MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 3 JUNE 2026
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 2 minutes ago
- 8 min read
An oasis of positivity celebrating the creative arts with previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations.
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 3 JUNE 2026
Previews: Festival of Libraries 2026, Singing Workshop at St Chad’s plus Rochdale Medieval Fayre
Review: Annual visitors to TLC Eccles Community Choir
Festival of Libraries 2026
Preview by Steve Cooke
Regular readers of this column will already be aware of the wonderful, extensive and diverse offer of activities available in libraries across our borough.
The Festival of Libraries provides opportunities to celebrate the important community and cultural roles of libraries in our town and across Greater Manchester. It encourages everyone to use the diverse library service offer creatively. Partner libraries host performances, exhibitions, concerts, art installations, workshops, writing classes, and family friendly activities. Writers, artists, illustrators and musicians are commissioned to respond to the vital role libraries play to the people of Manchester.
The Festival of Libraries programme takes place across all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester in internationally renowned institutions from the county’s rich tapestry of heritage libraries. This includes Manchester Central Library, with its impressive status as the busiest public library in the country, in addition to Chetham’s Library, The Portico Library, the John Rylands Research Institute and Library and Manchester Poetry Library.
Greater Manchester’s vital local libraries will also host a range of events within their communities, reflecting Manchester’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature.
Festival of Libraries won Best Event at the Manchester Culture Awards 2024 and was named the second Most Inclusive Literature Festival by Inclusive Books For Children in 2025.
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The award-winning festival, which is supported by Arts Council England, features a vibrant programme that highlights the library network’s full offer, across wellbeing, culture and creativity, digital and information, and, of course, reading.
Almost all of the events at Festival of Libraries are free to attend or operate a ‘Pay What You Can’ ticket policy.
To discover activities taking place between Friday, 5 June 2026 and Tuesday, 30 June:
Across our borough visit https://www.rochdale.gov.uk/events/20233/festival-of-libraries?location=&period=full
Across Greater Manchester visit https://www.manchestercityofliterature.com/whats-on/
Singing Workshop at St Chad’s
Preview by Steve Cooke
“Come and Sing European Sacred Music” with Gary Hulme (Prestbury Choral Society & Prestwich Parish Church) Logan Ferris & Philip Lowe (Accompanists) is a great opportunity for singers.
They are looking forward to welcoming singers to St Chad’s for their 2026 Singing workshop, when they will be working on pieces from European Sacred Music edited John Rutter.
Gary Hulme - one of Manchester’s most respected choir trainers will lead the event. There are few better skilled to encourage and enthuse an “all comers” group, learning and dipping into a feast of music such as selected – with pieces some new : some well-known.
“His indefatigable wit will doubtless keep us on our toes and ensure the workshop will be both worthwhile and fun.”
Repertoire from European Sacred Music for the day: *Bach - Awake us Lord and Hasten (Separate & will be provided); Anerio - Christus factus est; Bruckner – Locus Iste; Faure - Cantique de Jean Racine; Franck - Panis Angelicus; Hassler - Dixit Maria Nobis: Lassus - Adoramus te Christe; Mendelssöhn - Verlein uns Frieden; Mozart- Ave verum corpus; Reger - Unser Lieben Frauren Traum; Stravinsky–Ave Maria; Viadana – Exsultate Justi Victoria – Ave Maria and. Jesu Dulci Memoria.
All music will be provided. {If you have a copy of European Sacred Music – Rutter (OUP) which you could take that would be greatly appreciated.}
Please take a packed lunch and whatever drinks you require. Warm/cold drinks will be available at the lunch break.
Gary Hulme Gary Hulme was born in Manchester, and received his Musical Education privately, culminating in studies with Leslie Clifton and Ronald Frost. He holds the diplomas of Associate of The Royal College of Organists (ARCO), and Licentiate of Trinity College of Music London (LTCL) in Organ Performance. Appointed to his first organ post at the age of 13, he is currently Organist & Choirmaster at Prestwich Parish Church, a position to which he was first appointed in 1984.
Following early retirement from School Music Teaching, Gary now pursues a freelance career as an Organist and Accompanist. He has given recitals all over the North West of England and is a regular contributor to the recital series’ at Bolton Parish Church, and St. Ann’s Church, Manchester. As an Organ Accompanist he is in regular demand and has performed with a number of Town Choral Societies, including Oldham, Bury, Todmorden and the Bolton Choral Union. Recently, The Brixi Singers, and the Manchester Chamber Choir have made use of his expertise in this area. In addition, Gary is an Organist to The University of Manchester, and Musical Director of Prestbury Choral Society
The event will conclude with a short public concert (3pm – 3.40pm)
Cost – Workshop £12.00 (Participants) Pay on Door. Gather 9.45 to start at 10.00am.
Concert (3pm – 3.40pm) Free with retiring collection.
Rochdale Parish Church of St Chad, Sparrow Hill Rochdale OL16 1QT Saturday June 13th.
Please let them know details below by E-mail: jm_stchadschurch@outlook.com or phoning Jill on 01706 639162 and for any other queries.
Your name, voice part i.e. S/A/T/B noting upper or lower if you wish, if you will need a copy of the music or be taking your own [European Sacred Music edited Rutter], your Email or phone number and the area from which you will be travelling.
Church Website https:// rochdaleparishchurches.co.uk
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Annual visitors to TLC Eccles Community Choir
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
‘Singing for pleasure and friendship’ is their motto
There has been much in the press lately on the beneficial effects of singing in a choir. Also, it has been suggested that artistic involvement like concert going can help to slow the ageing process. Fortunately, several such opportunities appear in the weekly concert series, enabling these therapeutic benefits as well as simply having a good sing! Annual visitors Eccles Community Choir is mixed voice and also mixed ability, established in 2009 as an independent, true community choir - open to all adults (without auditions) and striving to keep subscriptions as low as possible to enable anyone to join. They also keep in close contact, via a website, a Facebook page & group email and WhatsApp; plus, a ring-round system for those not online. Every effort is made to build a cohesive musical community.
Musical director, soprano and adjudicator Angela Rowley ARCM does not tolerate ‘dumbing down’ however. As one member put it, ‘Every practice session is also a two-hour singing lesson.’ She does not shy away from sophistication or working towards perfection and her charges seem to thrive on it.
Their packed and varied ‘potpourri’ began with Sound the Trumpet by Henry Purcell. Originally a duet for two counertenors, this adaptation was delivered with conviction and the part singing was splendid.
The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss arranged by A Gilchrist, and Barcarole by Offenbach flowed smoothly and effectively, establishing a distinctive ‘Eccles’ style and tone. This was necessary in the complex ‘mix’ of the Frankie Laine hit number, I believe, with the Classical Ave Maria - tricky to pull off, but it worked.
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A simple We’ll gather lilacs led to a charming solo, Dancing Cheek to Cheek by baritone Alex, and then an hilarious James Bond Medley arranged by A Biilingsley; Dream a little Dream of me (remember the Mamas & the Papas? and Everything’s coming up Roses by Sondheim led to a break. But respite for the choir meant no rest for the director. Angela leads by example and gave a beautifully poised, musical solo performance of Mozart’s aria Deh vieni, non tardar, accompanied superbly as through the whole programme, by John Stott.\
Standards All the Things you are by Jerome Kern, I’ve never been in love before by Frank Loesser, and You needed me by Randy Goodrum were well received, but the outstanding winner was their Abba Medley – all the closet Abba aficianados (male and female) in the audiences were foot-tapping and joining in under their breath… ‘Thank you for the music …’
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1 listed church of St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
Rochdale Medieval Fayre
Preview by Steve Cooke\
Taking place in Rochdale Town Hall, Town Hall Square and the newly restored Broadfield Park Slopes, this event promises to transport visitors back in time to the Medieval period where they will see history burst into colourful life.
On Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June, visitors can expect combat displays, live cookery demonstrations and reenactments of daily life from the period, which was from 1066 to around 1485. Around 80 actors from 12th century living history group, Historia Normannis, will be showcasing life as it was hundreds of years ago.
Inside the town hall families can have a go at building a giant Medieval castle, inspired by the Norman Castle that once stood in Rochdale. A medieval dress up box will be available, alongside family print and tile making workshops and a Medieval manuscript workshop.
Visitors can even have a taste of some Medieval inspired foods in the town hall’s Martlet restaurant. The Martlet will be serving the Medieval style dish during the event; people are advised to book in advance.
In addition, a more relaxed café experience will be available in the Zodiac bar, also inside the town hall. The Zodiac will be open from 10am to 4pm each day serving sandwiches, drinks and cakes.\
All activities, apart from the food and drink, are free of charge and there is no need to book in advance. Simple pop along on the day and soak up the unique atmosphere of this fascinating period of history.
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This event is delivered as part of the Broadfield Park Slopes Project, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday, 3 June 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, 3 June 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Richard Haslam classical guitar (Hull University & RNCM)
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, 4 June 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
Thursday, 4 June 2026
Bookstart Baby and Bear Club - Smallbridge Library
Every other Thursday during term time. Join Amy and Bookstart Bear for a fun session, especially for babies and toddlers up to pre-school age and their parents or carers.
Free
Booking required: please book a ticket for every baby and/or child who is to attend. Accompanying adults will not need a ticket. See available sessions and book tickets through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/rochdale-borough-libraries-10695506106
1.30pm - 2.15pm
Smallbridge Library, Stevenson Square, Rochdale OL12 9SA
Thursday, 4 June 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
Friday, 5 June 2026
Lego Club - Alkrington Library
First and third Friday of every month. Alkrington Lego Club is back with 2 themed monthly sessions.
children aged from 5–12 years.
In each session the children will be given a theme, followed by half an hour to let their imaginations run wild and build. All creations are shown and displayed in the library until the next Lego Club.
Booking required: Places are limited so booking is essential. To book your place, you can:
Phone 0161 643 7799
Visit the library and speak to a member of staff.
Free
3.45pm - 4.45pm
Alkrington Library, Kirkway, Middleton M24 1LW
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