Saturday 28th March 2026
FAB! Youth Circus Workshops & Performances | Rochdale Youth Arts Festival
Hands on circus workshops & live performance by Skylights Youth Performing Troupe, Spotlight. Part of FAB, Rochdale Youth Arts Festival 2026
Skylight’s youth performing troupe Spotlight invites you to their very own circus takeover, co-created with young people, for young people (and a few grown-ups too!).
Each session kicks off with a live circus and aerial performance, our incredible youth performing troupe Spotlight will perform exclusive excerpts from the show they are currently creating, FLIGHT.
This is a rare chance to catch a sneak peek of something special still in the making, a stunning mix of aerial, acrobatics and circus performance, dreamed up and brought to life by young people right here in Rochdale.
Book Your Free Place & Bring Your Friends
🤹 Juggling
´💫 Diabolo
🎪 Tightwire
🎭 Trapeze
…and more!
Workshop and Performance Times:
🕥 10:30 – 11:30 (Families ages 7 yrs +)
🕧 12:30 – 13:30 (SEND Friendly ages 7 yrs +)
🕑 14:00 – 15:00 (Teens, parents welcome)
Suitable for ages 7+. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
FAQ
No, the event is completely free to attend. Simply book your free ticket to guarantee your place.
Do I need to book?
We strongly recommend booking in advance as places are limited. Drop-ins are welcome on the day, but if a session is full we won’t be able to let you in, so don’t risk it!
Which session should I book?
10:30 – 11:30 | Families ages 7 years +
12:30 – 13:30 | SEND Friendly ages 7 years +
14:00 – 15:00 | Teens
If you can’t make the time which you feel that you fit into the most, you’re welcome to come along to a different session time. They are created slightly differently but suitable for all.
Do adults need a ticket?
Accompanying adults do not need a ticket but due to the size of our space we ask that no more than 2 adults per 1 child ticket attends.
What age is it suitable for?
The event is suitable for ages 7 and up. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Can I bring younger siblings?
Family under 7 are welcome to come along, but the have-a-go activities are designed for ages 7+.
Do I need any experience?
Absolutely not! All activities are beginner-friendly and led by our brilliant young instructors. Just bring your enthusiasm!
Is the venue accessible?
Yes, our building is fully accessible. Skylight Circus Arts is located in Rochdale town centre at St Chads Fold, Sparrow Hill, Rochdale OL16 1QT. Please get in touch at charma.f@skylightcircusarts.com if you have any specific accessibility requirements and we’ll do our best to help.
Is there parking available?
Yes, we do have a private carpark free to use, please note this is only for people attending the workshop. You won’t be able to park there for the day while attending other activities in the festival. There are many local carparks nearby.
I have more questions, who can I contact?
Drop us an email at charma.f@skylightcircusarts.com and we’ll be happy to help.
More About The Project
‘Youth Circus Takeover’ is a branch of ‘Spotlight’, Skylight Circus Arts youth development project. Youth Circus Takeover has been supported by Rochdale Creates and the event’s wonderful sponsor Rochdale Town Hall. Our young people have been meeting weekly with support of Skylight Circus Arts to produce the event, from marketing, planning skills, acts, the space and more. It’s been a brilliant experience for them to develop their skills in working in the creative industry.
Performance excerpts taking place at the event are part of Skylight Circus Arts bigger performance project, Circus Routes funded by Arts Council England.
Skylight Circus Arts, Spotlight and local, professional artists are co creating a circus show called FLIGHT. The excerpts you’ll see are work in progress acts from FLIGHT, currently in creation. Inspired by birds, migration and the courage it takes to fly in hope of finding where you belong, FLIGHT explores the paths we travel, the connections we make and what it means to find your place in the world.
