Finalists revealed for Rochdale Culture Awards

The finalists have been revealed for Rochdale Culture Awards, to be staged on Friday 27 March. 

19 homegrown individuals, creatives or organisations who make the borough shine will be in with a chance of winning one of seven awards during the ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall, as part of the closing weekend for Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. 

Residents and organisations were invited to nominate across seven different categories and the finalists are: 

• Health and wellbeing award: Blessing Wheto Ogunjimi, Skylight Circus Arts, Soul Sisters.
• Community award: Caring and Sharing, Nigeria Community Association, Skylight Circus Arts.
• Heritage award: Cartwheel Arts, South Asian Heritage Rochdale, The Big Dig.
• Cultural event award: Darnhill Festival, Merhaba Festival, South Asian Heritage Month.
• Creative of the year: Hayley Garner, Martina Coggins, Seamus Kelly.
• Young creative of the year: Hannah Adetubo, Jordan Perris, Poolera.
• Cultural legacy award: Elizabeth White, M6 Theatre Company, Skylight Circus Arts. 

The finalists are either based in the borough, or have a strong track record of delivering activity for the benefit of people who live in or visit the borough, or that benefits the local economy. 

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for culture and communities at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Rochdale has been full of more culture and creativity than ever over the past year and the calibre of this shortlist is a testament to the generosity, talent and resilience that defines Rochdale. I can’t wait to find out which of the deserving finalists wins on the night, I’m sure it’ll be a very close call.” 

Estelle Rowe, chief executive of Your Trust said: “It’s been an incredibly exciting year for culture. All our finalists are extremely successful to get this far, and I wish them all the best of luck. We’re incredibly proud to be part of Rochdale Culture Awards, celebrating the creativity, passion and dedication that exists across the borough.” 

Pete Courtie, head of culture and placemaking at Rochdale Development Agency added: “We’ve seen some fantastic nominations, really inspiring stuff and it’s a privilege to be part of it. These awards are shining a light and celebrating those who make a great contribution to the wealth of community culture that we’ve seen such a lot of over the past year.” 

Find out more about the finalists at www.rochdalecreates.co.uk/townofculture/awards 

The awards are supported by Your Trust, Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale Development Agency, Culture Co-op, Cartwheel Arts, and Rochdale Borough Cultural Network. 

Rochdale Culture Awards is part of a spectacular line up of festivals, live performances, exhibitions and art during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. The title, awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, celebrates the town’s rich history, creativity, talent and diverse arts scene. Find out more at rochdalecreates.co.uk/townofculture