International Mural Festival transforms town

ROCHDALE was transformed into an open-air art gallery as local and world-famous artists came together for the 'Common Walls' International Mural Festival, with over 18,000 visitors descending on the town centre to take a look.

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Part of Rochdale's year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, the colourful event saw stunning artwork appear on 10 buildings, with other artwork on nearby walls and spaces.

The festival provided a chance to see artwork being created up close by world-renowned artists, with designs telling the story of Rochdale, its history, people and culture.

Artists taking part included Insane51, Onur, Smug, SecaOne, AYLO, Epod, Lei Mai, Cabasa Carnival Arts and many more.

The murals are located within a 30-minute walking route around Rochdale town centre, with sites including Drake Street, Smith Street, Baillie Street and Bell Street.

A map can be downloaded at rochdale.gov.uk/TownOfCulture.

Visitors were invited to see the artworks, while enjoying extreme sports displays featuring BMX, mountain bikes, Parkour, Freerunning, skateboarding, breakdancing and basketball from Fusion Extreme, which drew big crowds on Saturday.