A powerful new photography exhibition commemorating the 25th anniversary of NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosovo has opened at Number One Riverside in Rochdale town centre.
‘KFOR and Kosovo +25’ showcases more than 50 images by international photojournalist Nick Sidle, offering a rare and human-centred look at the peacekeeping operation and the lives of those affected by the 1999 conflict. The exhibition is free to enter and runs until 28 February.
The exhibition was launched by the Mayor of Rochdale, councillor Janet Emsley, alongside guests including veteran Paul Davies, Rabbi Warren Elf from Manchester’s Interfaith Network, and Deputy Lieutenant Rebecca Tarran. Guests also sampled traditional Kosovan food prepared by Rina Bujupi, a former child refugee from the conflict who now lives in Manchester.
The work was produced in partnership with Heartstone, an organisation known for telling stories that challenge stereotypes, and has been supported by the National Heritage Lottery Fund. The exhibition not only documents the arrival of KFOR troops, but also shares the personal experiences of refugees and local civilians, including those evacuated to Greater Manchester.
Heartstone director Sitakumari, who helped secure access for Sidle to document the mission in 1999, described the project as a way to “tell a more balanced story” and focus on resilience, hope and the common human experience. “This isn’t a harrowing story,” she said. “It’s about people rebuilding their lives after war. It shows the importance of peacekeeping, of cooperation, and not turning a blind eye to hate.”
Veteran Paul Davies, one of the soldiers pictured in the exhibition.
KFOR, the NATO-led international peacekeeping force, was deployed to Kosovo in 1999 following United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. The exhibition aims to provide a non-political and empathetic insight into the experiences of refugees, soldiers and civilians at a time of deep unrest.
Councillor Janet Emsley, who also leads on Armed Forces matters for the council, said: “This exhibition is about cohesion and community. Rochdale has always been a place where people from different backgrounds come together, and I hope people of all ages will come and see this.”
Paul Davies, who served in Kosovo and is featured in the exhibition, spoke about his experiences at the launch. Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation, also attended, saying the event was “another highlight in our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture”.
The exhibition is led by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency, and is part of a wider programme of cultural events celebrating the borough’s status as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025–26. Funding has come from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England and the Flexible Fund.
The display is open to the public six days a week:
- Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 5pm
- Thursday and Friday, 9am to 6pm
- Saturday, 10am to 3pm
For more details about the Town of Culture programme, visit rochdale.gov.uk/TownOfCulture
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