Grassroots events happening in Rotherham this summer are being given a creative boost by local school children, thanks to the team behind Rotherham’s ambitious Children’s Capital of Culture initiative.
Arts Council England has released £10,000 to boost four community events this summer, including the recent Eastwood Fun Festival and the Harthill Carnival, the Aston Carnival on 3rd August and the Ferham Festival on 17th August.
Pupils from local schools are helping to plan, program and deliver the festivals through their school or youth group. This includes co-creating artworks for the festival sites and parades, putting on performances, photographing the events and helping with promotion.
This sizzling line-up of summer events led by the borough’s young people will provide a taster of what to expect when Rotherham becomes the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture next year.
Rebecca Pye, Music Lead at Thornhill Primary School, said of the experience: “The children at Thornhill Primary School were very excited to create their own rap celebrating living in Rotherham and sharing all the places that are special to them. It was a fantastic opportunity to give them a voice, be creative and add a musical composition to their lyrics using percussion instruments. It has been an experience they will not forget.”
Abi Cobb, Children’s Capital of Culture Engagement Manager, explained: “It’s so inspiring to work with these talented children and teachers to help make these community events the biggest and best yet. They have come up with some amazing creative ideas, and it’s giving them the confidence to be part of a truly spectacular festival year in 2025.
“The funding from Arts Council England is helping us to scale up these grassroots events that are so important to the local communities in Rotherham, ready for even bigger celebrations in 2025. Enabling young people to celebrate their heritage through community galas and festivals will build a more sustainable future for these vital community celebrations.”
The events are open to everyone. Go along to celebrate the richness of Rotherham’s cultures and communities.
- Aston Carnival: 11.00am to 5.00pm, Saturday 3rd August. Lodge Lane Recreation Ground, Aston.
- Ferham Festival: 12.00pm to 7.00pm, Saturday 17th August. Ferham Park.
For more information about Rotherham becoming the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture in 2025 and how you can be part of it, head to www.childrenscapitalofculture.co.uk.