartwheel Arts, and Rochdale Borough Cultural Network. This event was part of a yearlong spectacular lineup of festivals, live performances, exhibitions, and art that celebrated the town's rich history, creativity, talent, and diverse arts scene.
Celebrating Award Winners and Finalists
Seven awards were handed out from 19 finalists at the event. The Creative of the Year award was collected by Hayley Garner, also known as AYLO, an acclaimed Rochdale-born street artist, muralist, and curator. Garner is renowned for creating large-scale, community-focused public art, including her work on the popular Common Walls International Mural Festival. Her bold murals in Rochdale and Heywood explore human connection, emotion, and perspective, transforming public spaces through powerful visual storytelling. Last month, she mentored young artists as part of the FAB Youth Arts Festival.
Cultural Event of the Year was awarded to the Darnhill Festival, organised by Cartwheel Arts alongside the Darnhill Festival Association and local partners. This proudly community-led annual festival shines a light on creativity, resilience, and humour, bringing families together through the arts. Last year, it attracted over 2,000 visitors and championed youth voices through its young producers' programme, praised for its bold carnival energy and strong sense of belonging.
Skylight Circus Arts achieved a double success, winning both the Health and Wellbeing Award and the Community Award. They provide circus workshops for all across the region, regardless of age, background, or ability, as well as live shows at events and festivals. Through classes, school sessions, and community work, they create inclusive spaces where people can build confidence, connect with others, and improve their wellbeing.
Young Creative of the Year went to Rochdale indie-rock band PoolEra. Known for their melodic guitar sound and energetic shows, the band formed while at school in Milnrow and has a rapidly expanding fan base. When not playing or recording, the band mentors young producers, visits youth groups, and creates opportunities for other emerging artists.
The Heritage Award was won by South Asian Heritage Rochdale. In just two years, this community-led platform has grown the South Asian Heritage Festival at Rochdale Town Hall into a large and joyful celebration of history, identity, and lived experience, featuring music, dance, food, fashion, and heritage from South Asia.
M6 Theatre Company, which produces and stages wonderfully imaginative shows for children and young people, won the Cultural Legacy Award. Special thanks were also given during the evening to Hebe Reilly, who recently stepped down as creative director and chief executive of Cartwheel Arts, praised for her enormous contribution to the borough, including chairing Rochdale Borough Culture Network over the past four years.
Entertainment and Performances
The event featured music from singer-songwriter Ellysse Mason, a reading from Rochdale's Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver, and a beautiful performance by the brilliant Middleton-based Tracing Steps Theatre and Dance Company. There was also a live artwork demonstration by Zairah Life and a set by DJ Zak Gurnah.
Quotes from Key Figures
Pete Courtie, head of culture and placemaking at Rochdale Development Agency, said: "Rochdale has certainly been at the forefront of culture in Greater Manchester over the last year, brimming with creativity. These awards, which we would like to see become an annual event, helped celebrate the artists, innovators, community activists, and organisations who are using culture and creativity to make a real difference. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists; it's been a privilege to be part of it, and you should all be very proud."
Estelle Rowe, chief executive of Your Trust, added: "The standard amongst our finalists was very high, and it was incredibly difficult to pick the winners. We were so proud to be part of Rochdale Culture Awards, celebrating the abundance of creativity, passion, and dedication in the borough."
Moves are now underway to secure the title of Town of Culture for future years, highlighting Rochdale's ongoing commitment to cultural excellence.
