Ward 76 Performance // FAB Festival
Ward 76 explores the realities of growing up in a medical environment.
Free
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ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
A Festival Built by Young People
Rochdale’s Youth Arts Festival is here.
FAB is a brand-new festival created with young people, for young people bringing the town centre to life for two days of creativity, performance and self-expression.
Across Rochdale, you’ll find theatre, live music, dance, poetry, murals, circus, exhibitions, e-gaming and more all showcasing the ideas, talent and energy of local children and young people.
Explore the map below to see what’s happening across the town and plan your visit.
WHY FAB MATTERS
Created by Young People – Built for Rochdale
FAB is more than a festival — it’s a reflection of Rochdale’s next generation.
Shaped by over 100 local young people, every part of FAB has been influenced by their ideas, creativity and energy from the name and identity to the experiences taking place across the town.
Behind every performance, workshop and mural are young voices building confidence, expressing themselves and shaping the future of culture in Rochdale.
FESTIVAL EVENTS
What’s On at FAB
Explore a packed programme of performances, workshops and experiences taking place across the festival. From live theatre and poetry to circus skills and creative sessions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
28
Mar
Mar
Youth Circus Take Over - Skylight Circus // FAB Festival
Join us for an inspiring youth-led circus event at Skylight Circus Arts, Rochdale!
Free
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28
Mar
Mar
M6 Theatre - The Street Where I Live // FAB Festival
Meet Cyril the cat, his owner Granny Bradshaw, and discover the street where they live.
Free
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27
Mar
Mar
M6 Theatre - Act to shine // FAB Festival
M6 Theatre's Act To Shine present “Off the rails”
Free
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28
Mar
Mar
Morning Poetry Workshops with Young Poets in Residence // FAB Festival
A welcoming, inspiring space to explore voice, place and creativity.
Free
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28
Mar
Mar
Afternoon Poetry Workshops with Young Poets in Residence // FAB Festival
A welcoming, inspiring space to explore voice, place and creativity through poetry.
Free
Learn More“FAB is about giving young people a voice and a platform to show what they can create when given the chance.”
Annika Edge, Cultural Development Manager, Rochdale Creates
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Getting to FAB
We’ve put together some helpful information to make getting to FAB as easy as possible.
All festival locations are based in Rochdale town centre and are within easy walking distance, making it simple to explore multiple events across the day.
Walking
Walking is free, good for our health and a great way to explore new places. Most of the locations on the Culture Quest map are within a 15 minute walk from Rochdale bus station. The 'Get Directions' button opens Google Maps and shows you the quickest walking route between locations.
Metrolink
There are two Metrolink stops in Central Rochdale and two family tram travelcards that can be purchased to save money. The 1-day Metrolink off-peak family travelcard gives you unlimited off-peak family travel throughout your chosen Metrolink zones and the Metrolink
Bus
We've got a large network of bus routes all across the borough and Rochdale Bus Station is a great place to start your Culture Quest. Families can purchase a 1-day Bee Bus Family Ticket (Off-peak) for £9. Use this ticket to travel together as a family group on Bee Network buses for 1 day’s unlimited travel after 9.30am on weekdays and all day at weekends and bank holidays. Use this journey planner to help plan your journey by bus.
Cycling
Cycling instead of driving is a great way to improve fitness whilst reducing air pollution. Did you know that Active Travel Rochdale offer a range of activities to support families to cycle, scoot and walk? This includes bike libraries, cycling courses and family bike rides to build confidence. Find out more here. There’s also information about cycle paths and secure bicycle parking on Rochdale Borough Council's website here.
Car
For families who need to travel by car, there’s a number of pay and display car parks in Rochdale Town Centre
Train
It’s a 15 minute walk or a short tram ride from Rochdale Train Station into Rochdale Town Centre. Some train tickets allow you travel on the tram from the train station into town for free. Did you know that families can get 1/3 off all rail travel with a Family & Friends Railcard?
Keep in touch
Join our Town of Culture Mailing List
Click below to receive email updates on cultural events across Rochdale Borough, keeping you connected to its Greater Manchester Town of Culture activities.
Subscribe to our newsletter"Culture brings communities together, drives economic growth and is part of what makes life worth living."
Paul Waugh, MP for Rochdale
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