Side by Side Festival

 

 

Side by Side Festival

This year’s Side-by-Side Festival is under the theme ‘It belongs to you’.

It is taking place on Thursday 13^th - 15^th  August 2026 on Rochdale Town Hall Square in our pop up structure (Temporary Touchstones).

We would love you to come along! Full details here Side-by-Side Festival - Your Trust

 

Each day has a different focus – further details about Day 1: Creativity for All can be found below.

Day 1: Creativity for All
A day of play and creativity inspired by art that build confidence, connection and a sense of belonging inspired by the artists we all know. Great for families, whatever that might mean to you.

11:00am – 4:00pm – Touchstones x ARTIST ROOMS.

A partnership between Touchstones and ARTIST ROOMS, Tate and the National Galleries of Scotland’s touring collection of modern and contemporary art, will bring you a unique, one-day-only art experience in the heart of Rochdale! Visitors who come along will be able to take part in something extraordinary.  

Where: Rochdale Town Hall Square 

 

10:45am – 11:30am – Movers, Shakers and Storymakers

In collaboration with Touchstones and Wild Things Performing Arts, Movers, Shakers and Storymakers is a movement and storytelling session for 0–4-year-olds and their adults.

Where: Temporary Touchstones

 

12:00pm – 12:30pm – Free Ice Cream Giveaway

Kaddys Super Whip will be serving 100 free ice creams, come down and have one on us!

Where: Rochdale Town Hall Square

 

12:00pm – 4:00pm – Artist Inspired Workshops

Drop-in workshops throughout the day inspired by the work of well-known artists. Explore different artistic styles through playful art activities and create artwork to take home!

Where: Temporary Touchstones

 

12:30pm – 4:00pm – Playful Anywhere

Playful Anywhere will be creating a vibrant pop-up play area for children and people of all ages to enjoy. Expect chalks, games, giant marble runs and more!

Please note: Children must be accompanied by their grown-ups.

Where: Rochdale Town Hall Lawns

 

Day 2: Our Space
A day where young voices, stories and ideas come together to spark change. Ideal for young people.

 

Day 3: Feed Our Minds and Souls
A celebration of community, connection, food and belonging. Primarily aimed at adults and community groups, but families are very welcome too.

Plus: exhibitions and displays will be running throughout all three days. Throughout the Festival - Your Trust

 

When is Side-by-Side? Thursday 13 – Saturday 15 August

Where is it? Temporary Touchstones on Rochdale Town Hall Square and various locations within Rochdale Town Hall

How much is it? Everything is FREE!

Is booking required? Not for most events, but the film screenings, Story Saturdays and No Such Thing do require advance booking.