Rochdale becomes open-air gallery as world-renowned muralists transform town centre

Friday, 5 September 2025 12:58

By David Murphy

A major international street art festival is underway in Rochdale, turning ten buildings into bold new landmarks as artists from across the globe create murals celebrating the town’s culture and history.

Rochdale is hosting some of the world’s most celebrated street artists this week as the Common Walls International Mural Festival brings large-scale creativity to the heart of the town.

Running from 7 to 14 September, the festival is transforming ten locations across Rochdale town centre into vibrant murals, each designed to reflect the community’s stories, heritage, and diversity. All sites are walkable within 30 minutes, including spots on Drake Street, Smith Street, Baillie Street and Bell Street.

Among the artists taking part are Insane51, Onur, Smug1, SecaOne, Epod, Lei Mai and Cabasa Carnival Arts, alongside Rochdale-born lead artist and festival curator Hayley Garner, better known as AYLO.

“We’ve spent the last few days preparing the walls and the anticipation is electric,” said AYLO. “By the weekend, these grey spaces will become landmarks of creativity. We’re also putting on a spectacular line-up of entertainment for Saturday that people won’t want to miss.”

The completed murals will be unveiled this Saturday, 13 September, when the town centre will host a day of free extreme sports and live performances from 10am to 4pm. Visitors can expect:

BMX freestyle stunt shows by world-class riders
Mountain bike displays by elite trail riders
Parkour, freerunning and breakdancing performances
Live basketball freestyle trick shows
Skateboarding demonstrations by some of the UK’s best

Also on Saturday and Sunday, a graffiti jam will see nine muralists competing live.

Guided walking tours led by Stuart Holdsworth, editor of inspiringcity.com, will run at 12pm and 2pm on Saturday for those wanting deeper insight into the artwork and its themes.

On Thursday 11 September, mural enthusiasts can attend an informal “artists in conversation” event from 7–9pm at The Baum, Toad Lane, where the creators will discuss their inspiration and creative process.

The mural festival continues with a hip hop night on Friday 12 September at Hoochi Koochi on South Parade, featuring multi-award-winning turntablist DJ Woody, known as one of the UK’s most influential hip hop DJs.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation, praised the event’s impact: “This is a feast for the senses and a long-term investment in our townscape. These new murals will become cultural signposts for years to come.”

Common Walls is curated by The Big Heart Projects and run by community arts organisation The Butterfly Effected. It forms part of Rochdale’s official programme as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture 2025–26, a title awarded by the GM Combined Authority to celebrate the borough’s artistic talent, history, and vibrancy.

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