Roots Festival - Frequently Asked Questions

There will be a lively carnival procession through Rotherham Town Centre that begins at 3pm outside Rotherham Minster.

We will also be joined by Jitterbug, a giant inflatable structure that will fill All Saints’ Square. Jitterbug is created and produced by Trigger. Originally commissioned by The Cultural Programme, University of Oxford.

In the run up to the parade at 3pm, there are creative workshops to take part in, where you can create your own object to join the parade.

There will be performances from 11am inside Jitterbug, on the main stage in Minster Gardens, as well as walkabout street entertainment throughout the day.

Everything is FREE to take part.

No. Roots: Rotherham Street Carnival is a FREE town centre-wide event with no ticket required. We are running FREE creative workshops 11:ooam to 2:30pm, these are drop-in.

The carnival will begin at 3pm from the top of Church Street, outside Rotherham Minster. Community groups and organisations will lead the parade, and the general public are invited to join at the back.

Route map

Route directions

1. The parade will start from Rotherham Minster
2. It will proceed south along Church Street before turning left on to High Street.
3. At the lower end of High street, it will turn left again on to College Street
4. Just before reaching All Saints Square the route will turn right on to Effingham Street.
5. At Market Square the procession will turn left on to Howard street and head towards Rotherham Interchange
6. Outside the Interchange, the route will turn left on to Frederick Street
7. At the end of Frederick Street, the procession will turn left on to Bridgegate and head towards All Saints Square again
8. After passing through All Saints Square, the parade will terminate at Minster Gardens besides Rotherham Minster

This is an outdoor event.

Warm outdoor clothing, appropriate footwear, and waterproofs (to be on the safe side) are essential.

You may have to queue for workshops during periods of high demand, please be patient and kind to staff.

Between 11am-2:30pm, FREE creative workshops for all ages and abilities will be running for you to take part in.

They will take place at the following venues:

• Inside Jitterbug, at All Saints Square
• Minster Gardens, Outside Rotherham Minster
• Market Square (BMX, Parkour, Street Dance workshops)
• Grimm & Co
• At stalls on Bridgegate

The carnival procession at 3pm will feature some live music and lots of people, this will most likely be noisy.

If you feel overwhelmed, you can leave at any point.

All the workshops are very informal, and you can come and go as you please.

SENSE will have a stall on Bridgegate and will be providing ear defenders to use during the parade.

There will be a quiet space during the event. It will be a good location to relax for a little while away from the crowds. There will also be sensory activities led by SENSE. Find out more by visiting their stall on Bridgegate.

Food and drink will be available at the following locations:

• Grimm & Co.
• Over the Rainbow
• Ministry Cafe
• Ginge’s Snap and pop-up on All Saints’ Square
• Noshy's
• Munchies
• Espressino coffee unit on Bridgegate

This list is not extensive, there will be ones we have missed!

Due to the town centre location of the event, hard-standing routes and dropped kerbs are present throughout the footprint of the event. If you have any worries on the day, please speak to an event steward for more information.

You are welcome to bring your dog to any of the outdoor installations, however, do be aware that it may be a bit noisy! Guide dogs are welcome.

Yes.

All gendered portaloos will be available at the event, this includes disabled Portaloos. These are free to use.

• Two portaloos outside All Saints Square, one accessible.
• Two portaloos on Church Street, one accessible.

All Saints Square toilets will be open. These are free to use.

Toilets are also available at Grimm & Co. There is also a changing places toilet at Grimm & Co.

The Bus Interchange and Rotherham Markets also have toilets.

Train

Rotherham Central Station is located in Rotherham Town Centre and is 0.3 miles from the event.

Address: Rotherham Central station, Central Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S60 1QH

For more information booking your journey via train, and access at Rotherham Central Station visit Northern.

Bus

Rotherham Bus Interchange is located in Rotherham Town Centre and is 0.2 miles from the event.

Address: Rotherham Interchange, Frederick St, Rotherham S60 1QB

For more information on booking your journey via bus, and access at Rotherham Bus Interchange visit Travel South Yorkshire.

Bike

You can find cycle parking at:

• Rotherham Bus Interchange, near coach stand C3 and C4.
• Rotherham Central Train Station, in the car park.

Locations, charges, and parking information (including electric vehicle charging points) can be found on Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s website.

RMBC offers free and time-unlimited parking for disabled drivers displaying a valid Blue Badge in all its off-street pay and display car parks in Rotherham.

Free parking is available on Saturdays in Council-owned off-street car parks in Rotherham town centre (not Forge Island), with no ticket required. The normal maximum duration time allowed still applies.

Find out more about parking in Rotherham

(Link opens in a new window.)

You can find a digital map of all the car parking provided by RMBC here.

You can travel to Rotherham Town Centre using the park and ride at the following locations:

• Parkgate

  Address: Stadium Way, S60 1TG

  Opening times: 05:00-Midnight Monday to Saturday, 08:00-21:30 Sunday

  Tickets from: Parking is free. Tickets for travel can be purchased onboard from the conductor

  Please note: Parking facilities outside of the dedicated Tram Train parking spaces are subject to the parking terms and conditions of Parkgate Shopping. This includes terms of maximum stay.

• Swinton Train Station

  Address: Lime Grove, S64 8SP

  Tickets from: Parking is free. Tickets for travel can be purchased from vending machines or via the Ticket Office. For ticket office hours please visit Northern Rail

  Facilities: Toilets opening during staffed hours, cycle spaces available 

  Accessibility: Check information on the National Rail Enquiries website 

Please note that photography and filming will take place during the event. The material may be used in social media, in promotional videos and other publicity materials, both off and online. If you do not wish to appear in Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s promotional materials or have any other queries or concerns, please speak to a member of the team.

Drop us an email on events@rotherham.gov.uk if you have any questions.

1. Jitterbug (All Saints Square)

   Outdoor

   May be noisy, possible queues at workshops

   Some seating available

2. Minster Gardens

   Performances and artwork

   Outdoor

   Stalls

   May be noisy, possible queues

3. Market Square

   BMX, Parkour, Street Dance Workshops

   Outdoor

   Stalls

   May be noisy, possible queues

4. Grimm & Co

   Indoor

   Toilets

   May be noisy, possible queues

   Seating available

5. Sensory Space

   Indoor

   Seating available

6. Bridgegate – Stalls

   Outdoor

   May be noisy, possible queues

7. All Saints Square - Public viewing area

   Outdoor

   Might be noisy

8. Market Square – Public viewing area

   Outdoor

   Might be noisy

9. Rotherham Interchange – Public viewing area

   Outdoor

   Might be noisy

10. All Saints Square – Accessible viewing area

    Outside

    Parade expected to arrive between 3:30pm-3:45pm