This September, let’s paint the borough red.
On Friday 18th September, something special is happening across Rotherham.
Schools, businesses, charities, community groups and residents from across the borough are coming together for Rotherham Day 2026 – a celebration of everything that’s good about the place we call home.
Rotherham has too often been defined from the outside by negativity, outdated stereotypes and dismissive comments online. Rotherham Day was created to change that conversation and give the people who actually live and work here the opportunity to tell a different story.
Founded by Scott Thorpe, CEO of TMG Mortgage Network and a born-and-bred Rotherham local, the ambition is for Rotherham Day to become an annual tradition – one day each year when the whole borough comes together to celebrate its people, achievements and community spirit.
And with September finally here, those plans have become a genuinely borough-wide effort.
Rotherham is turning red
More than 76 schools are now involved, with activities including a colour run, poetry competition, baton relay and a borough-wide Wear Red Day. More than 65 local businesses have also signed up, with teams wearing red or adding red accessories for the occasion.
Across Rotherham, organisations are finding their own ways to join the celebration.
Winthrop Gardens will host an afternoon tea and sponsored walk, while Barnardo’s is planning a tombola and raffle. Staniforth’s will be serving red-themed cakes and offering a 10% discount to customers wearing red.
Places Leisure is supporting a 10k run, while local boxing gyms are offering free sessions and Rotherham Hockey Club is holding an open day. Sense will bring the celebrations to life with a decorate-your-wheelchair competition, sensory tent and sensory walk.
REMA and Rotherham’s Black and Minority Ethnic communities are joining in with henna art, red scarves and red-themed foods and desserts, while Rush House is planning a garden party, creative session and community litter pick.
Even our four-legged residents can get involved, with Paws and Hooves planning a special pet photoshoot while staff wear red.
At Parkgate, visitors can take part in a centre-wide red envelope hunt, discovering vouchers and gift cards, alongside exclusive one-day offers from selected stores.
There’ll even be a specially created Miller Martini at The Garrison and a locally brewed Rotherham Day beer available in pubs from the beginning of September.
Rotherham Council is backing the initiative too, with local monuments set to light up red as the borough marks the occasion.
One town, one celebration
The important thing about Rotherham Day is that there isn’t one event or one ticket you need to buy.
Rotherham Day belongs to everyone
Wear something red. Visit a participating business. Join an activity. Get your school, workplace, community group or family involved. Share something you’re proud of about Rotherham.
On 18th September, let’s show just how much there is to celebrate.
Follow @rotherhamday on social media or visit www.rotherhamday.co.uk.
For partnerships and enquiries, contact Izzy Marshall, Rotherham Day Marketing, Communications and Community Engagement, at izzy.marshall@themoney-group.co.uk.