The FestiDale is coming - and locals are invited to take part

The Royal Exchange Theatre has announced an exciting line-up for The FestiDale 2024, set to take place in Rochdale from 8 to 18 August. This energetic community festival will be hosted in the eco-friendly mobile theatre, The Den, located at Kingsway Park High School.

The event promises a range of performances, workshops, and activities, all adhering to a pay-what-you-can model to ensure accessibility for everyone.

The FestiDale, curated by local ambassadors and champions, will feature a diverse programme designed to appeal to all ages. From family-friendly days to performances by both professional and community artists, the festival aims to bring the community together through the arts.

This year’s festival is supported by Levitt Bernstein, the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, and The Oglesby Charitable Trust, along with several key partners including Kingsway Park High School, Touchstones, and Rochdale Borough Council.

One of the standout performances is Evening Conversations, written and performed by Sudha Bhuchar.

This acclaimed production explores themes of identity and generational differences. Following the performance, Bhuchar will host a writing workshop, offering a deeper engagement with the material.

Another highlight is Tales of the Dale, a unique production celebrating the voices of Rochdale residents.

Directed by Nickie Miles-Wildin and Polly Thomas, the show features four plays: Welcome to Rochdale, 'Big Night Out...and Sexy Chips', 'Pride in Rochdale', and 'Do the Cruckle'. These plays incorporate over 200 local stories, performed by both professionals and community members.

Coconut, led by Ria Phatarphekar-Karmarkar, will invite participants from the Global Majority to share their experiences of being ‘othered’ in the UK. This intimate performance over a meal encourages meaningful conversations between participants and the audience.

The Culture Co-op Takeover on 8 August will celebrate Islamic culture with workshops and performances by talented Muslim artists, including Shahbaz Hussain, Elmi Ali, and Aminah.

Families with young children can look forward to a Family Fun Day featuring crafts, games, and puppet-making activities. Performances will include Anansi and the Lost Sun by Swallow’s Wings Puppetry and a Family Story Making Workshop from M6 Theatre Company.

The Family Pride Day, supported by Rochdale in Rainbows and the LGBT+ Foundation, will offer a range of activities and performances celebrating inclusivity and diversity. Highlights include a Family Catwalk Extravaganza by Ghetto Fabulous and performances by Bennettiscoming and Violet Blonde.

Opportunities to get involved - callouts for participants

The FestiDale also offers opportunities for local residents to participate. The Front of House training programme returns, providing participants with practical experience in customer service and event management. This year, the programme partners with the New Pioneers Group – Men's Lab in Rochdale.

A new Event Ready course, in collaboration with Factory Academy, will equip participants with skills and experience in the performance events industry. Open to Rochdale residents aged 19+, this 15-day course promises valuable insights and hands-on learning.

Seeking Rochdale community performers for Tales of the Dale

A callout is open for local people to perform in Tales of the Dale, the headline show at The FestiDale. No acting experience is necessary, and participants will perform script-in-hand. Open to Rochdale residents aged 14+.

To get involved, complete the form. You can access the form here.

Seeking voluntary Rochdale community participants for Coconut

There is also a callout for local people to take part in Coconut, a performance-conversation on 9 August. Join a getting-to-know-you session on 30 July from 6pm-7pm to learn more about the event.

For those interested, there will be a preparation session and the performance itself, visit the callout page here.

More details on The FestiDale events can be found in the Rochdale Online events listing.