Join us as we recognise the individuals, independent creatives, grassroots organisations and communities who make our borough shine. This is your opportunity to honour those who bring our culture to life!
This event marks the closing celebration of Greater Manchester Town of Culture, recognising the creative successes that have defined 2025.
Applications will open in early October and close on 19 December. Finalists and supporters will gather for a ceremony on 27 March at Rochdale Town Hall, one of our most treasured and iconic spaces in the borough - the perfect place to honour Rochdale’s shining lights.
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This is where we celebrate the imagination, talent and dedication that shape Rochdale Borough’s cultural life. Each category highlights the people, projects and organisations whose work inspires others and strengthens our community.
From well-known names to unsung heroes, we want to hear about those making a real difference.
Nominations open in October 2025 and we cannot wait to discover your stories!
Honours individuals or organisations whose steadfast dedication has shaped and preserved our cultural identity. It will champion those with a lasting creative influence, who mentor, inspire and keep our traditions alive. Recognising commitment, heritage and the power of creative stewardship.
Eligibility: Individuals / organisations / groups
Celebrating an outstanding creative individual whose work has made a major impact this year. Celebrating artistic excellence, fresh originality and strong influence within Rochdale’s creative community, inspiring audiences and earning admiration from peers and beyond.
Eligibility: Individuals - activity must have taken place between Jan - Dec 2025
Shining a light on emerging creatives under 25 whose fresh, inventive work shows real promise. It’s for those pushing boundaries, engaging communities, and growing in ambition. Recognising the spark of creativity set to shape Rochdale’s cultural future with energy, talent and vision.
Eligibility: Individuals aged 25 and under (on 19 Dec 2025), activities must have taken place between Jan - Dec 2025
Honours standout events in 2025 that bring people together to revel in culture, creativity or heritage. It will celebrate originality, inclusivity and impact - with memorable moments, strong community spirit and imaginative ideas that leave a lasting mark on Rochdale Borough’s cultural life.
Eligibility: Organisations / groups / individuals who that have organised events between Jan - Dec 2025
Celebrates individuals or initiatives using creativity and culture to boost mental, physical or emotional health. Recognises innovative approaches, meaningful community engagement and lasting impact, showing how the arts can inspire healthier, happier lives across Rochdale.
Eligibility: Organisations / groups / individuals, activities must have must have taken place between Jan - Dec 2025
The Heritage Award celebrates those who preserve and share Rochdale’s rich cultural legacy. From storytelling and traditional crafts to innovative heritage projects, this award honours individuals and groups who keep our history alive for future generations.
Eligibility: Organisations / groups / individuals, activities must have taken place between Jan - Dec 2025
Honours individuals, groups or small organisations (with a turnover of under £250,000 per year) whose cultural/creative work has made a real difference in the community. Celebrates grassroots spirit, dedication and the power of creativity to unite people, strengthen connections and enrich life across Rochdale.
Eligibility: Organisations / groups / individuals with an annual turnover of under 250k. Activities must have taken place between Jan - Dec 2025
The votings for all the categories commence in October, so be sure to check back then with your nominations.
We have collated some frequently asked questions about the awards below - if you can't find what you were looking for, please get in touch via admin@rochdalecreates.co.uk
Yes! But only once per category. If you think that they fit into several categories, you can submit additional nomination forms, but please keep it to a maximum of 2 categories per organisation/ person that you want to nominate.
Ideally yes, but if you have access requirements please contact admin@rochdalecreates.co.uk for alternative nomination formats (including video nominations).
Tickets launch in early 2026, right here on the Rochdale Creates website. Watch this space!
Please email admin@rochdalecreates.co.uk, with a clear reference which nomination the attachments belong to.
We want to celebrate local organisations, artists, individuals, and communities. If your nominee is not a Rochdale Borough resident, please explain their connection in the nomination form (e.g.....), delivering most of their work here, being based here, or actively advocating for Rochdale. Make sure you include specific examples to make your case.
Shortlisted nominees will be notified in early February via the email provided in the nomination form - please ensure you provide an email address which is checked regularly.
Details about tickets will be released in early 2026.
The Culture Awards are brought to you by a partnership between Your Trust, Rochdale Development Agency, Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale Town Hall, Culture Coop, and the Rochdale Borough Culture Network, which is chaired by Cartwheel Arts, as part of Rochdale’s Cultural Compact.
As championing local voices is at the heart of what we do, the awards panel will include community members from across the borough, ensuring they play a central role in the decision-making.
Click below to receive email updates on cultural events across Rochdale Borough, keeping you connected to its Greater Manchester Town of Culture activities.
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