WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2026
previews, articles, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2026
Previews: Crafty activities from Co-op Heritage, The Magic Stick plus Oktoberfest Rochdale 2026
Articles: Rochdale Creates appoints new independent Chair, Rochdale Young Creatives Group Open to New Members
Review: Liam Fender - Early Doors Club - St Chad’s Church
Liam Fender - Early Doors Club - St Chad’s Church
Review by Seamus Kelly
St Chad’s church in Rochdale proved to be an excellent venue, with great acoustics, as it hosted the first in a series of musical events on a Friday evening.
Liam Fender is a singer, songwriter and very capable musician from Tyneside who, although less well known than his younger brother Sam, put on an excellent show in Rochdale.
With a voice which has both depth and clarity Fender sang a range of his songs mostly recent releases including Cover Up, Man Down and Don’t Follow Me Down, the latter notable for driving guitar and rhythms. As a songwriter Fender comes across as an honest storyteller, revealing his own thoughts and feelings.
Fender played acoustic, semi and electric guitar and also keyboards, supported by Arthur Thompson on electric cello and Stu Davis on bass and electric guitar.
The trio showed excellent musicianship creating the feeling of a much bigger band which was particularly evident on their only cover song, Joy Division’s Love Will Tear Us Apart, and Man Down where Arthur and Stu also provided excellent backing vocals.
Liam Fender’s music can be found on major platforms and on CD, his Instagram page is @liamfender.\
The evening opened with a set from singer songwriter Rebecca Spooner. Singing a series of her own songs, which she accompanied on acoustic guitar, she showcased a voice with a great range and clarity, through songs including Lilies and Roses, Forget You and I Should Have Known You Loved Her.
Having progressed from her first performance at an open mic four years ago this 21 year old is surely a talent to watch. Her self-made album, Miss Belief, is available on all online platforms, and you can find her on Instagram @rebeccaspoooner.
The Early Doors Club is a great idea bringing quality artists to accessible venues with artists receiving proper payment, pay as you feel ticketing and events finishing by 8pm enabling easier travel.
The Early Doors Club is presented by The Snug Live with music events in Rochdale, Bolton and Wigan, with support from Rochdale Development Agency, Bolton Council, Wigan Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Forthcoming events in Rochdale, At St Chad’s Church are Nigel Clark (Dodgy) on October 23rd and Chris Helme (The Seahorses) on November 13th.
Rochdale Creates appoints new independent Chair
by Steve Cooke
At All Across the arts we are delighted to welcome to our creative arts community Dr Helen Palmer as the new independent Chair of Rochdale Borough's Cultural Compact.
Helen brings more than 30 years' experience working across culture, heritage, placemaking, tourism and partnership development at local, regional and national level, and joins the partnership at an important moment in its growth and development.
An experienced cultural leader, consultant and trustee, Helen has a long-standing connection with Rochdale, having worked with local cultural organisations and partners over many years, including Touchstones Rochdale, Rochdale Borough Council and, more recently, Rochdale Development Agency through marketing and communications training for the borough's creative and cultural sector.
As Chair, Helen will provide independent leadership for Rochdale Creates, supporting partners to deliver the borough's shared cultural vision, strengthen collaboration across sectors and ensure culture continues to play a central role in Rochdale's regeneration, wellbeing, community pride and economic growth. The role will focus on governance, partnership working and helping the Compact maintain its focus on delivery, impact and long term sustainability.
Helen currently leads her own consultancy, Palmer Squared, and has worked with organisations including Arts Council England, Marketing Manchester, Manchester International Festival, Derbyshire County Council and numerous museums, theatres, festivals and cultural partnerships across the UK. She also holds a number of board positions within the cultural sector and is Co-Chair of What Next? Greater Manchester.
Helen said:
"Rochdale has developed an ambitious and compelling vision for culture, built on strong partnerships, rich heritage and a growing creative sector. I am excited to support Rochdale Creates as it enters its next phase and to work alongside partners across the borough to help turn that ambition into action."
Rochdale Creates is Rochdale Borough's Cultural Compact, bringing together cultural organisations, artists, educators, businesses, community groups and public sector partners around a shared vision for culture. Established in 2022, the partnership has grown significantly over the last three years, helping to strengthen collaboration across the borough and as frequently evidenced in this column champion culture as a driver of regeneration, wellbeing, community pride and economic opportunity.
Councillor Sue Smith, Cabinet Member for Communities and Cooperation at Rochdale Borough Council said:
"We are delighted to welcome Helen as Chair of Rochdale Creates. This is a significant appointment for the borough's cultural sector and reflects how far the Cultural Compact has come since it was established three years ago. Attracting someone of Helen's calibre, profile and experience demonstrates the strength of Rochdale's cultural and creative sector and the exciting opportunities that exist here."
"There is a huge amount happening across the borough and increasing recognition of Rochdale as a place where culture, creativity and partnership working can deliver real impact. We are proud to be punching above our weight and building on the momentum created through recent cultural investment and activity. Helen's appointment is another sign that Rochdale is becoming an increasingly important player within Greater Manchester's cultural landscape."
"We want Rochdale Creates to continue growing as a movement for everyone who cares about culture and creativity in the borough. We would encourage artists, creatives, cultural organisations and community partners to connect with us through our website, newsletter and social channels, and we'd love to hear from organisations, funders and investors who want to be part of Rochdale's cultural future."
Helen's appointment comes at an important time for Rochdale Creates as partners work together to build on the legacy of the highly successful Greater Manchester Town of Culture, strengthen the borough's cultural ecology, attract investment and support culture led regeneration across Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton and the Pennines. Three years on from its launch, the Cultural Compact has matured into a confident and ambitious partnership and is helping to position Rochdale as one of the most exciting places for culture, creativity and collaboration in Greater Manchester.
To find out more about Rochdale Creates, visit Rochdale Creates and follow @rochdalecreates on Instagram and Facebook.
Rochdale Young Creatives Group Open to New Members
By Steve Cooke
Rochdale Young Creatives Group is open to new members ages 11 - 19 who are interested in arts, culture and all things creative.
The group is facilitated by Rochdale Youth Service and Your Trust.
In previous sessions they’ve met professional artists, had a go at different creative activities and been on trips to see exhibitions, shows and events.
This also presents a great opportunity for young people to use the space to chat, chill and work on their own creative projects.
The group meet approximately once a month, usually on a Thursday evening at Matthew Moss Youth Centre, Matthew Moss Lane, Rochdale, OL11 3LU.
If you or if you know someone who might be interested in joining, please contact helen.thackray@yourtrustrochdale.co.uk
Crafty activities from Co-op Heritage
Preview by Steve Cooke
A couple of great free activities for youngsters at the Pioneers Museum on 28 and 29 October.
1. Make a Grasshead - Free Crafty Drop In - 28 October
Join community artist Gemma Lees to make your very own grass head to take home and watch grow!
You’ll create a fun character - perhaps inspired by your favourite books or films - using upcycled materials, stuff it with seeds and take it home to watch it grow its own unique look.
Inspired by the urban parklet on Toad Lane - built through the power of co-operation
FREE, drop-in workshop – go any time between 1pm and 3pm.
2. Make an Owl Puppet for Halloween - 29 October
Make an owl puppet out of recycled materials that you can use to tell stories!
You’ll craft your very own wise owl using card and paper to take home, as well as learning all about how owls behave in Autumn and where you might spot them.
Inspired by co-op’s care for the environment and commitment to education.
FREE, drop-in workshop – go any time between 12 noon and 3pm.
If sessions are very busy - families may need to wait in turn to take part
Both at Rochdale Pioneers Museum, 31 Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL12 0NU
The Magic Stick
Preview by Steve Cooke
Another one of the excellent Touchstones Live events at the Rochdale Ukrainian Club is The Magic stick.
When eight year‑old Diya receives a mysterious Magic Stick, she discovers she can see kindness come alive! Guided by the glowing energy of her Talking Karam (good deeds) Tree, she journeys through the Utsav (kindness) Festival, meeting colourful characters and learning how every choice creates a ripple of light.
Blending Indian dance, music, storytelling, and stage magic, The Magic Stick is a heart‑warming family show celebrating compassion, selflessness, and generosity – and inviting everyone to reflect on one simple thought: how kind have you been today?
Price from £8.40
7 November, 14:00-14.45, Rochdale Ukrainian Club, Mere Street, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL11 1HJ
Wheel chair / pram accessible
Oktoberfest Rochdale 2026
Preview by Steve Cooke
You are invited to “Don your finest lederhosen or dirndl and embrace the Bavarian spirit. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Bavaria, where traditional attire meets festive fun.”
Get ready to tap your feet and dance along to the lively tunes of a fantastic live Oompah Band, bringing the spirit of Oktoberfest straight to you.
You will be able to raise your stein and enjoy the crisp, refreshing taste of an authentic German lager, brewed to perfection for your enjoyment or for those looking to add a little extra excitement to the night, indulge in shots of Jäger, a classic German herbal liqueur that will surely keep the festivities going.
This promises to be for a night filled with laughter, music, and merriment, celebrating Bavarian culture in style.
Tickets from £21 at https://www.whatsoccurrinevents.co.uk/event-details/oktoberfest-rochdale-2026
Contact: hello@RochdaleTownHall.co.uk
19:00 - 23:00 on Saturday 17 October at Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
RECOMMENDED
Saturday, 10 October 2026
Lego Club - Littleborough Library
Free
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.
Each session, the children will be given a theme, followed by time to let their imaginations run wild and build.
No need to book, you can just come along.
11am - 12pm
Littleborough Library, Hare Hill Park, Littleborough OL15 9HE
Free
Saturday, 10 October 2026
Reading Group - Littleborough Library
Free
Second Saturday of every month. A group discussing various authors, genres and themes.
Our group meets once a month on the second Saturday to discuss various authors, genres and themes. If you want to join us, there is no need to book, just turn up.
For adults.
No need to book, you can just come along.
Monday, 12 October 2026
Book Club - Junction Library
Free
2nd Monday of every month. Come and join us at Junction Library for a brew and a cosy chat about the books you've read. We can’t wait to meet you.
For adults.
No need to book, you can just come along.
Contact: library.service@rochdale.gov.uk
2pm - 3pm
Junction Library, Grimshaw Lane, Middleton M24 2BW
Wednesday, 14 October 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Oldham Community Choir conductor Jonathan Gibson & piano Edward Rigg
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
St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane/St Mary's Gate, Rochdale OL16 1DZ
Doors open 12noon, concert starts 12.30pm - 1.30pm
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