Art Battle Manchester ventures to Rochdale: A celebration of creativity in historic Champness Hall

Date published: 16 August 2024

Electrifying live painting competition Art Battle Manchester is expanding its reach by bringing its vibrant event to Rochdale for the first time ever.

The historic Champness Hall will host this cultural phenomenon, offering a unique blend of art, music, and local flavour in the heart of Rochdale's cultural revival.

Rochdale is famous as the birthplace of the cooperative movement, so it’s apt that the 700-strong capacity audience will vote for their favourite artist in a show of democracy, choosing who will be crowned as the 'art battle champion'.

The battle will take place in the hidden gem that is Champness Hall, a stunning Art Deco building in the centre of Rochdale, also the largest auditorium in the town.

Art Battle Manchester co-founder John Macaulay explained, “One of our favourite ever battles was at Albert Hall in Manchester, and when you walk through the door at Champness Hall, you get similar vibes.

"The three-sided balcony offers people a gladiatorial vantage point of the 30-minute painty battles and there’s also an outdoor area where we’ll get some street art on the go.”

Greg Bond, director at the Culture Co-op added “We’re delighted to bring the battle to Rochdale. There’s a growing visual arts scene here in recent years including Rochdale Uprising street art festival, the opening of Richard Street Studios, and some exciting collaborations with Manchester International Festival.” 

Paul Ambrose, Rochdale BID explained, “In addition to the high-energy live painting competition, we’ll be joined by some of Rochdale's finest independent traders, serving a vast array of food and drink.”

Since it started in 2013, Art Battle Manchester has delivered over 20 sold-out events, never using the same venue twice.

They clearly have a penchant for bringing the off-beat lively event to stunning buildings, as recent venues include London Road Fire Station, Albert Hall, The Royal Exchange, Victoria Baths, New Century, Escape to Freight Island, and an array of historic mills and warehouses.

Art Battle Manchester 24 – ‘Going Northside’ – will feature ten new fearless artists taking centre stage. A capacity crowd will watch painters, illustrators, tattooists and street artists go head-to-head in what has been described as the city's most energetic art event. With only 30 minutes to create a masterpiece – YOU will decide who is crowned Champion.

In addition to art, music, food and drink, expect some unexpected shenanigans and entertainment!

Art Battle MCR XXIV is taking place on Saturday 28 September. 7pm-11pm, at Champness Hall, Drake Street, Rochdale. OL16 1PB.

• Tickets for Art Battle are £17.50 and are now on sale via Skiddle: BUY TICKETS HERE