MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 1 JULY 2026
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- Jul 1
- 8 min read
An oasis of positivity celebrating the creative arts with previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations.
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 1 JULY 2026
Previews: Summer Reading Challenge - Super Saturday Sign On - Rochdale Central Library, Belfield Art Group (BAG) Exhibition, Thank You for the Music - A Free Musical Showcase By Falinge Park High School plus Panto back at Heywood Civic
Review: Relaxed Recitals in Rochdale Town Hall
Summer Reading Challenge - Super Saturday Sign On - Rochdale Central Library
Preview by Steve Cooke
Get down to Rochdale Library for a Family Fun Day of music themed arts and crafts, stories and more, to celebrate the launch of the Summer Reading Challenge 2026.
Whilst in the library you can register for the Summer Reading Challenge to receive a challenge booklet and start your reading journey.
This year’s challenge celebrates the joy of music and the way it can inspire, connect and bring people together—all through the magic of reading. There’s a wonderful range of music‑inspired books to explore, including stories, poetry, graphic novels and non‑fiction, suitable for all reading levels. Best of all, all books are free to borrow from your local library.
As part of the National Year of Reading, families are encouraged to make reading a fun and regular part of their summer – whether at home, on holiday, or out and about.
Children can sign up at their local library and receive a collector folder to track their progress. They can set their own reading goals and, once completed, will be rewarded with a medal and certificate (while stocks last) and entered into a prize draw.
Sign up at your local library or alternatively, you can sign up by visiting the Summer Reading Challenge website: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/
During the afternoon at the Super Saturday Sign On you will be able to take part in Summer Carnival with: Giant floor games and indoor sports, Musical Storytime, Parachute play and Carnival crafts.
For families with children aged 4–11. Appropriate adult supervision is required. Both members and non-members are welcome.
Free, no booking required you can just turn up. Activities will be run on a first come, first served basis.
12pm - 2pm on Saturday, 4 July at Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Belfield Art Group (BAG) Exhibition
Preview by Steve Cooke
Belfield Art Group(BAG) is holding an art exhibition at the Coach House, Lodge Street, Littleborough, OL15 9AE until Sunday 26th July 2026 , open 11.00 -3.00.\
Established in the year 2000, a small group of artists would meet up once a week, on a Wednesday afternoon for two hours. These like-minded individuals came together for the purpose of making art. Painting in watercolours, and for just a few hours let the world go on without them, lost in the joy of painting.\
The group agreed in order to develop skills they needed tutored lessons, in watercolour, and acrylic, from established artists. This laid the foundation for the group, as it is today.
Chairman Neil Bamford says,
“When I joined the group in 2012, I had never picked up a brush. Under the tutorage of Huge Templeton and with help from the late Rev Robin Morris, who was in charge, I was encouraged by the group to take up painting as a hobby.”
“Today we have a group of 24 artists, who are tutor leads in watercolour, mixed medium, acrylic, pastels, charcoal, and collage.”
“The group has a wide range of talent, ability and experiences. We encourage everyone to make art, through the tutors and the greater group. We break down the elitist attitude that surrounds art as we have no barriers of age, diversity, disability or abilities.”
“The group holds an annual art exhibition here at St Ann church, in the parish hall usually around September- October. Work produced throughout the year is proudly
displayed. This year we are excited to announce that the exhibition will be put on at The Coach House Littleborough from Saturday 27th June until Saturday 26th July 2026.”\
“Come along and enjoy the magic of art!”
Relaxed Recitals in Rochdale Town Hall
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
‘R and R’ usually means rest and recreation – but at Rochdale Town Hall it also stands for Relaxed Recitals. The town hall is collaborating with Stoller Hall’s Creative Engagement team, which works closely with Chetham’s School of Music and Chetham’s Library to develop the pupils’ experience of honing their craft with audiences and in venues of all kinds.
For the first of two recitals the setting of the Great Hall seemed to call out ‘relaxez-vous’ to one and all. Light and airy amongst the rose windows, gigantic organ and the signing of the Magna Carta, it was illuminated from the sides by all the kings and queens of Britain in stained-glass.
Chetham’s students (identified by forenames only, due to safeguarding) were accompanied by an accomplished staff member. All pupils at Chethams are carefully auditioned so that you can rely on standards being extremely high.
Avelyb played Allegro moderato from cello sonata by Chopin with wonderful tone. Trumpeter Ewan played his G8 exam pieces, Funk and Andante from Sonata No 2 by Allen Vizzutti, clearly relishing the works. Matilda sang How beautiful are the feet by Handel, Pie Jesu by Faure and Till there was you from The Music Man by Meredith Wilson with admirable purity of tone. Finally, Rodion was refreshingly fluent and energetic with Poulenc’s Clarinet Sonata.
This first recital went well, people relaxing at tables, with access to hot and cold drinks, free of charge with donations welcome (booking advised).
One week later, the second ‘Relaxed Recital’ was downstairs in the former council chamber. Here one was even more aware of the heritage context with its intimate and historical atmosphere.
It is always an uplifting experience to hear great music being played well by ones so young - The Tang Quartet (Jennifer, Emma, Thea and Amy) played arrangements of Over the Rainbow for flute quartet then The Changing of the Guard and Bizet’s Chorus of Urchins with two players changing to piccolos. This was lovely playing from the young teenagers without a conductor. The Flint Trio (Thea, Amy and Ling) consisting of two flutes and keyboard played attractive arrangements of a trio by Krebs and Tchaikovsky’s Danse Des Mirlitons from the Nutcracker ballet. Then the fully fledged Arkwright string quartet (Coco, Isla, Enzo and Chloe) produced a wonderful range of collective expression in Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No 2 in A minor.
Cellist Isla then played an unaccompanied piece, Julie-O by Mark Summers with its modern improvisatory styles including jazz and percussive effects on the instrument. Finally, Violinist Enzo played Allemande from unaccompanied partita No 2 for violin by JS Bach. Delightful.
It can be a surprising thing to hear teenagers with such accomplished ability. Like an everyday brush with BBC’s Young Musician of the Year.
Watch out for more exciting projects from the award-winning town hall that is not resting on its laurels.
Thank You for the Music - A Free Musical Showcase By Falinge Park High School
Preview by Steve Cooke
Thank You for the Music - A free musical showcase promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, creativity, and student talent!
“From captivating solo performances to dynamic bands and ensemble groups, our performers will showcase the passion, dedication, and joy that music brings to our school community. Whether you're supporting family and friends or simply love live music, this is an event not to be missed.”
Feel the Rhythm, Share the Joy!
A 1 hour 30 minutes show for all ages
Free parking
To reserve a place visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thank-you-for-the-music-a-free-musical-showcase-tickets-
5.00 - 6:30 pm on Thursday 2 July at Falinge Park High School, Falinge Road, Shawclough OL12 6LD
Panto back at Heywood Civic
Preview by Steve Cooke
It is great to see that the much loved and missed Panto at Heywood Civic is back this Christmas.
Although the Heywood Panto continued during refurbishment there is nothing like the real thing in the real place.
Starring Coronation Street’s Helen Flanagan as The Spirit of the Lamp and fellow Corrie star Steven Arnold as Wishee Washee, master illusionist Daniel Dean as Abanazar, Robby Khela as Aladdin, Freya Freda as Princess Jasmine, Robert Stuart-Hudson as Dame Betty Bubbles and Anthony Proctor as Sgt Pepper / Genie of the Lamp.
It’s off to old Heywood town, where we meet Aladdin, who is tricked by the evil Abanazar into entering the Cave of Wonders. Trapped inside, with nothing but a dirty old lamp and no way out, all seems lost, until Aladdin gives the lamp a rub and a magical Genie appears to save the day.
Granting three extravagant wishes, the Genie sets Aladdin on a journey filled with laughter and adventure. Along the way he’s joined by the hilarious Wishee Washee, his wacky washerwoman mother Betty Bubbles, the beautiful Princess Jasmine, her guardian, the crazy but strict Police Chief, and a magical spirit who helps guide our hero.
This magical carpet ride of a pantomime is packed with song, dance, comedy, and magic, promising fun for the whole family and plenty of pantomime sparkle along the way.
Tickets are on sale now, £12.60 - £16.28 visit: https://heywoodcivic.co.uk/event/aladdin-heywoods-christmas-panto-2026/
Saturday 12 - Sunday 27 December at Heywood Civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood, Greater Manchester OL10 1LW
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Heywood Scribblers - Heywood Library
First Wednesday of every month. Free, friendly creative writing sessions. Poetry and story-writing workshops. All abilities welcome, whether you're new to writing or a seasoned writer.
For adults, families and teenagers.
No need to book, you can just drop in.
Free
1.15pm - 3.15pm
Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Notability Choir
Running every Wednesday, Music at Lunchtime is a weekly live classical music concert series that has been going since the 1960s. The sessions were initially run at the old Rochdale Art Gallery by the local authority, but since May 2001 have been run by volunteer-enthusiasts and artistic director, Dr Joe Dawson.
£6
Phone: Dr Joe Dawson 01706 648872
Doors open 12noon, concert starts 12.30pm - 1.30pm
St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane/St Mary's Gate, Rochdale OL16 1DZ
Thursday, 2 July 2026
Thursday Reading Group - Spotland Library
First Thursday of every month. Read, share and discuss a range of fiction and non-fiction chosen from our extensive list of book titles in a relaxed and friendly group.
Free
For adults.
No booking required, you can just turn up
2pm - 3pm
Spotland Library, Ings Lane, Rochdale OL12 7AL
Thursday, 2 July 2026
Visit Fireground Museum
Join us at Fireground this week to discover Greater Manchester's firefighting story.
Fire museum attractions are on show inside the museum including our collection of historic firefighting artefacts from the 18th century to present day, plus home-made refreshments in the new Fireground Café, and souvenirs from our fantastic new gift shop! We have a wide choice ranging from toddler to collector.
Under 4s Free, Children (aged 4-15) £6, Seniors £6, Students £6, Adults £8, Family (4 people) £24.
Phone: Fireground 01706 341219
Visit: https://www.fireground.org.uk/ Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am - 4pm
Saturday, 4 July 2026
Lego Club - Littleborough Library
Every other Saturday during term time. Join our free club and get creative with Lego. Suitable for all the family.
Each session, the children will be given a theme, followed by time to let their imaginations run wild and build.
For families with children aged 2 years and above. Lego club sessions are aimed at children aged 5–12 and their parents or carers. Duplo is available for younger children.
No need to book, you can just come along.
Free
11am - 12pm
Littleborough Library, Hare Hill Park, Littleborough OL15 9HE
Saturday, 4 July 2026
Bring Your Own Book Club - Rochdale Central Library
Every other Saturday. Fancy a little quiet reading time surrounded by fellow book-lovers? Come along, settle in, have a chat, have a read, and have fun.
This is a book club with no assigned reading and no homework.
For adults and teenagers.
No booking required, you can just turn up.
Free
12pm - 1pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Saturday, 4 July 2026
Tin Man and the Scarecrow - Smallbridge Library
A new family dance show by Joss Arnott Dance for audiences aged 5 and over. This new show has been reimagined and created specifically for adaptable performance spaces including schools and libraries.
Told through enchanting storytelling, puppetry, bold choreography and stunning costumes that are all accompanied by new and original music by award-winning composer Oleta Haffner, we invite you to experience the Tin Man’s journey that results in a captivating story of self-discovery, friendship and audience interaction.
Free
For families with children aged 5 and above.
Booking required: please book your place by Friday, 3 July 2026. Book your place online through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tin-man-and-the-scarecrow-at-smallbridge-library-tickets-
11am - 11.30am
Smallbridge Library, Stevenson Square, Rochdale OL12 9SA
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