After months of preparation, the Darnhill Festival was hugely successful on Saturday 6th July.
Founded by the Darnhill Festival Association and now in its 21st year, although ‘interrupted’ by COVID-19 in 2020, the festival brings local people together to celebrate the Darnhill community.
This year’s festival was organised by the festival association and Cartwheel Arts in collaboration with Rochdale Youth Service.
The festival theme was Searching For Safer Planets, inspired by the threat of climate change and the need for greater sustainability and care for our planet.
The parade featured galactic carnival costumes and props made by local primary schools: Heap Bridge, Our Lady St Paul’s, Woodland, St Margaret’s and Brownhill Learning Community. Drumming, samba dancers from Manchester School of Samba, and stilt walkers from Artemis Productions added to the magic.
The Rochdale rain didn’t dampen spirits as the parade returned to the Argyle Parade festival site. The festival area was home to stalls and arts activities ranging from sensory theatre from DIY Theatre to Skylight Circus Arts, teaching circus skills and a stage for live music.
“We love it; we come every year. It’s brilliant that you can turn up and take part in the parade. I introduced my friend to the festival, and she loves it.”
“I live in Heywood, and this is my first time here. We’ve really enjoyed it. The costumes are gorgeous, and you can see how much hard work has gone into making them. Me and my kids just grabbed an umbrella and walked in the parade. We’ll be back next year!”
In The Yard young people’s centre, the Young Producers - a group of Darnhill young people - shared their programme, which included arts and crafts for families, a glitter painter, Planet (Silent) Disco and served up delicious smoothies from the Smoothy Shack.
We were delighted that Rochdale’s Mayor, Councillor Shakil Ahmed, and his Consort, Councillor Rachel Massey, could join us.
“It’s a great day out and a highlight in the area’s calendar each year. Unfortunately, we’ve got rain, but the Darnhill community spirit always shines through. Huge congratulations to everyone who took part.”
Thank you to Ben Turner, Carnival Co-ordinator, and artists Oliver Bishop, David McFarlane, Jo Foley, Debbie Goldsmith, Laura Sutcliffe-Tasker, Caroline Daly and Dani Lovett.
And, of course, thank you to the people of Darnhill.
The festival was supported by an Arts Council Project Grant, National Lottery Community Fund Awards For All, the Guinness Partnership, Rochdale Borough Council and Heywood Township.
