Skylight Circus Arts

14/10/2026

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes as a trustee at a charity like Skylight?

Do you know anyone aged 18 – 30 who lives or works in Rochdale and has the potential to be a great trustee.

Rochdale’s Cultural Education Partnership has just launched a new training programme delivered in partnership with the Young Trustees Movement.

It’s an opportunity to learn what it means to become a trustee and gain first-hand experience of how organisations are led and strategic decisions are made.

The programme includes three, free training sessions on weekday evenings and the opportunity to shadow a board meeting.

You can read more about the programme here:
https://www.rochdalecreates.co.uk/opportunities/training-development/young-trustee-pathway-programme

At the end of the programme you'll work with Action Together and local charities to help you find a trustee or volunteering role that suits your interests and skills.

The deadline for expressions of interest is 9am on 2 November 2026.

We’re looking for 18–30 year olds who live or work in Rochdale and want to develop their skills, grow their networks and support charities in Rochdale Borough.

14/10/2026

CANCELLED CLASS 🤢
Unfortunately this evenings adult circus session is cancelled due to staff illness. Apologies for any inconvenience...

But while we're here, who remembers the BOGGART?

Did you know in 1999 the Boggart featured in Skylights biggest ever production to date outdoors, with the Boggart and cast of hundreds!

Anyone remember the big green Boggart?

09/10/2026

It’s more than just the circus 🎪

It’s about more than learning new skills or creating a new show.

It’s about finding somewhere you finally feel like you belong, build confidence, make friends, laugh together & be each others cheer leaders.

Sometimes it’s the little moments that make the biggest difference. A friendly face, someone saying, “go on, try it”, no matter your age, experience, strength, flexibility… we’ve got you.
It’s having a space that feels safe enough to try something new or simply having somewhere you can be yourself.

This World Mental Health Day, we’re celebrating the power of creativity, movement and connection, and the positive difference being part of a community can make to our mental wellbeing.

There’s something truly special about circus that does all of that. And there’s something even more special about our incredible community here at Skylight!

For anybody struggling today, (or any day for that matter!) do what YOU need to look after yourself, and check in with each other if you can ❤️

Lots of love
The Skylight Family ❤️

30/09/2026

Happening next weekend at The Lowry, Salford

Blending poetry, original music and acrobatics, acclaimed theatre maker and hand-balancer Natalie Reckert has created the work with musician and harpist Xenia Garden (Wise Children), spoken-word artist Loll the Poet (Ey Up), and original music by Obeka (MixMag artist to watch 2025).

The performance draws on stories of community, resilience and aspiration, looking at how a city is shaped by the people who live within it—and imagining more communal, ecological and collaboratively created futures for our cities.

It’s an unusual meeting of art forms: live harp and percussion, electronic soundscapes, poetry and hand-balancing all inhabit the same performance. Rather than simply placing these disciplines alongside one another, the piece allows them to interrupt, support and transform each other, creating a live portrait of a place continually changing.

Link to the tickets: https://www.thelowry.com/whats-on/natalie-reckert-songs-for-an-unwritten-sky-yhzd

Here is a trailer: https://youtu.be/7gr9L3p586Y

29/09/2026

Brilliant opportunity for any young aspiring film makers with Touchstones Rochdale 🎥

Want to take your first steps towards a career in film and TV?

As a BFI Film Academy Hub for the North West, applications are open for our BFI Academy Introductory Course 26/27!

For young people aged 16-19 (or up to 25 with EHCP), the course offers the opportunity to develop practical filmmaking skills, build confidence, work with industry professionals and explore the different roles within the film and TV industry.

Whether you know exactly what you want to do or you’re still figuring it out, this is your chance to get creative, gain experience and take your next step towards a career in screen.

See yourself in the credits ✨

Applications close Sunday 4 October, find out more and apply here: https://www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/bfi-film-academy-2026-27/

23/09/2026

Skylight Circus Arts is delighted to announce that we have been added to The Greater Manchester Combined Authority Culture Fund Portfolio 2026-2029. This new funding will help us continue and develop our work bringing circus, creativity and opportunity to people across Rochdale and Greater Manchester.

This support will help us bring people together through circus, creativity and culture giving more people the chance to try something new, develop skills, build confidence and connect with their communities.

For Skylight, culture is about people, participation and belonging. This funding will help us continue putting those things at the heart of what we do.

We’re excited about the next chapter and the opportunities ahead and can’t wait to see what we can create together! Greater Manchester Combined Authority

18/09/2026

FIREFLIES IS BACK! 🔥
Calling all adults! Fancy learning how to spin some fire around?! Never done it before? Don't worry, no experience needed!

You'll take part in 8 sessions, taught everything you need to know by the amazing Traveling Light Circus and THEN take it up a step and perform together with a group of like minded, creative local people at Rochdale's incredible Ignite Fire Festival!

Sessions are 7:30–9pm on Mondays for 8 weeks:

🔥 28th September
🔥 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th October
🔥 2nd, 9th & 16th November

During the session you'd be working with Traveling Light Circus, working towards performing at Rochdale's Ignite Fire Festival, 20th–22nd November.

The boring but important bit...
- Places are limited (priority will be given to people who live or work in the borough of Rochdale)
- You need to commit to all 8 sessions & performances
- For 18 years + only
- It’s completely free
- Suitable for beginners, so you don’t need any previous fire, or circus experience.

Fancy it?
Pop us a message on facebook or email [email protected]

Places going fast!

Fireflies is in partnership with Rochdale's Culture Coop, who have supported the development of the project over the past few years.

09/09/2026

🌞

Spotlight - Skylight Youth Circus performers at Rochdale's Side by Side Festival 2026
Photography - Jessica White