Side‑by‑Side Festival returns this August for three days under the theme “It Belongs to You.”
Working together with Touchstones and the Creative Voices panel of local people from Rochdale Borough, the festival is rooted in belonging. It champions local voices, centres care and connection, and supports young people through creativity and collaboration.
Each day has a distinct focus and is inspired by an object of significance, creating space for shared experiences, reflection and participation. Join us over three days for fun-filled creative activities in Rochdale Town Centre!
A special thanks to Rochdale Town Hall for kindly hosting us for Side-by-Side whilst Touchstones is closed for redevelopment.
It belongs to you.
Join us for a festival made by the people of Rochdale Borough, for everyone. You can take part in free activities like making art, playing games, performances, film screenings food and more – all created by local communities.
Come and explore the pop-up space ‘Temporary Touchstones’ near Touchstones on Rochdale Town Hall Square and discover what happens when we all work Side-by-Side. There are plenty of ways to get involved, so let’s create something special together!
Thanks to Arts Council England, Rochdale Boroughwide Council, and Rochdale Town Hall for helping make this happen!
Cultural Partners:
Skylight Circus Arts, M6 Theatre, Quarantine, Creative Health, Playful Anywhere, Wild Things Performing Arts, Make Mouth Music, Tate, National Galleries Scotland, ARTIST ROOMS, Theatre in Flow, Elevate Young Minds.
Community Partners:
Schools Linking, Rochdale Council, PINC, Hopwood Hall College, Aloe Veras, Local Studies Centre.
EVENTS
The full line-up for the Side-by-Side Festival will be announced in late June.
Full accessibility information can be found below.
Accessibility Information