Rotherham’s largest free cultural festival will return with new acts and much-loved favourites on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September.
Presented by Rotherham Council and its partners, the Rotherham Show will take place as usual in the beautiful surroundings of Clifton Park. Bringing an eclectic mix of live music, dance, comedy, outdoor theatre and creative workshops, blooms, bakes and much more. The show runs from 11am to 5pm each day, and entry is free.
At the Rotherham Show, you’ll get a sneak peek of what to expect during the Children’s Capital of Culture festival year in 2025. With children, young people and families at its heart, the show will have an exciting and interactive space jam-packed with things to do.
A dedicated Children’s Capital of Culture area will host a community stage with children and young people performing, plus, the showstopping Pif Paf ‘Right to Play’ project, the parkour pros NovaCity and a family rave. Other creative activities will be provided by Grimm and Co, Magna Science Adventure Centre, Libraries and Neighbourhood Hubs, plus many more.
New for this year’s show is the Eco Village, where visitors can chat to Rotherham Council’s Climate Team, enjoy inspiring performances and parading puppets. There is also a chance to take part in family games, sample mindful yoga, get advice and information from Rotherham Council’s partners and make a personal pledge for the environment.
Rotherham Museums, Arts and Heritage will present the Museum Hub during the weekend, which will celebrate Clifton Park Museum’s latest exhibition ‘Our Habitat, Our Home’, with creative activities being held for all the family.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Neighbourhood Working, Cllr David Sheppard, said: “I’m really looking forward to the Rotherham Show, it will have something for everyone and includes a brilliant programme of live music, dance, comedy, children’s activities, creative workshops and food. The Rotherham Show is an opportunity for communities to come together with their friends and families and celebrate what Rotherham has to offer.
“We’re expecting thousands of people to come along and experience the festival vibes and with free entry too, it promises to be a fun day out. Don’t miss this great weekend of entertainment, we hope you can join us throughout Saturday and Sunday.”
Visitors to the show will also get the chance to see popular annual attractions including festival favourites: The Vintage Vehicle Display, Companion Dog Show, Strongmen competitions, Let’s Circus and stand-up comedy in the Magpie Big Top, Fairground rides and of course the beloved Made in Rotherham Horticultural Show.
People will be able to browse the Produce and Makers Market with its handmade, unique goodies; or enjoy a variety of the tasty treats and drinks available at the Food Court in the Rockingham Field where there will also be a place to sit and rest.
Music is a key part of the Rotherham Show, with many thrilling performances experienced over the years, and this year is no exception with a packed live music programme once again.
Music-lovers can head to the Rockingham Stage which will host West African music, rock, indie and a world music choir, and people can listen to these amazing free performances throughout the weekend. Plus, there will be classic music performances from brass bands and vintage songs performed at the bandstand, as well as a few pop-up performances to look out for too!
The Festival Village is being curated by Flux Rotherham, and they’re welcoming visitors to experience free creative activities that regularly take place in communities across the borough. Featuring hands-on workshops celebrating making and creating, people can join in by designing giant pieces of art, making take-home unique pots, or creating poems and paintings. These drop-in activities are led by artists Karen Hall, Vic Leeson, Emma Wilson and Ellie Way.
Throughout the weekend, Rotherham Show will celebrate the spirit of the borough and give people the chance to enjoy an amazing free festival of culture, entertainment and family fun. However, most of all, the show offers the chance for people to be together and make special memories.
Parking will be available at Herringthorpe Playing Fields for £3 per day, card payment only. The playing fields are a 5-minute walk from the showground.