Rochdale’s year as GM Town of Culture far excelled all expectations!

Review by Steve Cooke

Rochdale’s year as GM Town of Culture far excelled all expectations through a truly pioneering co-operative approach led by the wonderful Rochdale Creates team at RDA [Rochdale Development Agency].

Many of the creative artists and organisations that were fundamental to this successful year were celebrated at a spectacular closing weekend event in our town hall at 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; part of a yearlong spectacular line up of festivals, live performances, exhibitions and art that celebrated our town’s rich history, creativity, talent and diverse arts scene.  

Seven awards were handed out from 19 finalists at the event.

The creative of the year award was collected by Hayley Garner, a multi-disciplinary artist and curator of last year’s popular Common Walls International Mural Festival. Rochdale-born Hayley has brought bold, large-scale murals to Rochdale and Heywood. Her work explores 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 Darnhill Festival, organised by Cartwheel Arts alongside the Darnhill Festival Association and local partners. Proudly community-led, this 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 many more youth voices through its young producers’ programme. The event was praised for its bold carnival energy and a strong sense of belonging, building pride and tackling isolation.  

It was a double success for Skylight Circus Arts, who collected 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 melodic guitar sound and energetic shows, the band who formed whilst at school in Milnrow have rapidly expanding fan base. When they’re not playing or recording, the band also mentor young producers, visit youth groups and have created opportunities for other emerging artists. 

The Heritage Award was won by South Asian Heritage Rochdale. In just two years, the 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, with music, dance, food, fashion and heritage from South Asia.

M6 Theatre Company who produce and stage 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. She was praised for the enormous contribution she has made to the borough, including chairing Rochdale Borough Culture Network over the past four years. 

During the event there was 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.

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, and 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 said: “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.”

Find out more about the winners at www.rochdalecreates.co.uk

Moves are now underway to secure the title of Town of Culture!

FOLLOW THAT OLDHAM!