New Festival of Ideas announced for Rochdale

Rochdale Borough Festival of Ideas, a major new six day festival will be staged next year, accompanying the official re-opening of Rochdale Town Hall

A new six day festival will be staged in Rochdale next year, accompanying the official re-opening of Rochdale Town Hall in March 2024.

The ‘Rochdale Borough Festival of Ideas’ will run from Monday 4 to Saturday 9 March, and organisers are promising a showcase of creativity, innovation and performance around the themes of imagine, create, discover.

The line-up is yet to be confirmed but expect visual arts, music, live performances, interactive installations and lots more, as originality and imagination is celebrated. Taking inspiration from the borough's rich heritage whilst remaining future focussed, there will be a blend of hands-on and digital programming.

Rochdale Town Hall will be one of a host of festival venues across the borough and many events will be free to attend.

Councillor Janet Emsley, the council’s cabinet member for equity, safety and reform, said the new festival will be an opportunity to be inspired, engaged, and entertained: “Rochdale Borough Festival of Ideas will provide a platform for curious minds to explore and discover, with lots of family friendly events running throughout and a dedicated schools programme. The borough is a place for innovation, from the first co-op to the new Atom Valley.

“This festival will raise the profile and reputation of Rochdale borough across the UK arts, culture and events scene. I hope it will raise cultural ambition, local pride and attract new audiences too. Importantly, the festival will include a momentous moment to celebrate the re-opening of Rochdale Town Hall, a hub for ideas and conversation as it throws open its doors and becomes accessible to all.”

While planning is well under way, the festival is recruiting an artistic associate to work alongside the organising team. The freelance role will involve helping with creative programming and working with organisations, communities and artists to help stage the festival. Applications are open until Monday 13 November at 5pm and you can find out more at rochdale.gov.uk/FestivalOfIdeas