It’s August and there are lots of fun events taking place across Rotherham.
This month we’re proud to announce that this year Rotherham will be the official host of Yorkshire Day on Tuesday 1 August 2023.
As host town we’re working alongside The Yorkshire Society to deliver this prestigious civic event. The Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Robert Taylor will welcome Mayors, Lord Mayors, Civic Leaders, VIPs from across Yorkshire and David Hinde, the world’s loudest recorded town crier for a wonderfully colourful parade through the town centre, setting off from Rotherham Town Hall at 11am.
As well as the parade there will be activities and entertainment in All Saints' Square on the day, plus every Saturday throughout August (more details shown below) so come join us and let's celebrate Yorkshire!
For event updates follow Rotherham Council Events on Facebook.
Rotherham Libraries will welcome the ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ Summer Reading Challenge offering free activities for families kicking off throughout the summer. Also, taking place in the libraries there will be a Free Community Art Exhibition, Interactive music sessions with Lost Chord which are community singalongs, Spread the Word poetry sessions and there will be thrilling performances from Booster Cushion Theatre for children when they present Hansel, Gretel and you …who? Plus, many more activities.
The beautiful Rother Valley Country Park will be hosting the spectacular Jet Ski Championships on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August.
Also, Keppel's Column Tours tickets will be releasing more dates throughout the year. Keep an eye on social media for the latest details on the Clifton Park Museum Facebook page.
Events include:
- From Saturday 1 July, Giants of Rotherham, temporary exhibition at Clifton Park Museum - This new exhibition celebrates Rotherham’s larger-than-life characters. The inventors, entertainers, creators, daredevils and changemakers who have had big ideas and made enormous efforts and contributions to our borough. These individuals, despite being of ordinary size, have made significant contributions and impact in our community. This interactive exhibition is suitable for all the family to play, learn and explore together, Clifton Park Museum
- Tuesday 1 August, Yorkshire Day, Rotherham is proud to be the offical host. A parade will be starting from 11am from the Town Hall and there will be activities and entertainment in All Saints' Square - come along and celebrate Yorkshire! For event updates follow Rotherham Council Events on Facebook
- Tuesday 1 August, 11am to Midday and 12:30pm to 1:30pm, ‘Move Like a Giant – Laugh and Learn’. Join dancer Nisha Lall for a creative, interactive workshop that gets the whole family moving! Explore the lives of the Rotherham Giants in our exhibition through movement - with fun and laughter guaranteed! Free, drop-in. Suitable for families of all ages, Clifton Park Museum
- Friday 4 August, 11am to 3pm, Pottery Ponds Picnic*, Councillors, Cllr Gina Monk and Cllr Ken Wyatt have organised this event. Join in fun in the park, free activities will include a screen-printing workshop, ceramic workshops, games for children, with music and much more! Families need to bring their own picnic, chairs and blankets if they wish to use them. Attendees are asked to travel actively or via public transport to the site as there will be no parking available on the day, event location is at the Waterloo Kiln, Swinton, S64 8UX
- Saturday 5, 19 and 26 August, 9am, Rother Valley ParkRun at Rother Valley Country Park - a 5K Run for beginners to experienced runners, all welcome. The 5K distance is great for those starting on the couch to 5K to meet new people and volunteer. Please arrive between 8:15am and 8:45am so you don’t miss the start. Please register online with ParkRun before you first come along to take part, don't forget to bring a scannable copy of your barcode. Normal Parking charges for the park apply. To volunteer please email: rothervalley@parkrun.com
- Saturday 5, 12, 19 and 26 August, 9am, Rotherham parkrun, Clifton Park
- Sunday 6, 13, 20 and 27 August, 9am, Junior parkrun, Rosehill Victoria Park
- Saturday 12 August, 10am to 3pm, Yorkshire Crafters and Makers Market, Effingham Street
- Saturday 12 August, Skate and Art pop-up*, Maltby Skate Park
- Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August, Jet Ski Championships on the Main Lake at Rother Valley Country Park
- Tuesday 15 August, 11am to 3pm - stories start on the hour, ‘Storytelling with Giants – Laugh and Learn’. Join internationally acclaimed storyteller and author Richard O’Neil in this fun, interactive workshop for all the family to enjoy together. Laugh and learn as Richard brings history to life through his amazing stories.
Free. Drop-in. Suitable for all ages, Clifton Park Museum - Tuesday 22 August, Family Learning Tour by Grimm and Co at Rother Valley Country Park - Free mini workshops for under 7’s which will be bookable on Eventbrite. This will include activities at a Gazebo and a walking Trail and Hunt. Further details will be available on Grimm and Co social media and website nearer the date www.grimmandco.co.uk, Rother Valley Country Park
- Saturday 28 August, 11am to 5pm, We Wonder Festival 2023*, Wentworth Woodhouse
- Thursday 31 August, Let’s Circus performance*, Coronation Park Maltby
Yorkshire Day Saturday Pop-Ups
Every Saturday in August you’ll find a pop-up workshop in All Saints Square, 11am to 2pm. Each week will feature a different theme based on Industry, Landscape, Heritage, and Culture.
5 August - Industry:
A range of maker space activities with workwise and Rotherham libraries with a key focus on STEM industries.
A pop-up library station promoting libraries and the summer reading challenge and an interactive workshop building your own catapult.
Get your little ones ready to soar by launching objects across the house and testing how far they go with rocket building and launching, bridge building and a gear assembly activity.
The Work-wise Foundation is an employer led Charity whose purpose is to introduce and inspire children and young people about the world of work and introduce them to careers and skills they will need when they leave school.
12 August - Landscape:
Join our Green Spaces team to explore the world of trees in Rotherham.
Where would you like to see more trees being planted, want to learn more about the impact of trees or learn how to utilise the leaves that fall on the ground, come and meet the team.
19 August - Heritage:
Join Rotherham Museums, Arts and Heritage as we celebrate our Giants of Rotherham exhibition at Clifton Park Museum.
Come make your own giant to take home, learn fun giant facts and share with us your Giant of Rotherham. Take part in fun and interactive drop-in workshops with internationally acclaimed storyteller and author Richard O’Neill. Laugh and learn as Richard brings history to life through his amazing stories. Fun for all the family to enjoy.
An additional event will take place on the 19 August – the chapel on the bridge group are hosting a celebration of 600 years since the birth of Archbishop Thomas Rotherham in Rotherham Minster.
26 August - Culture:
A team of trainees from Children’s Capital of Culture have put together an exciting programme of family-friendly events that will shine a light on Rotherham’s bright future.
Get hands-on with an eco-friendly creative activity and build your dream town of the future. Unwind and relax in our sensory space (perfect for little ones!). Enjoy acoustic music from some of our borough’s finest young musicians. See what stories Rotherham has to tell, in an event designed and delivered by local young people aged 16-to-25 – for everybody to enjoy!
Summer Reading Challenge
Rotherham Libraries and Neighbourhood Hubs are participating in the ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ Summer Reading Challenge, offering free activities for families kicking off throughout the summer.
This summer, children aged four to eleven are being encouraged to join a superstar team, as well as their marvellous mascots, and get involved in a Summer Reading Challenge. This year’s theme is around the power of play, sport, games and physical activity.
Through taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge, children will be encouraged to keep their minds and bodies active over the summer break. To take part children simply need to visit a library to sign up for free and receive their Ready, Set, Read! pack.
Find out what's happening in the Summer Reading Challenge activities.
Granny Norbag's story, song and craft-making extravaganza
The Civic Theatre, Libraries and Neighbourhood Hubs Pop-up event:
Join Granny Norbag for a story, song and craft-making extravaganza.
Hear the tale of Granny Norbag and The Cave Troll, sing along to her biggest hits and then create your own family board game that you can have hours of fun playing. Booking is essential. Call the Civic Theatre on 01709 823621.
Performance dates:
Thursday 17, 24 and 31 August, 9am to Midday, at Rotherham Civic Theatre
Rotherham Show returns on 2 and 3 September
Rotherham Council’s mighty Rotherham Show returns to Clifton Park on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September, 11am until 5pm, and everyone is invited!
Over the show weekend you will find laughs aplenty, horticultural heroes, circus to thrill, memorable musical moments, shows for all, fairground fun, vintage vehicles, dogs, strongmen, street theatre, blooms, bakes, epic entertainment, and so much more!
Every year, Rotherham Show feels like the beating heart of the town, a coming together and a chance to make memories, so be sure to put the dates in your diary!
Rotherham Libraries events
Brinsworth Community Library
Get ready to travel around the world at Brinsworth Library in 'Around the World in Six Saturday's'. There will be lots of crafting and tasty food to try from around the world! These events are free, non-bookable activities between 9am to 12:30pm:
- Saturday 29 July, Around the World in Six Saturday's, Week 1: France - Build your very own Eiffel Tower out of pipe cleaners and taste some delicious cheesy French foods! ...oh la la!, (Continent of Europe), Brinsworth Community Library
- Saturday 5 August, Around the World in Six Saturday's, Week 2: Kenya - Kenya is famous for its beading craft called "Kazuri Beads" , come down to the library to design your own beaded jewellery and taste some fruit from Kenya! (Continent of Africa), Brinsworth Community Library
- Saturday 12 August, Around the World in Six Saturday's, Week 3: India - Next stop...India! Design your own "Rangoli" inspired sequin craft & "Medhi" painting. There will be Papadums & Gujarati mix (Continent of Asia), Brinsworth Community Library
- Saturday 19 August, Around the World in Six Saturday's, Week 4: Australia - We're off down under next! Pop down to create your own Joey popping Kangeroo Puppet! Whilst you're here try some Aussie famous Fairy Bread! (Continent of Australia), Brinsworth Community Library
- Saturday 26 August, Around the World in Six Saturday's, Week 5: Mexico - Come and create your own colourful mini card board roll Pinata and try some Tajin flavoured Mexican sweets! Viva la Mexico! (continent of North America), Brinsworth Community Library
- Saturday 2 September, Around the World in Six Saturday's, Week 6: Equador - Last stop... Equador! Weave your own special dream catcher and enjoy what this country is famous for... Chocolate! Nos Vemos Pronto! (Continent of South America), Brinsworth Community Library
Dinnington Library and Neighbourhood Hub
- Friday 18 August, 10am to Midday, Spread the Word - Have stories to tell and words to be heard? Want to express these through creative writing? Come along to this free poetry session with Vic Leeson. No experience necessary. To book a place call 01709 334426, Dinnington Library and Neighbourhood Hub
Greasbrough Library and Neighbourhood Hub
- Monday 31 July, 10:30am, Storytime and meet and greet Marco the bear - Come and join us for storytime followed by a meet and greet with Marco the bear have your photo taken and give our bear a big hug, Greasbrough Library
Mowbray Gardens Library and Neighbourhood Hub
- Monday 31 July to Friday 4 August, Free Community Art Exhibition: Exhibition of work created by the local community, in response to 'Happy.' A play about men's mental health, grief, friends and communication. Project in support of Andy's Man Club, Mowbray Gardens Library and Neighbourhood Hub
- Friday 18 August, 1:15pm to 3:15pm, Spread the Word - Have stories to tell and words to be heard? Want to express these through creative writing? Come along to this free poetry session with Vic Leeson. No experience necessary. To book a place call 01709 370038, Mowbray Gardens Library and Neighbourhood Hub
Rawmarsh Library and Neighbourhood Hub
- Thursday 27 July and 3 August, 1:30pm, Tea and Tunes - Interactive Community Singalong with professional musician, Suzi Saperia from Lost Chord UK. Forty five minutes of music to suit all tastes and to bring joy to mind, body and spirit. Attendance is free, Rawmarsh Library and Neighbourhood Hub
- Wednesday 16 August, 10am to Midday, Booster Cushion Theatre for children present Hansel, Gretel and you …who? This is a free event at the library, therefore places are limited to 30 children. Please contact Rawmarsh library on 01709 255682 to book your place. Funding for the performance has been provided by Councillors David Sheppard, Robert Bird and Rachel Hughes, Rawmarsh Library and Neighbourhood Hub
- Monday 21 August, 10:00am to Midday, Spread the Word - Have stories to tell and words to be heard? Want to express these through creative writing? Come along to this free poetry session with Vic Leeson. No experience necessary. To book a place call 01709 255682, Rawmarsh Library and Neighbourhood Hub
Swinton Library and Neighbourhood Hub
- Thursday 10 August, 1:30 pm, Interactive music session - Lost Chord. Dementia friendly tea and tunes in this interactive community singalong with professional musician Suzi Saperia from Lost Chord UK, Swinton Library and Neighbourhood Hub
- Monday 14 August to Friday 18 August, Free Community Art Exhibition: Exhibition of work created by the local community, in response to 'Happy.' A play about men's mental health, grief, friends and communication. Project in support of Andy's Man Club, Swinton Library and Neighbourhood Hub
- Wednesday 16 August, 2pm to 4pm, Booster cushion theatre presents Hansel and Gretel - Hansel and Gretel have been turned into oven gloves and don’t know what to do! They decide to go on a journey around the world looking for food and some friends. This is a fast and funny show with lots of opportunities to help. Book to avoid disappointment. This performance has been funded by Cllrs Ken Wyatt, Gina Monk and Victoria Cusworth, Swinton Library and Neighbourhood Hub
- Thursday 17 August, 1:30 pm, Interactive music session - Lost Chord. Dementia friendly tea and tunes in this interactive community singalong with professional musician Suzi Saperia from Lost Chord UK, Swinton Library and Neighbourhood Hub
Wath Library and Neighbourhood Hub
- Thursday 13 July to Saturday 9 September, Wath Academy Art Exhibition: Celebrating Final projects from GCSE and A-Level students, Wath Library and Neighbourhood Hub
- Monday 7 to Saturday 12 August, Free Community Art Exhibition: Exhibition of work created by the local community, in response to 'Happy.' A play about men's mental health, grief, friends and communication. Project in support of Andy's Man Club, Wath Library and Neighbourhood Hub
Rotherham Libraries
Host regular weekly activities across the borough such as: Lego clubs, Rhymetimes, computer classes, knit and natter groups, advice sessions, craft sessions, readers groups and local history groups.
Rotherham Theatres
The Rotherham Civic Theatre has lots of entertaining performances taking place when the shows return in September.
For more details go to: www.rotherhamtheatres.co.uk
Rotherham Markets
For more information visit the Rotherham Markets website.
Opening times:
General Outdoor Market: Monday, Friday and Saturday, 8:30am to 4pm, Rotherham Outdoor Market
Secondhand Market: Every Tuesday, 8:30am to 2:30pm, Rotherham Outdoor Market
Secondhand Market: Every Wednesday, 8:30am to 2:30pm, Rotherham Outdoor Market
Street Market: Every Tuesday 8:30am to 4pm, Effingham Street, Effingham Square, and Howard Street
Rotherham Bazaar: Every Thursday 10am to 4pm, Rotherham Outdoor Market
Indoor Market, Monday to Saturday 8:30am to 5pm, Rotherham Centenary Market
For more information see www.rotherham.gov.uk/events or visit our Facebook pages at:
Rotherham Parks and Countryside