A summer arts festival in Rochdale for you!
This summer, The FestiDale will be taking over Rochdale.
You can book for the events below or just turn up on the day and have some fun!
Check out the incredible shows and workshops we have day-by-day in the festival below. Or pop in any time to enjoy exhibitions, films, drop-in craft and writing activities, tabletop games, as well as Pay What You Can food, snacks and soft drinks (no alcohol), – there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy!
We will also have a prayer room throughout the festival, which can be accessed anytime during the festival.
All tickets for The FestiDale are Pay What You Can – which means that you give what you can when you book or on the day.
As well as online tickets, there will be more tickets available to buy in person at the festival. So even if an event is showing as sold out online there will be tickets available on the day.
For a day by day list of events, please scroll to the bottom.
Events this season
Everything you need to know about The FestiDale
Building and Transport Information - prayer room, wheelchair access and more.
خوش آمدید
स्वागत
Welcome
Rochdale is a culturally vibrant area, and during the planning of The FestiDale we’ve worked closely with, and learnt so much from, groups who have helped us understand their specific needs when it comes to participating in and enjoying arts experiences. Thus, we have collated information that can help you navigate your trip to the festival and create a space in which you can fully embrace your own creativity.
Access
The venue is wheelchair accessible with step-free access and accessible lift. There are accessible toilets. There is a breakout quiet space.
Food & Drink
There will be vegetarian & vegan food available, see website for timings. On 8 & 10 AUG, meals will be halal. There will be no alcohol throughout the festival. Hot & cold drinks as well as snacks will be available throughout.
Facilities
There are toilets, water stations, a dedicated prayer room & wudhu facilities. There will be no cloakroom.
Transport
There is a free parking at Kingsway Park High School. There are bus stops nearby including Turf Hill Road a 1-min walk and Rochdale Bypass a 6-min walk.
Here’s the address:
The Den, Kingsway Park High School, Turf Hill Road, Rochdale OL16 4XA
Accessible Shows
On the 9th August, the workshops are aimed for those with learning disabilities and additional needs. Scripted moments of several events will be captioned. Captions are delivered to audience members’ own mobile devices, via the Difference Engine from Talking Birds. Download the free app at bit.ly/DEInfo.
Tickets
Book at royalexchange.co.uk
Pay What You Can from £1
Digital Brochure
If you want to have our daily activities saved on your phone, download the brochure and access it at any time.
Download a digital copy of the brochure
Thursday 8 August
Islamic Culture Takeover
by Culture Co-op
3.00pm – 8.30pm
Come and join us for an afternoon of workshops and an evening of food, poetry and live music inspired by South Asian storytelling and rhythms. The three exceptionally talented Muslim artists performing are Shahbaz Hussain, Elmi Ali, Aminah 786.
Book here
Friday 9 August
Be Hear Now
with Bridgewater Hall
11.30am – 1.00pm
A participatory music and movement workshop for people with learning disabilities with a performance by PossAbilities.
Learn more about it here.
Circus for All
with Skylight Circus
2.00pm – 4.30pm
Discover your hidden talents and master skills like juggling, plate-spinning, diabolo and more in this fun workshop for all ages. Skylight Circus specialise in circus sessions for children and adults with disabilities and additional needs.
No need to book, more info here!
Coconut
by Ria Phatarphekar-Karmarkar
6.30pm – 7.30pm Age 12+
Come and hear a conversation between global majority Rochdale residents about their shared experiences. Followed by chats and nibbles.
Book here
Saturday 10 August
From Fragments to Fiction
5.00pm – 6.00pm Age 16+
A monologue and scene writing workshop with actor and writer of Evening Conversations, Sudha Bhuchar. There will be space for conversation and Q&A about Sudha’s work.
Book here
Evening Conversations
by Bhuchar Boulevard
7.30pm – 8.30pm Age 12+
Written and performed by Sudha Bhuchar
Directed by Kristine Landon-Smith
Music by Arun Ghosh
A one woman show telling surprising stories of British-Asian family life. Middle-class, middle-aged, multicultural mother of millennial sons, Sudha invites her Indo/Pakistani, fiercely British boys to ‘crack open a cold one’ and share their views on life.
“You’re the one with the identity crisis mum, not us!”
‘Full of truth and beauty…. really brave!” Riz Ahmed
‘Evening Conversations’ is well worth a look. Insightful, charming, funny’
Sir Lenny Henry
Book here
Sunday 11 August - Family Fun Day for Under 10s
A fun day of workshops, crafts, face painting and performances for all the family! Stay for the day!
Children must be accompanied by adults in all activities.
Family Story Making Workshop
with M6 Theatre
10.30am – 11.45am & 2.15pm – 3.30pm
Story-making and storytelling for 4–8 year olds and their adults.
Book here
Anansi and the Lost Sun
by Swallow’s Wings Puppetry
12.00pm – 1.00pm & 4.00pm – 5.00pm Age 4+
12.00pm show will be BSL interpreted
A funny, inspiring & entertaining West African tale mixing puppetry, spoken word & live traditional West African music.
Book here
Puppetry Workshop
with Swallow’s Wings Puppetry
2.00pm – 3.00pm
Using recycled material make puppets and play with the makers of Anansi and the Lost Sun.
Book Here
Thursday 15 August - Tales of Touchstones
Tales of Touchstones
11:30am – 4:00pm
Join Touchstones for a day of activities full of fun, magic and creativity for all ages! Expect storystelling, a mini museum, community sharings, and food.
No need to book, more info here!
Scrumptious
By Beggars Belief, presented by Touchstones
11:30am- 12:30pm & 2:00pm – 3:00pm Age 4+
Join Sylvie, the sweetshop owner and her friends from Storybook World as they try to make the world’s finest ice-cream
Book Here
Fractured but Fearless
by Soul Sisters
3:45pm – 5:15pm Age 16+
This work in progress explores the injustices of women’s experience through the legal system surrounding domestic violence.
Book Here
Laughter Workshop
with Awakening Minds
5:15pm – 5:45pm Age 16+
Reduce stress and improve your mood through laughter in this positive and fun workshop
Book Here
Tales of the Dale: Welcome to Rochdale
A Royal Exchange Theatre Production
6:00pm – 8:30pm
Join us as our stories take you across Rochdale. Together we’ll explore nature and find good places to eat. But be careful! We may stumble across the ghosts of the town.
Drop in a few stories or stay for the duration.
Book Here
Shenanigans
8:30pm – 9:30pm
A music session that is sure to blow you away with foot stamping tunes and light-hearted humour!
More info here
Friday 16 August
Creative Writing
with Cartwheel Arts
3:00pm – 5:00pm Age 11+
Explore your creative voice and share your joys through creative writing or spoken word.
Book Here
Tales of the Dale: Big Night Out… and Sexy Chips
a Royal Exchange Theatre Production
6:30pm – 9:00pm
Bingo dabbers at the ready as we kick off our night out from the comfort of The Den. From karaoke to the swinging Carlton Club, this is an evening like no other.
Drop in a few stories or stay for the duration.
Book Here
Katie and the Bad Sign
9.00pm – 10.00pm
Local musicians with national profile bringing their mix of Americana, Blues, and good ‘ole Rock ‘n’ Roll!
Book Here
Saturday 17 August
5 Ways to Wellbeing
with Rochdale and District Mind
11:30am – 12:30pm Age 12+
The five ways to wellbeing can help with everyday life stresses and ease mental health issues.
Book here
Creative Corner
with Rochdale and District Mind
1:00pm – 2:00pm Age 12+
Bring out your inner creativity with something to take home.
Book Here
Tales of the Dale: Pride in Rochdale
a Royal Exchange Theatre production
2.30pm – 4.30pm
Pride, pride, pride. What makes Rochdale the place to be. Come and be part of the celebration of Rochdale.
Drop in for a few stories or stay for the duration.
Book Here
Writing Inspired by Place
with Chris Hoyle
4.30pm – 5.30pm Age 12+
Explore your own creative writing to create characters and narratives inspired by place.
Book Here
Tales of the Dale: Do the Cruckle
A Royal Exchange Theatre Production
6:00pm – 8:30pm
Our final evening will be jam-packed with celebrations of Rochdale.
Drop in for a few stories or stay for the duration.
Book Here
PoolEra
8:30pm – 9:00pm
Enjoy a live performance from up-and-coming Indie-Rock band, PoolEra, who came together after meeting at Hollingworth Academy.
No need to book, more info here!
Sunday 18 - Family Pride Day
Family Pride Day
12:30pm – 7:00pm
Join us for a feel-good Pride celebration day for all the family in association with Rochdale in Rainbows. Drop in for Culture Co-op’s Queer Publishing activity including zine making, tote bags and much more!
Get all the details here!
Family Catwalk Extravaganza
by Ghetto Fabulous (Presented by Touchstones and Big Imaginations)
12:30pm – 1.00pm & 3.00pm – 3:30pm
Bring your Glamour, Glitz and Grace to this family-friendly catwalk event to celebrate the power of self-expression.
Book Here
Collective Workshop
a Royal Exchange Theatre
1:30pm – 2:30pm Age 14–25
Get a taste for performing and theatre making with Luke Skilbeck and learn about the Royal Exchange’s Collective programme for young people.
Book Here
Violet Blonde and Bennettiscoming
Presented by Touchstones
4.30pm – 5.00pm
Get ready to party with brand new sets from exciting drag and RnB talent, with thanks to Pride Stages Bursary.
Book Here
Dance Party in the Den
Presented by Culture Co-op
5.00pm – 7.00pm
Close the festival with us on the dancefloor alongside some family-friendly Gogo Dancers!
