Rotherham has won a national award for its Children’s Capital of Culture programme.
The programme was named Best Culture and Arts Scheme at the Town and City Management Industry Awards 2026. The awards celebrate projects that make towns and communities better places to live.
Judges said that Rotherham won the award because it put children and young people at the centre of everything it did. Judges recognised how young people helped plan, create and run events across the borough.
In 2025, Rotherham became the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture. Over the year, there were events in streets, parks, schools and town centres. These included festivals, performances and creative activities for families to enjoy. More than half a million people took part.
Big events like the Roots Street Carnival, Uplift Urban Sports Festival and a special community opera brought thousands of people into the town centre. This helped support local shops and businesses and made the town feel more lively and welcoming.
The programme also helped young people build skills and confidence. It created 138 paid trainee roles and gave many children and young people the chance to try new things and think about future careers.
Andrew Bramidge, Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment at Rotherham Council, said: “We are very proud to win this award. It shows the amazing ideas, talent and hard work of our children and young people.
“This programme has helped change how people see Rotherham and how people feel about living here. It has built pride, created opportunities and brought people together.
“It is also helping our town grow and improve, by bringing more people into the town centre and making it a place people enjoy visiting.”
This award shows how culture and creativity can bring people together, improve confidence and help make Rotherham a stronger and more positive place for the future.
A Children’s Capital of Culture trainee said: “Many of the young people involved in Children’s Capital of Culture are now established photographers, illustrators, writers and artists, all making their mark in Rotherham and much further afield. Children’s Capital of Culture has shown Rotherham through the eyes, ears and actions of its young people, and we’ve loved our moment in the spotlight.”
