The date for the next Roots: Rotherham Street Carnival has been confirmed as Saturday 29th March, marking a highlight of the borough’s Children’s Capital of Culture programme this year.
Following its standout debut in 2024, the lively carnival procession will once again transform Rotherham town centre on 29th March, led by giant puppets and accompanied by live music and performances from local community groups, schools and organisations.
Becoming the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture in 2025 has been the inspiration behind this year’s parade, with a showcase of the talent and creativity of Rotherham’s young people throughout the day.
The parade will begin at 3.00pm outside Rotherham Minster, before weaving through the town centre. Carnival goers can enjoy a full day of activities, starting in Minster Gardens at 11.00am with performances, workshops and bands to build excitement for the parade.
Councillor Dave Sheppard, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Neighbourhood working explains: “The centre piece of Roots this year will be the showstopping Jitterbug, a giant interactive inflatable in All Saints’ Square. Between 11.00am and 2.30pm, there will be free workshops where you can create your own unique piece of artwork and decorations to take in the parade and enjoy live music from young performers whilst you make. We’re delighted to be bringing it to Rotherham for the first time with creative producers, Trigger.”
Jitterbug is created and produced by Trigger. Originally commissioned by The Cultural Programme, University of Oxford for KAFKA24, a celebration of the global legacy of author Franz Kafka. Alongside Jitterbug, last year’s large-scale puppet Reign will return for the carnival, alongside RSPB bird puppets, Rotherham’s Climate puppet, Hope the Hedgehog, walkabout street entertainers. Enjoy performances by Khula Arts, Punjabi Roots, Rotherham BMX, Nova City, Rotherham Youth Choir, artworks by the community and a stage filled with performances from young bands and dance and drama youth groups. A full programme will be announced later in March. Visit www.childrenscapitalofculture.co.uk for more information.
There will also be free events every Saturday throughout March in the Town Centre for young people and families to enjoy and participate in, led by partner organisations through grants offered by RMBC:
- Rotherham BMX present Rov’rum BMX Jam, Saturday 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd March, 12.00pm to 4.00pm . Forge Island
- Rotherham District Civic Society present Rotherham Past and Present, Saturday 8th March, 10.00am to 2.00pm. All Saints’ Square
- South Yorkshire Performance Academy present Rotherham’s Voice, Saturday 15th March, 11.30am to 3.30pm
- Rock Out Music presents Rock out Rotherham, Saturday 22nd March. 11.00am to 3.00pm. All Saints’ Square
Roots: Rotherham Street Carnival is a collaboration between Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Children’s Capital of Culture, supported with funding from UK Shared Prosperity Fund, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Arts Council England.