A brand-new arts festival, ‘Side-by-Side’, is coming to Rochdale this August, bringing a week of performances, exhibitions and hands-on activities shaped by local people. Organised by Touchstones Rochdale (part of Your Trust), and Creative Lead and artist Harry Meadley the festival will run from Wednesday 20th to Wednesday 27th August in Rochdale Town Hall Square.
Developed with the community and led by local voices, the festival will showcase Rochdale’s talent, imagination, and creativity – bringing people together, strengthening community spirit, and sharing the stories, cultures and activities that make the borough unique. Across the week, visitors can enjoy a packed programme of fantastic events led by local community groups, ranging from performances and exhibitions to baby yoga, creative workshops and more.
It follows the success of Harry Meadley’s Free-for-All in 2022, where local people took over the gallery space at Touchstones to create, perform and celebrate through a community-led exhibitions and events programme and continues Touchstones’ commitment to art in the community while the venue has been closed for refurbishment.
One of the festival’s stand-out events is Ward 76 (Thursday 21 August) – a funny and thought-provoking performance set in a children’s hospital. Following a group of teenagers searching for Wi-Fi, the show blends comedy with real-life themes, exploring growing up, disability myths and the everyday humour that connects us. After the performance, audiences can join a wheelchair obstacle course, bringing the show’s themes to life.
On Friday 22nd August, the fun continues with a Pizza Party hosted by Rochdale’s Side-by-Side: ‘Set A’ youth group, launched by Rochdale Council and Touchstones in May 2024 as a supportive, creative space for building confidence, teamwork and self-expression. With guidance from professional artists, the group will set out picnic blankets and serve free pizza in a relaxed community setting.
That afternoon, the spotlight shifts to Rochdale’s Youth Takeover, where young people from across the borough have curated a full line-up of activities. From meditation sessions to hands-on creative workshops, the afternoon will be packed with opportunities for young voices to be heard and celebrated.
On Sunday 24 August, the Aloe Veras, a Middleton-based art and craft group, will host ‘Make, Laugh, Feel Good!’, a relaxed drop-in workshop featuring mindful drawing, beading and more. Working with artist Erica Matthews, the group uses creativity to boost wellbeing, build connections, and celebrate local stories, making a real difference in the Rochdale community.
Another collaboration with Side-by-Side: Drama Group,a project set up in partnership with Bolton at Home and Touchstones, will present Four Rochdalians. This play brings together four characters from Rochdale’s past and present inspired by the groups visits to Rochdale’s Arts & Heritage collection stores. The group supports local residents in South Middlton and Higher Blackley through regular creative-based sessions.
Harry Meadley, Creative Lead said:
“Side-by-Side is a new arts festival for the borough of Rochdale that is about bringing together, working together and being together. It is not a Do-It-Yourself festival, but a Do-It-Together one – created to widen participation, foster inclusion, and address social isolation.
It is a chance to experience and celebrate artworks, performances, events, workshops and activities created by people from across the borough. But more than that, it is an invitation to get involved – not just now, but in shaping the festivals to come.
So whether as a visitor, spectator, participant or future collaborator, we look forward to welcoming you in and sitting or standing side-by-side with you.”
Bryan Beresford, Community & Inclusion Manager at Touchstones, said:
“Side-by-Side has become the fabric of our work at Touchstones – it’s much more than just an arts festival, but one of creativity, cooperation and lasting friendships. We have been overwhelmed with the generosity of partners, community groups and schools who have helped make it a reality.
All events are either free to attend or offered on a ‘pay what you can’ basis, with options to pay £2.50, £5, or £7.50. Any income generated will be reinvested in supporting further community-led work through Touchstones.
The festival is made possible thanks to funding and support from Art Fund: Reimagine Grant, Arts Council England, The Big Give’s #ArtsForImpact campaign, Creative Lives through the Know Your Neighbourhood Partnership Grant, DCMS, Rochdale Boroughwide Council, and Rochdale Town Hall.
