Get ready for Rotherham to become the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture in 2025!

As Rotherham is about to become the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture in 2025, Programme Manager Sarah Christie explains what it means for a borough with a big dream.

It all started with one simple question. “If you were in charge of Rotherham, what would you do?” That was back in 2017, when writing charity Grimm & Co set out to spark a new, positive, forward-looking conversation among local children and young people. Imaginations lit up. And the ideas just kept flowing.

Now, almost eight years on, we’re on the eve of the ultimate outcome of these conversations. Children’s Capital of Culture Festival Year is about to take over the borough, all throughout 2025. And you’re all invited to join us.

Little did we know in 2017 just how many incredible ideas bubbled under the surface, right across our borough. These were ideas about creativity and opportunity, accessibility and equality, wellbeing and community. About getting voices heard, being a part of something, and making a difference. Above all, they were about having fun. What came out of these local young minds inspired us so much, we set about making it a reality by becoming the world's first Children’s Capital of Culture.

Children and young people from our borough have been at the heart of preparations for 2025 in every possible way. In the run-up to festival year, we’ve run creative learning projects with schools and colleges. We’ve gone all over the north on exciting cultural trips with local community groups. A whole host of Rotherham businesses got on board with our vision, offering life-changing training and skills opportunities to young people.
Together, we’ve taken all of this creativity, enthusiasm and talent. And we've poured it into creating a packed programme of free events and activities for everyone to get involved with in 2025.

Programme Manager Sarah Christie

Our festival year is bringing excitement and inspiration for all ages, the whole year long.

A handful of highlights not to miss include:

· A mesmerising trail of projections to light up the winter

· An outdoor gallery featuring new murals and sculptures

· Festivals of music, stories and urban activities

· A huge new exhibition on Identity at Clifton Park Museum

· Playful hands-on experiences in the historic Wentworth Woodhouse

· Plus a brand new opera created just for Rotherham, coming to the spectacular setting of Magna Science Adventure Centre

It’s going to be a real adventure. We can't wait for you to join us!

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