RESPECT & DIGNITY ARTS X YOUNG IDENTITY PRESENT
Rooted in Community.
Rising Through Creativity.
Shaped by Young Voices.
18th September - 20th September
THE FESTIVAL
Rooted in Pendle, the festival celebrates the people, places, stories, and cultures that shape who we are. It’s a creative platform where young people stand alongside established poets and performers to tell their stories, imagine new possibilities, and celebrate the communities they call home.
We believe poetry, spoken word, music, and performance have the power to connect people, spark conversation, and inspire change. Through workshops, live performances, and shared creative experiences, Rooted & Rising creates opportunities for young voices to be heard, new talent to flourish, and communities to come together.
As our young people rise, so do our communities. By investing in creativity, collaboration, and authentic storytelling, we’re building a festival that celebrates where we’ve come from while imagining where we can go next.
SCHEDULE
Fri 18th sep
Time:
6:00PM - 8:30PM
Venue:
CRUCK BARN, PENDLE HERITAGE CENTRE, BB9 6JQ
Suhaiyma Manzoor-Khan, Amina Atiq, Faheezal Taiwo, Verse & Vibe Collective
Kick off the Rooted & Rising Festival with an inspiring all-women line-up celebrating identity, heritage, and social justice. Headlined by acclaimed poets Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan and Amina Atiq alongside Faheezal Taiwo, the night explores the transformative power of women's voices. The evening also features the debut performance of the emerging all-girls Verse & Vibe Collective.
BOOK TICKETSat 19th sep
Time:
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Venue:
UNITY WELLBEING CENTRE, VERNON STREET, NELSON BB9 9DE
Suhaiyma Manzoor-Khan
Join acclaimed poet Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan for a welcoming, women-only workshop exploring home, memory, and local belonging. Participants of all experience levels will use creative prompts to reflect on community and co-create a collective poem. The finished piece will later be exhibited and printed on wearable apparel by a local grassroots fashion brand.
BOOK TICKETTime:
1:00 pM - 3:00 PM
Venue:
victoria park pavilion community hub & cafe, Carr road, bb9 7ss
Nick Farrimond and R&D Creative Writers Collective
Immerse yourself in a relaxed, café-style afternoon where live poetry, soulful music, and community come together. DJ Nick Farrimond curates an eclectic soundtrack of folk, pop oddities, and global sounds to set the atmosphere. Emerging voices from the R&D Creative Writers and guest poets will share the stage for an uplifting session of spoken word.
BOOK TICKETTime:
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Venue:
THE ALBERT ROOM, COLNE MUNI THEATRE, ALBERT ROAD, BB8 0AE
Reece Williams and R&D Creative Writers Collective
Celebrate the launch of a powerful new spoken word anthology created by the young R&D Creative Writers in partnership with Young Identity. The evening showcases original performances exploring hope, equality, and a collective vision for a better future. Renowned spoken word artist Reece Irwin Williams also joins the stage for a special headline guest performance.
BOOK TICKETSUN 20th sep
Time:
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Venue:
UNITY WELLBEING CENTRE, VERNON STREET, NELSON BB9 9DE
Junayd Islam
Step into a pivotal moment in history with the first episode of actor-poet Junayd Islam’s theatrical series. Through a dynamic blend of storytelling and verse, the performance explores the profound historical and spiritual beginnings of Islam during the month of Ramadan. Audiences of all backgrounds are invited to experience this compelling narrative of revelation and transformation.
BOOK TICKETTime:
3:30 pM - 5:00 PM
Venue:
The Garage, Northlight, Glenway, brierfield, BB9 5NH
Junayd Islam
Actor-poet Junayd Islam presents an evocative evening of one-man plays, folklore, and original verse exploring the theme of transformation. The programme features the epic fantasy Buaidh Dabhaidh alongside The Lavender Seed, a lyrical tale of an orphaned shepherd confronting a miserly Lord. Rich Arab folktales and reflective poetry round out a night of classic drama and imaginative storytelling.
BOOK TICKETTime:
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Venue:
Muni theatre Colne, Albert Road BB8 0AE
Young Identity Poets and R&D Creative Writers
Close out the festival with a dynamic evening uniting established stage talent with the next generation of creative voices. Acclaimed artists SAF-S2E, Esther Koch, Jack So, and Nasima Bee bring their unique energy to the festival stage. The night also features live spoken word and exclusive poetry short film screenings by the young R&D Creative Writers.
BOOK TICKETTHE ARTISTS
R&D Creative writers collective
Her Verse - Her vibe collective
REECE WILLIAMS
Junayd Islam
Suhaiymah manzoor-khan
Faheezal taiwo
Amina Atiq
NICK FARRIMOND
Shirley May
SAF-S2e
Esther Koch
Nasima Bee
Jack So