MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 20 MAY 2026

An oasis of positivity celebrating the creative arts with previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations.

MIDWEEK COLUMNN WEDNESDAY 20 MAY 2026

Previews: Horizons Festival 2026, Rochdale Co-operative Fair and The cast has been announced for Calendar Girls the Musical at Octagon Theatre Bolton this autumn.

Reviews: Another richly varied month in this eclectic weekly music series. Mixed voice choir, self-accompanied soprano and impressive duos.

Horizons Festival 2026

Preview by Steve Cooke

HOME and Community Arts North West (CAN) have announced that Horizons Festival will return on Fri 12 and Sat 13 Jun, taking place as part of Refugee Week at HOME.

Celebrating creativity, community, and connection, Horizons Festival celebrates the arts and the global communities that have helped to shape creativity and culture in Greater Manchester across generations.

Horizons is a free 2-day global arts festival in the heart of Manchester - packed with shows, live music events, creative family activities, global cinema, workshops, standup comedy and open discussions.

Each year, Horizons curators seek out new artistic voices from Greater Manchester to bring local contemporary stories of migration to audiences through new creative work.

By honouring these layered histories and commissioning artists to shape their own narratives, Horizons celebrates migration not only as movement, but as a unique personal story and relationship to belonging, resilience, and creative practice.

This year Horizons Festival has a newly expanded film programme screening at HOME cinema during the festival. Specially selected by a panel from the Arts & Migration Group the programme exploring the complex human experiences of migration and displacement through vibrant, insightful films from across the globe, all voted for by a panel whose own lives have been impacted by migration. The panel is made up of Maryam Nazari, Ana Lucía Cuevas, Linnae Yllane and Tina Ramos Ekongo.

Maryam Nazari, said: “Real migration stories are rarely only about suffering; they also include resilience, creativity and adaptation. When media or culture presents migrants only through crisis narratives, it creates distance and misunderstandings.”

In speaking about this year's festival Community Arts North West Creative, Rodney Adams Creative Producer, explains what visitors can expect: “This year’s Horizons Festival is an inspiring opportunity to experience, enjoy and explore a rich mix of globally influenced art and culture.  Through a dynamic programme of artist-led events and activities – rooted in lived experience and created with and for communities – Horizons reflects real lives, celebrates diverse cultural voices, and forges connections. We invite everyone to be part of this shared journey of creativity, connection and discovery.”

Community Arts North West, Creative Director / Joint CEO Anna Vu Thompson commented on what makes the festival meaningful right now: “Horizons is a powerful reminder of what makes our communities so vibrant. Here in Greater Manchester—and across the UK—we have always been shaped by people, cultures, and stories from all over the world. That diversity isn’t new; it’s a defining part of the UK. Festivals like Horizons celebrates that shared heritage and creates a space for new voices, new perspectives and new connections to flourish. Community Arts North West is proud to work in partnership with HOME and the Arts and Migration Network to create a festival that collaborates with communities to shape their narratives and ensure accurate representation.  Horizons aims to challenge stereotypes and share unique stories that might not be heard in the mainstream”

As a long-standing partner of Horizons, HOME is proud to welcome the festival back to its spaces. Louise Harney, Head of Creative Engagement at HOME talks about Horizons and the significance of the festival returning to HOME: “Bringing Horizons back to HOME feels especially meaningful at a time where amplifying unheard voices and connecting our communities is more important than ever.  This festival is rooted in celebrating the work of artists with lived experience of migration — creating space for perspectives that build shared understanding.  Through this exciting programme, we’re not only showcasing incredible artistic talent, but we're inviting audiences to come together, experience new narratives, and recognise the shared humanity that connects us all.”

The festival is open to everyone to join in with Manchester city’s long-held tradition of celebrating international cultures and creativity.

Horizons Festival is curated by HOME and Community Arts North West (CAN) in collaboration with the Arts & Migration Group and is proudly supported by The Evan Cornish Foundation.

The full programme for Horizons Festival 2026 will be available in mid-May. For more information visit: https://homemcr.org/theme/horizons-festival-2026-5tkn

Friday 12 & Saturday 13 Jun 2026

Another richly varied month in this eclectic weekly music series. Mixed voice choir, self-accompanied soprano and impressive duos.

Review by Dr Joe Dawson

April 08: HARMONY mixed voice choir - ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ from their Mary Poppins medley said it all. The latest science states that singing in choirs is good for your health and wellbeing, and the audience. This local mixed voice choir, formerly known as Rochdale Retirement Choir, now meets every week (in school term time) at St Aidan’s church, on Mondays between 1.00 and 3.00 pm. They welcome anyone who has an interest in singing. Conducted by Freda Farnworth and accompanied by Graham Chamberlain they sang light music arrangements by Gershwin, Caesar and Gershwin, some serious Stanford, then Brahms, Flanders & Swann and Humperdinck. Excellent.

April 15: Lucy Farimond – a rare treat to see an accomplished, self-accompanied classical singer.

This British lyric soprano who first appeared at St Mary in the Baum as an RNCM student in 2020 is clearly fulfilling the considerable promise she showed then. It is great that Rochdale’s generous audiences at Toad Lane Concerts are helping such talent hone their performing skills. What is more, Lucy’s latest album was to be presented the following day in Manchester. She gave an excellent recital of twentieth century British song settings, Samuel Barber, and lighter songs, plus gave herself a break in the middle with a lovely piano solo.

April 22: Johanna Leung clarinet & ChiChi Li piano (both RNCM Master’s gradutes) gave a truly well-matched duo recital that demanded and got equal skills and musicianship from each with the added dimensions of rapport and mutual understanding and interpretation. Sonata in Re for Clarinet and Piano by Nina Rota and the Sonata for Clarinet and Piano Opus 120 No.2 by Brahms were splendidly delivered by the duo. They finished off with a delightful arrangement of Chopin’s Etude Op.10 No.3.

April 29: Sinead D'Abreu-Hayling soprano & Aaron le Maistre piano - another dynamic duo of RNCM rising stars, Sinead is a versatile singer with a rich and resonant voice and bubbling personality that owned the stage. Aaron stood in at very short notice with great success. A theme of love and romance in various styles: sophisticated lieder by Richard Strauss; song settings by black composers, Florence Price, Samuel Coleridge Taylor and William Grant Still; and operatic excerpts from Mozart and Puccini. They met the great technical and emotional challenges of these works with aplomb and intelligence. Three relaxed jazz standards allowed the audience to come down to earth gently.

The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30 pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

Rochdale Co-operative Fair

Preview by Steve Cooke

Located in and around the recently restored Broadfield Park Slopes and Rochdale Town Hall, this celebratory event will feature 20 stalls.

A great opportunity to learn more about the history of the co‑operative movement and pick up unique treats from the fairtrade market.

You will be able to explore modern co‑operative organisations and see what they have to offer, from financial support with MetroMoneywise to cultural projects with Partisan Collective. See the new Rochdale Community banner, created by local artists and inspired by the protest banners from Rochdale’s history of revolutionary progressive action. Children can have a go at making their own paper banners and join a parade down the Broadfield Park Slopes, which will formally unveil the new Rochdale Community banner.

Inside the town hall, people can explore the Rochdale which gave rise to the co‑operative movement, with the recreation of a Victorian street inspired by the notorious ‘Gank’, the worst slum in Rochdale, in the council chamber. Over in the Bright Hall, visitors can take part in a visible denim mending workshop, inspired by the Japanese art of Sashiko. People are encouraged to take their own denim items for upcycling; but small denim swatches will be available.

A free event. There’s no need to book, simply drop in. Please note that the banner making session for the parade will take place between 10am and 12 noon, with the parade down the Broadfield Park Slopes starting at 12.30pm.

From 10:00 on Saturday 23 May at Broadfield Park Slopes, Rochdale Town Hall The Esplanade Rochdale, Manchester, Greater Manchester, OL16 1AZ

The cast has been announced for Calendar Girls the Musical at Octagon Theatre Bolton this autumn.

Preview by Steve Cooke

The Octagon welcome back Matt Ian Kelly who performed in Brassed Off in 2024; Sarah Groarke who performed in The Blonde Bombshells of 1943 in 2023; Annie Kirkman who performed in Ladies Day in 2023, and Dracula: The Bloody Truth in 2024. They will be joined by Alicia McKenzie, Matt Heslop, Fenella Norman, Karen Holmes, Pippa Duffy, Christina Meehan, Angela Caesar, Rachel Hammond and Neil Moors.

The much-loved show about a group of Yorkshire women who create a fabulous fundraising calendar after the death of one of their husbands is by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth. It will be directed by the SJT’s Artistic Director, Paul Robinson.

The show is a co-production with the Octagon Theatre Bolton, Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake, and the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich and will play at those theatres after opening in Scarborough in late June.

The death of a much-loved husband prompts a group of ordinary women in a small Yorkshire Women's Institute to do something extraordinary: create a nude calendar to raise money for charity.

News spreads fast in their community and none of them expect the emotional and personal repercussions, but gradually the making of the calendar brings each woman unexpectedly into bloom.

The true story of the Calendar Girls launched a global phenomenon, a million copycat calendars, a record-breaking movie, a West End play and now an awarding-winning musical.

Paul Robinson, Artistic Director / Joint Chief Executive at Stephen Joseph Theatre, says:

“Our new in-the-round staging of Calendar Girls the Musical brings the audience into the heart of the Rylstone Women's Institute, making this true story of friendship and determination feel more personal and immediate. This intimate production will create a unique, shared experience, reminiscent of gathering around a community hall or a close friend's living room, allowing for a deeper connection to the characters and creating a collective, communal atmosphere that fully immerses everyone in the moving story of these ordinary women’ doing something quite extraordinary."

Tim Firth and Gary Barlow say:

“As writers one of the most exciting things that can happen is when someone comes up with a totally new way of staging something you’ve created. When Paul described his vision for a new production of Calendar Girls the Musical it was instantly clear he was talking about something we’d never seen before, never imagined and to be honest never thought possible.”

Lotte Wakeham, Artistic Director at Octagon Theatre Bolton says:

"Calendar Girls the Musical is a story that has resonated deeply with audiences for years; we’re delighted to be bringing it to our stage for the very first time, and to celebrate the incredible writing talents of two giants of the North West: Gary Barlow and Tim Firth. Its warmth, wit and sense of community feel especially at home here at the Octagon. I’m particularly excited to see how this popular musical will be brought to life in our unique space, and to share that experience together with everyone who walks through our doors."

Calendar Girls the Musical can be seen at the Stephen Joseph Theatre from 27 June to 25 July, at Theatre by the Lake from 6 August to 5 September, at the New Wolsey Theatre from 10 to 26 September, and finally at the Octagon Theatre Bolton from 8 to 31 October.

Tickets for Calendar Girls are available now and can be purchased on the Octagon theatre Bolton website: https://octagonbolton.co.uk/events/calendar-girls-the-musical?

 Recommended age guidance: 14+.

RECOMMENDED

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime

This week we have - Eccles Community Choir, Director Angela Rowley (soprano and adjudicator), Piano John Stott

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, 21 May 2026

Reading Group – Smithy Bridge Library

3rd Thursday of every month. A monthly group that meets to discuss a chosen title and have a general chat about their shared love of reading.

For adults.

No need to book, you can just turn up.

Email: SmithyBridge.Library@rochdale.gov.uk

Free

1.30pm - 3pm

Smithy Bridge Library, 121–123 Smithy Bridge Road, Littleborough OL15 0BQ

Thursday, 21 May 2026

Lego Club - Spotland Library

3rd Thursday of every month. Come and join our Lego Club and build your own Lego creations in our themed sessions.

For families with teenagers and children aged 5 and above.

No booking required you can just turn up.

Email: spotland.library@rochdale.gov.uk

Free

3.30pm - 5pm

Spotland Library, Ings Lane, Rochdale OL12 7AL

Thursday, 21 May 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, 23 May 2026

Reading Group - Middleton Library

Last Saturday of every month. Discover new authors and discuss books with other readers in this friendly and relaxed reading group.

For Adults

No booking required, you can just turn up.

Email: middleton.library@rochdale.gov.uk

Free

1.30pm - 2.30pm

Middleton Library, Long Street, Middleton M24 6DU

Saturday, 23 May 2026

Monthly Lego Club - Langley Library

Last Saturday of every month. A monthly Lego Club with a different theme each session. All creations will be displayed in the library until the following month. There's Duplo for younger children.

For families with children aged 4 and over.

Booking required: Please book by 4pm the day before a session. You can book by:

Emailing langley.library@rochdale.gov.uk

Phoning 0161 654 8911

Calling into the library

Free

10.30am - 12pm

Langley Library, Windermere Road, Middleton M24 4LA