A captivating six-day festival is set to grace Rochdale in 2024, coinciding with the grand reopening of the iconic Rochdale Town Hall in March. The Rochdale Borough Festival of Ideas, running from Monday, March 4 to Saturday, March 9, promises a mesmerizing showcase of creativity, innovation, and performance, all centered on the themes of imagination, creation, and discovery.
While the lineup is yet to be finalized, expect a captivating array of visual arts exhibitions, electrifying live performances, interactive installations, and much more, as originality and imagination take center stage. Drawing inspiration from the borough’s rich heritage while embracing a futuristic perspective, the festival will feature a blend of hands-on and digital programming, with many events accessible free of charge.
The newly revitalized Rochdale Town Hall will serve as one of many festival venues across the borough. Its extensive restoration has been generously funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Rochdale Borough Council.
Councillor Janet Emsley, the council’s cabinet member for equity, safety, and reform, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming festival, emphasizing its potential to inspire, engage, and entertain: “The Rochdale Borough Festival of Ideas will provide a platform for curious minds to explore and discover, with an array of family-friendly events and a dedicated schools program. Our borough is a hub of innovation, from the birthplace of the cooperative movement to the cutting-edge Atom Valley. This festival will elevate Rochdale’s profile and reputation within the UK arts, culture, and events scene. I hope it will foster cultural ambition, instill local pride, and attract new audiences. Notably, the festival will culminate in a momentous celebration to mark the reopening of Rochdale Town Hall, a beacon of ideas and dialogue, as it opens its doors to all.”
As planning progresses, the festival is seeking to recruit an artistic associate to collaborate with the organizing team. This freelance role will involve contributing to creative programming and collaborating with organizations, communities, and artists to bring the festival to life. Applications are open until Monday, November 13, at 5 pm. For more information, please visit rochdale.gov.uk/FestivalOfIdeas.
The Rochdale Borough Festival of Ideas promises to be an unforgettable celebration of creativity, innovation, and imagination, leaving a lasting impact on the borough and its residents. Mark your calendars and prepare to be captivated by this extraordinary event.
