Rochdale Culture Awards 2026: Celebrating Creative Excellence
The Rochdale community is preparing to honour its most talented and dedicated creative individuals and organisations through the inaugural Rochdale Culture Awards, scheduled for March 2026. This prestigious event will recognise the borough's flourishing arts scene and those who have made significant contributions to cultural life.
The awards ceremony will take place at Rochdale Town Hall on Friday, March 27, 2026, forming a key part of the closing weekend celebrations for Rochdale's year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. Nominations are now open across seven distinct categories, with the deadline for submissions set for Friday, December 19.
Celebrating Diverse Cultural Contributions
The awards feature seven categories designed to recognise various aspects of cultural achievement: cultural legacy, creative of the year, young creative, cultural event of the year, health and wellbeing, heritage, and community. This comprehensive approach ensures that all forms of cultural expression and contribution can be acknowledged and celebrated.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for culture and communities at Rochdale Borough Council, emphasised the importance of these awards in recognising the borough's creative talent. "Culture means many things to many people so these awards will recognise diverse and vibrant ways cultural activities improve our lives," she stated. "Each category will highlight those whose work inspires others and strengthens our community."
The councillor added: "From well-known names to unsung heroes, we want to hear about those making a real difference. Please consider submitting a nomination and we are looking forward to reading them."
Eligibility and Nomination Process
To be eligible for nomination, individuals or organisations must either be based within the Rochdale borough or demonstrate a strong track record of delivering activities that benefit local residents, visitors, or the economy. All nominations must reflect activity that has taken place since January 2025, with the exception of the Cultural Legacy Award, which can recognise achievements spanning multiple years.
Estelle Rowe, chief executive of Your Trust, expressed pride in supporting the awards: "We're incredibly proud to be part of Rochdale Culture Awards which provide a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the creativity, passion and dedication that exists across the borough. From grassroots projects to major events, there is so much inspiring cultural work taking place that deserves to be recognised."
Pete Courtie, head of culture and placemaking at Rochdale Development Agency, highlighted the awards' potential to inspire future participation: "This is an opportunity to shine a light and celebrate those who make a great contribution to the wealth of community culture that we've seen already this year, as well as hopefully inspiring others to get involved too, so do get nominating."
The awards enjoy support from multiple local organisations including Your Trust, Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale Development Agency, Culture Co-op, Cartwheel Arts, and Rochdale Borough Cultural Network.
Residents can find more information about the Rochdale Culture Awards and submit nominations online at www.rochdalecreates.co.uk/townofculture/awards.
