Rochdale’s Youth Arts Festival is ‘FAB’
Created with young people for young people, FAB (which stands for freedom, art and belonging) will include theatre, live music, dance, poetry, circus, exhibitions, e-gaming, murals a carnival parade and lots more, showcasing work by local children and young people.
New murals will be created during the festival.
Highlights on the line-up include creation of a huge new mural on the side of the Regal Moon building in Rochdale town centre by top mural artist Hayley Garner (aka Aylo), who curated of last year’s Common Walls International Mural Festival, a carnival parade by Global Grooves and the Nigeria Community Association, live performances by M6 Theatre, and an outdoor art exhibition at the Square Gallery in front of Rochdale Town Hall.
A huge new mural will be painted the side of the Regal Moon building in Rochdale town centre by top mural artist Hayley Garner (aka Aylo), who will be mentoring young artists working alongside her.
There are also new murals being created on Yorkshire Street, with young artists mentored by Aylo and a Teenage Market will be held.
The festival’s main sponsor is Hopwood Hall College, who host an e-gaming event.
The festival’s main sponsor is Hopwood Hall College, who host an e-gaming event on the Saturday, and Skylight Circus Arts Youth Circus will also be performing shows for the whole family to enjoy with opportunities to join in too. All elements of the event have been designed by over 100 local young people, even its name and colourful logo.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said:
“This new festival will provide our young people with an inspiring platform to showcase and celebrate their amazing creativity. Offering some brilliant chances to take part in creative activities for free, it’s also a perfect way end to our year in the cultural spotlight.”
FAB will be placing young people’s creativity at the centre of a packed programme of events on Friday, 27 and Saturday, 28 March 2026.
Julia Heap OBE, principal and chief executive of festival sponsor Hopwood Hall College said:
“We are incredibly proud to support the Youth Arts Festival, which not only brings families together but shines a spotlight on the remarkable creativity of young people across our borough. In Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, this festival represents everything that makes our community special – talent, opportunity, and cultural ambition. We are thrilled to be part of an event that will inspire the next generation and help bring this vibrant celebration to life.”
All events are free.
The FAB Youth Arts Festival is supported by the government’s Flexible Funds, Hopwood Hall College, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Arts Council England.
The Youth Arts Festival is of a spectacular line up of festivals, live performances, exhibitions and art during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. The title, awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, celebrates the town’s rich history, creativity, talent and diverse arts scene.
