With just one month to go until Rotherham celebrates a landmark year by becoming the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture in 2025, the young people behind it are calling for residents to be part of the year-long celebration.
At least five major, public cultural events have been promised across the year, as well as exhibitions, events, performances, festivals, artworks and more across all 25 wards in Rotherham.
Local organisations, schools, colleges, businesses, artists and community groups are all getting involved with events, activities or initiatives under the Children’s Capital of Culture banner, and now the Youth Programming Panel is urging more people to get involved.
19-year-old Grace Bower from the Youth Programming Panel, a group of 15 trained young people from Rotherham who are helping to shape the line-up for next year, explained: “2025 will be an explosion of cool events and festivals in Rotherham, bringing communities and neighbourhoods together like never before. We’re designing the festival year so there will be something for everyone, whatever their age, but we need your help. If you’ve got an idea or suggestion for an event or activity you think we should deliver, we’d love to hear from you. Help us make 2025 an unforgettable year for Rotherham.”
Councillor David Sheppard, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Neighbourhood Working at Rotherham Council, added: “The programme for the Children’s Capital of Culture festival year is decided through a process that involves young people, cultural partners, and the Children’s Capital of Culture team.
“Expressions of interest for ideas, activities, events or art can be made via a simple online form on the Children’s Capital of Culture website, which will then progress to a more detailed application that will be assessed by the Youth Programming Panel. The final stage will be approval by the Cultural Partnership Board.”
The four themes for 2025 are:
- You’re Not From New York City, You’re From Rov’rum: supporting young people to have agency and create change, building pride in Rotherham as their home.
- Who We Are, Where We Come From: enabling children and young people to develop a sense of community and belonging through the arts and culture, enhancing their mental health and critical thinking.
- Plug In and Play: increasing opportunities for play in digital and physical spaces, as well as fostering physical activity and participation in sport.
- The World Beneath Our Feet: enabling children and young people to engage with nature and their local environment and take action to combat climate change.
All proposals for activities and events should be submitted via www.childrenscapitalofculture.co.uk/homepage/45/tell-us-your-ideas.
Outcomes for the Children’s Capital of Culture programme are centred around children and young people being proud to call Rotherham their home, being confident that they can establish a career in Rotherham, and feeling that their mental and physical health is improving. For Rotherham residents, being the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture is designed to create a stronger sense of community cohesion and connection with the local community and help them feel that Rotherham’s reputation is improving regionally and nationally.