Find out about the festivals, events, and activities coming to Rotherham, for everyone to enjoy!
Murder Mystery: 60s Gala
Where: Danny Willet Lounge, Thrybergh Hall - Golf Club, Doncaster Rd, Thrybergh, Rotherham S65 4NU
When: Tuesday 28th October
Time: 6.30pm until 10:00pm (doors open at 6pm)
Cost: FREE
Do you think you have the skills to solve the mystery? Join us for the annual Witherington’s Billionaires Gala, a dazzling night filled with old money, fast cars and scandalous secrets.
This event is for young people 14 and over to attend with friends and family. Refreshments are available. Formal dress and costumes are encouraged!
This event has been created by young people completing their Gold Arts Award, a nationally recognised level 3 qualification. Events will be supported by the Children's Capital of Culture team who are Enhanced DBS checked.
Rotherham Youth Talent Show 2025
Where: Clifton Community School Performance Hall, Middle Ln, Clifton, Rotherham S65 2SN
When: Wednesday 29 October
Time: Rehearsals at 10:00am until 11:45am, doors open at 11:45am, performances at 12:00pm until 2.30pm.
Cost: FREE
Calling all young people (aged 12 – 18) with a passion for performing! Children’s Capital of Culture are supporting us to host a talent show, for local young creatives like you.
No judging or competition involved, just creative opportunity. Our show will host up to 25 acts (solo or group) and performances have a 5-minute maximum length. Each individual member of a group act must be signed up adequately. Performers must bring their own instruments and costumes (but we will supply microphones, amps, & lights/music).
Whether you love singing, dancing, playing music, acting or performing – don’t hesitate to share your talent on our stage! It’s free to take part and free for friends and family to watch.
These workshops have been created by young people completing their Gold Arts Award, a nationally recognised level 3 qualification. Workshops will be supported by the Children's Capital of Culture team who are Enhanced DBS checked.
Our Beats, Our Town Glow Edition: Open Mic for Young People
Where: Clifton Community School Performance Hall, Middle Ln, Clifton, Rotherham S65 2SN
When: Thursday 30 October
Time: 5:00pm
Cost: FREE
Join us for a free glow in the dark open mic event and experience a DJ'ing workshop for audience members and participants to take part in.
We're looking for young people who love to perform to join us for this special event. Free to take part in and wear black or neon clothing to fit the theme!
Please arrive before 5pm to set up any equipment you require. Performances have a 5-minute maximum length, and each individual member of a group act must be signed up adequately. Performers must bring their own instruments and costumes (but we will supply microphones, amps, & lights/music).
These workshops have been created by young people completing their Gold Arts Award, a nationally recognised level 3 qualification. Workshops will be supported by the Children's Capital of Culture team who are Enhanced DBS checked.
Creature Creation: October Half-Term Exhibition
Where: Riverside Library, Main St, Rotherham S60 1AE
When: Friday 31 October 2025
Time: 12pm until 4pm
Cost: FREE
Come and drop-by this spooky exhibition created by children and young people who took part in creative workshops building up to The Final Level! These workshops were led by young people completing their Gold Arts Award, a nationally recognised level 3 qualification.
Creature Creation: October Half Term Workshops
Where: Riverside Library, Main St, Rotherham S60 1AE
When:
- Monday 27 October: Free workshop for ages 7 to 11
- Tuesday 28 October: Free workshop for ages 7 to 11
- Wednesday 29 October: Free workshop for ages 12 to 16
Time: 10am until 2pm
Cost: FREE
Gold Arts Award are hosting free creative writing and drawing sessions this October half-term as part of Plug In & Play 2025! Create your own characters fit for the spooky season and consider how these characters might operate in a game.
Then, on 31 October, all the works will be displayed in an exhibition at Riverside House Library Gallery Space. For young people aged 7-14, parents and guardians will need to stay in the building. Whether you enjoy writing, drawing, playing games, or just want to be creative, come along!
Plug In & Play: Side Quests
Where: Various venues including Clifton Park, Boston Castle, and Catcliffe Glass Cone
When: Monday 27 October to Thursday 30 October, 11:00am to 3:00pm
Cost: FREE
Come and try out unique games designed by Rotherham’s young minds. Inspired by video games, these free family activities will pop up in beloved places and spaces across the borough in October half-term.
Plug In & Play: Final Level
Where: Rotherham Town Centre
When: Friday 31 October, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Cost: FREE
Game on this October half-term! Step into an immersive world of videogame adventures, right here in Rotherham. Enjoy one epic day of electronic quests and challenges in the town centre.
Cast Offs Youth Drama Performance
Where: Rotherham Civic Theatre, Catherine Street, S65 1EB
When: Saturday 15 November
A bold, brand-new theatre piece, created and performed by young people in collaboration with Chol Theatre and Arts.
Inspired by Cast Offs, a life-changing drama provision run by Rotherham’s Youth Services, this new play gives young people a platform to share their worries and wishes for how we can take care of our world.
Big House | Short Films: An Interactive Film Festival
Where: Wentworth Woodhouse
When: Saturday 15 November, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
For four weeks this September, Creative Lives is taking over the Imperial Building courtyard and filling it with lots of fun creative activities.
Tales Untapped: An opera imagined by the young people of Rotherham
Where: Magna Science Adventure Centre, Magna Way, S60 1FD
When: Tuesday 25 November and Wednesday 26 November
Rotherham is set to host its first ever opera in partnership with the Royal Ballet and Opera (RBO), in what will also be the UK’s largest community opera!
Inspired by Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute’, the spectacular Tales Untapped will feature storylines, songs, choreography, sets and performances co-created with over 2,000 of our borough’s children and young people.
It’s not to be missed! Keep an eye on our socials and this web page for more information, including how to get a ticket to the final performances.
SELF: There's More To Me Than What You SEE
Where: Clifton Park Museum
When: Saturday 3 May 2025 to Sunday 1 March 2026
Cost: FREE
An exhibition by artist Rob Young, created in collaboration with local young people. Reflect on identity through interactive installations and thought-provoking displays.
House of Fun
Where: Wentworth Woodhouse
When: Tuesday 5th August to Sunday 16th November 2025
In 2025, Wentworth Woodhouse has been transformed into the House of Fun! Wentworth Woodhouse isn’t a whisper-while-you-walk stately home. It’s a place where children can lead the way, adults can let loose, and everyone is free to have fun in a space that belongs to us all.
Explore stories of parties, excess, and fun in a new playful and interactive exhibition – expect costumes, games, and the grandest playground you’ve ever stepped into!
Gallery Town
Where: Across the Rotherham Borough
When: All year round
Cost: FREE
From murals to sculptures to playful creations, Gallery Town transforms Rotherham into an outdoor art gallery and it’s all created by local children and young people!
This summer, look out for Rotherham Remix, a reimagination of All Saints’ Square through a surreal lens, blending real and fantastical imagery. Created by artist Ian Kirkpatrick in collaboration with 25 students from Bramley Sunnyside Junior School, the artwork features flying fish, dragons, and robots in a vibrant vision of Rotherham.
Join us for Children's Capital of Culture 2025!
Together, we will make Rotherham a place that young people are proud to call home.
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