Rochdale's renaissance: Report shows boost Greater Manchester Town of Culture brought to town

Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture generated a multi-million-pound boost to the local economy, according to a report published this month. The year, awarded annually by Greater Manchester Combined Authority highlights the creativity and diversity of Greater Manchester’s towns, putting a spotlight on remarkable art, culture and heritage across the region. 

Evaluation by Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) supported by The University of Manchester reveals over 213,000 people attended 297 events during the year which ran from April 2025 to March 2026. This generated over £5.5 million in additional leisure spending for the local economy supporting a range of town centre businesses from restaurants and bars to retail. The programme also helped local arts organisations and artists attract a further £1.1 million of investment by partners who supported the town's year in the spotlight. 

In line with RDA’s focus on creating local employment opportunities and career pathways for young people the year delivered employment for over 1,300 artists, most of whom were freelancers, equivalent to more than 12 full-time employees.  Nearly 800 residents supported the project as volunteers, developing new skills and social networks. Over 4,700 adults took part in workshop sessions and nearly 6,000 young people participated in activity during the year. The programme also generated over £245,000 of positive publicity for the town.   

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said there were over 1,400 event days, equivalent to four years of activity compressed into just twelve months. She said: “Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture was a huge success, attracting more than 213,000 people to enjoy nearly 300 events, generating well over £5.5 million for our local economy. It showcased the very best of our borough and created positive publicity that reflected so well on Rochdale. It is particularly encouraging that 94% of attendees felt the events enhanced Rochdale’s image. We also saw significant increases in engagement with younger audiences and a wide range of diverse communities. This really demonstrates how culture can bring people together, widen access, increase representation and encourages greater participation among residents. I am so proud of what was achieved in just one year, and grateful to everyone who played a part in making it such a success. The momentum created provides a strong platform for future cultural investment and events, and we are building on that legacy in the months and years ahead.” 

The year was led by Rochdale Development Agency working in partnership with 89 arts organisations and Rochdale Borough Council. Highlights included the Common Walls International Mural Festival, four Feel Good Family Picnics, Ignite Fire Festival, The Herds (part of MIF 2025), the Merhaba Festival, Rochdale Comedy Festival, a Poet Laureate Programme and FAB Youth Arts Festival. There was also Stories We Tell - an immersive night-time light and audio experience, and the Street Eat food and drink festival, alongside artist commissions, exhibitions, heritage projects and community-led initiatives. During the year Rochdale hosted prestigious national and regional events including the inaugural UK and Ireland Folk Album of the Year Awards, the international Co-op Congress, the BBC Radio Manchester Make a Difference Awards and Rochdale Culture Awards.  

Rochdale Music Stories launched, celebrating the area's stellar musical heritage while championing emerging local talent. Iconic music recorded at Cargo Studios and Suite 16 was celebrated with a new album featuring re-imagined recordings of classic tracks by local talent and a live concert launching the limited-edition vinyl - Rochdale Music Stories presents: Kenion Street.’ The story continued this summer with synth-pop icons Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark returning to where it began performing a sold-out headline show in front of over 5,300 fans at Rochdale Town Hall Square alongside Peter Hook & The Light, and Manchester’s post-punk/funk band - A Certain Ratio. The town even brewed its own official Greater Manchester Town of Culture beer and unveiled a new outdoor art gallery in front of the town hall. 

Engagement from D/deaf, disabled people and those with long-term health conditions increased from 12% to 19% and there was increased engagement from LGBT+ audiences, particularly amongst visitors from outside the borough. The year saw greater participation from audiences across the borough, alongside growing reach across Greater Manchester and the North West. The report also suggests the year broadened participation amongst groups traditionally under-represented in cultural activity while attracting first time visitors. 

Feedback consistently demonstrated strong outcomes relating to pride, wellbeing, community cohesion and personal development. The programme also created pathways into volunteering, training, employment and creative careers, leaving a lasting legacy of increased confidence and skills across the cultural sector. 

The report revealed the year also transformed perceptions of the place, heritage and talent, also strengthening the borough’s cultural identity and reputation.  Audience feedback demonstrated increased pride in Rochdale and improved perceptions of the borough, while flagship projects attracted visitors from across Greater Manchester and beyond. It said investments in public art, cultural infrastructure and heritage assets have created lasting improvements that will continue to benefit residents and visitors in the years ahead. 

Councillor Smith added: "I think our year demonstrated that culture is not an add-on in Rochdale, but a core component of the borough. We have established strong foundations for continued growth, strengthened our cultural infrastructure and partnerships and created a clear platform for future investment, innovation and ambition. We’ve seen significant investment in key assets, including Rochdale Town Hall, Heywood Civic, Broadfield Park Slopes and the borough’s public art programme, embedding culture within our physical and civic infrastructure. These developments, alongside future milestones such as the re-opening of Touchstones next year, will keep culture as a central component of the borough’s ongoing transformation." 

The report concluded that the year established Rochdale as a borough capable of delivering high-quality, large-scale cultural programmes. This has strengthened trust across the sector and informed ambitions to build on this success. Future activity will continue to take a borough-wide approach, ensuring cultural provision is accessible across all communities. 

"The year exceeded expectations and established a clear direction for future growth. Its legacy will continue to shape Rochdale’s cultural, social and economic development in the years ahead." 

Added councillor Smith.  

To view the impact and evaluation report and find out more about Rochdale's year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/TownOfCulture