International artists to transform Rochdale landmarks in week-long mural festival

Rochdale will be transformed into a huge colourful canvas this September, as internationally acclaimed artists descend on the town for a week-long mural and arts festival.

From Sun 7 Sep – Sun 14 Sep, Common Walls welcomes a plethora of renowned artists who will be bringing large-scale artworks to life across the town centre.

The lineup includes names like Insane51, Onur, Smug1, SecaOne, AYLO, Epod, and Lei Mai. These artists have a combined social following of over a million and are known for their impactful murals worldwide.

The festival will see ten town centre buildings transformed into dramatic landmarks, each telling a story inspired by Rochdale’s history, people and culture. The festival invites the public to watch the rare, large-scale murals being created in real time by the artists, who will be in town for the week.  All murals will be within a 30-minute walk of each other, creating a unique open-air gallery in the heart of the town, a map will be available to guide visitors.

The festival culminates in a vibrant weekend celebration on Sat 13 & Sun 14 Sep, when visitors are invited to see the finished works as well as enjoy free family-friendly activities and attractions set to feature BMX stunt shows, street art workshops, a live graffiti jam, pop-up galleries, artist talks, live music, and more.

Lead artist and curator of ‘Common Walls’, Hayley Garner aka AYLO, who grew up in Rochdale, said it will be special to bring her craft to Rochdale during its year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture: “I’ve painted murals all over the world, but nothing compares to painting in your hometown alongside artists I have looked up to and admired, especially during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture. I’m excited to see every day spaces transformed into landmarks of creativity and connection. What makes this even more special is welcoming world-class artists I’ve met on my journey, many of whom will be painting in Greater Manchester for the first time. They are amongst the best in the world and to bring them to my hometown is a real honour.”

Councillor Sue Smith, Cabinet Member for Communities and Co-Operation at Rochdale Borough Council said: “This exciting festival will help celebrate the creative spirit and heritage in Rochdale during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture showcasing local and internationally renowned artistic talent as well as some of the diverse networks of creative organisations in and around Rochdale and Greater Manchester. Building on the eye-catching artwork we already have and breathing new life into spaces, this will leave a permanent legacy in prominent locations around the town, creating an attraction that visitors and residents will enjoy for years to come.”

Following the success of 2019’s Uprising Mural Festival, which attracted over 9,000 visitors, organisers expect thousands to visit from across Greater Manchester and beyond — drawn in by world-class art, live events, and a unique cultural energy building in the borough.

Fetaured image credit: @aylo_nomad and @seca_one