Children and young people of Rotherham will be taking centre stage at this year’s Rotherham Show, as the borough gets set to become the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture in just four months’ time.
The team behind the ambitious project will launch the official countdown to Rotherham taking the title in 2025 with a dedicated field at Rotherham Show, taking place at Clifton Park on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September. The programme has been co-designed with a group of young people from Rotherham, who wanted to give visitors a taste of what’s to come next year when Rotherham gets set for a 365-day festival of creativity, culture, and community.
Sophie Ellingham, from Rotherham, explained: “We had some big ideas about what we wanted the Children’s Capital of Culture field to be at Rotherham Show and together, we’ve made it happen. We’ve booked the acts and performances, designed the treasure hunt, and partnered up with local groups to bring some amazing workshops and attractions to the Children’s Capital of Culture area. You really don’t want to miss it!”
Featuring a pop-up adventure playground like no other, a baby rave, a giant treasure hunt and a parade, Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Neighbourhoods, Councillor David Sheppard, explained what else people can expect over the weekend, “In 2025, Rotherham will become the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture, designed, and delivered by children and young people from our borough. At Rotherham Show, you’ll get a sneak peek of what to expect during our festival year.
“The Children’s Capital of Culture field promises to be a highlight of the show, jam-packed with things to do. There’ll be plenty of creative activities to enjoy as well as showstopping performances by Rotherham’s talented children and young people. There really is something for everyone.”
Children’s Capital of Culture will be joined by beloved Rotherham organisations including Gulliver’s Valley, Grimm & Co., Magna Science Adventure Centre and Wentworth Woodhouse as well as Sheffield’s National Videogame Museum throughout the weekend, who will be giving a taster of what to expect during 2025.
Activities will include:
- Pif Paf’s ‘Right to Play’, a pop-up adventure playground designed by the real experts of play: the young people that use them! Mixing theatre with play, the showstopping playground is made up of giant bamboo poles, play mats and rope, and supercharged with surprises, games, stories, and songs.
- A free treasure hunt starting from the Children’s Capital of Culture festival tent exploring all the delights of the show, with prizes on offer.
- Join Grimm & Co. to make wishes and wands, or head to their musical story tent to share stories and sing songs and rhymes. You can also bring your imagination to life by writing your own short stories and song lyrics.
- Learn from the parkour pros, NovaCity, who will be demonstrating their jaw-dropping skills in parkour and street dance throughout the day.
- Whether you’re a budding scientist, a future engineer, or just someone who loves a thrilling challenge, Magna Science Adventure Centre has an electrifying STEM workshop just for you.
- The Dog Show will make a comeback, with a mysterious Children’s Capital of Culture twist.
To find out more, visit www.childrenscapitalofculture.co.uk and follow on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok to keep up to date with latest news from the team.
Other drop-in activities running all day:
Interactive reading and book related craft activities with Libraries & Neighbourhood Hubs
- Musical fun with Orchestra of Objects (Sunday only)
- Dance workshops and have a say in what you want to see at WOW Rotherham 2025
- Giant games and colouring with Rotherham Family Hubs
- Electronic music workshops with Electronic Music Club
- Craft activities with Gulliver’s Valley
- Stop-motion animation sessions in our Children’s Capital of Culture gazebo
- Dress up as royal characters with the team from Wentworth Woodhouse and have chance to be featured in an exhibition next year.
Scheduled activities on both Saturday and Sunday:
- Dizzy O’Dare’s ‘Kevin Tickle’s Dogs’ theatre performances: 12.30pm and 2.30pm
- BoomChikkaBoom’s baby rave: 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm
Community Stage.
Saturday 7th September.
- 11.00am – 11.20am – Custard Creatures & Co.
- 11.40am – 12.00pm – World Beneath Our Feet Showcase with Brampton Drama Group
- 12.20pm – 12.40pm – Laura Folkes
- 1.00pm – 1.20pm– Wickersley Youngstars
- 1.40pm – 2.00pm – World Beneath Our Feet Showcase with Breakout Arts
- 2.00pm – Mini Parade
- 2.20pm – 2.40pm – World Beneath Our Feet Showcase with Green Man Drama Group
- 3.00pm – 3.20pm – Electronic Music Club
- 3.40pm – 4.05pm – Smashby
- 4.30pm – 5.00pm – KIER
Sunday 8th September.
- 11.00am – 11.20am – Ellie Human
- 11.30am – 11.50am – Kavya Bhosle
- 11.55am – 12.15pm – Kid Blue
- 12.35pm – 12.55pm – The Banned
- 1.10pm – 1.35pm – Pelican Crossing
- 1.50pm – 2.15pm – The Kostanzas
- 2.30pm – 2.50pm – Rotherham Youth Choir
- 3.00pm – 3.25pm – Kyla C + DJ Brian
- 3.45pm – 4.10pm – Beautiful Carrot
- 4.30pm – 5.00pm – The Tivoli