previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2025
Little Glastonboro 2025
Preview by Steve Cooke
Little Glastonboro 2024 is fondly remembered as being ‘epic’, and we are promised that 2025 will be bigger than ever before! ‘
The team have been working really hard to make this the best family festival in Rochdale!’
Combining headline artists, top bands, and local legends. As a local company, their values have always been to support local business and the community while delivering top class events.
Lineup 2025: N Trance, Top of the Britpops, THR33 Boy Band, Tom White – Ed Sheeran, Fat Lip Punk Pop, The Top Cat Rock N Roll Band, Heavy Soul, Leah Fisher, Battle of the Bands Winner, plus the Kids Zone with and Street Food Village.
21 Jun 2025, 13:00 – 22:00
Littleborough Cricket Club, Denhurst Rd, Littleborough OL15 9LD, UK
Earlybird Adult (16+) £22.50 +£2.25 Booking Fee
Early Bird Family Ticket £55.00N+£5.50 Booking Fee
Child's ticket (Age 6-15) £10.00 +£1.00 Booking Fee
Child 5 and Under £0.00
Ai Weiwei in conversation at Factory International Aviva Studios
Preview by Steve Cooke
Leading contemporary artist Ai Weiwei joins Factory International Creative Director Kee Hong Low for a special talk in the Artist in Times of Upheaval series in the Hall for an insightful talk with one of leading cultural figures of his generation.
Factory International’s Artist in Times of Upheaval series focuses on artists in and from some of the areas most exposed to current global forces, asking what space is there for artists when life ‘as normal’ no longer seems possible? Why do they continue to create art? And how?
As a conceptual artist, Ai Weiwei uses a wide range of media to reflect on contemporary geopolitics and society – from sculptural installation, filmmaking and photography to ceramics, painting, writing and virtual spaces like social media.
Ai Weiwei’s work and life regularly interact and inform one another – from his early work challenging authority and history and his ongoing activism and advocacy for international human rights.
In this 60-minute conversation followed by a 30-minute audience Q&A, Ai Weiwei will discuss role as a global citizen, artist and thinker with Factory International Creative Director Kee Hong Low.
Born in Beijing in 1957, Ai Weiwei has exhibited extensively at institutions and biennials worldwide. The artist’s memoir 1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows was published in 2021, and his autobiographical graphic novel Zodiac: A Graphic Memoir, in collaboration with Elettra Stamboulis and Gianluca Costantini, was published in 2024. His human rights work has been recognised through the Václav Havel Prize for Creative Dissent in 2012 and Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award in 2015.
Ai Weiwei’s architectural collaborations include the 2012 Serpentine Pavilion and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Stadium, with Herzog and de Meuron. Among numerous awards and honours, he received the Praemium Imperiale for sculpture from the Japan Art Association in Tokyo in 2022, won the lifetime achievement award from the Chinese Contemporary Art Awards in 2008 and was made Honorary Academician at the Royal Academy of Arts, London in 2011.
12 Mar 2025
The Hall, Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ
Tickets
Full Price: £22
Concessions: £11
Suitable for ages 13+
Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes (No interval)
Accessibility features available for this event: Captioning BSL InterpretingWheelchair Access
JANUARY AT TLC
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
January 08: Voci Voices pictured from left: Jonathan Ellis piano, Elizabeth Ambrose soprano, Margaret Ferguson mezzo, Eric Cymbir tenor and Mackenzie Paget baritone braved the elements to perform a New Year Viennese-like feast of singing in the 1,119th concert since taking over from the council in 2001. An encore was demanded and granted with a stirring arrangement of I wish you love, which is fast becoming their signature tune, rounding off an enthusiastic and packed songfest admirably suited to the acoustics of St Mary in the Baum. Happy New Year!
January 15: Tim Kennedy concert pianist ... today but is also well-known as a professional singer, vocal coach and organist. Cambridge educated but now based in Manchester, he is a staff accompanist at the RNCM. This was a judicious selection of ancient and modern pieces, all impeccably played. Tim also gave interesting introductions. Bach, Sinding, Chopin, Grieg, and Albeniz before moody moderns by de Senneville, Milne and Tiersen with a finale of Gade’s Jealousy. Hugely enjoyable variety.
January 22: Imogen Garner mezzo and John Gough piano - these first-rate performers returned to TLC with a celebration of twentieth century English Art Song by women composers. In Art Song, as with C19 German lieder, text, music, voice and piano all have equal significance. There was a substantial outpouring of this genre in the C19 and C20 including works by women composers – Madeleine Dring, Muriel Herbert, Dorothy Parke, Dilys Elwyn-Edwards, Margaret Wegener, Winifred Bury and Dorothy Pilling. This recital helped to redress their neglect. in the capable hands of two first rate interpreters this would make a good CD. Excellent intros from John, who recently retired as Head of accompaniment at the RNCM.
January 29: Sam Rodwell classical guitar – another RNCM master’s graduate virtuoso playing was framed by confident and engaging introductions to the instrument and the music. Folk arrangements, French Coste and Charles Trenet, Spanish Albeniz and amazing Rodrigo and soothing Yesterday. For the finale, Sunburst by Andrew York lived up to its title in a blaze of notes and energetic riffs. The argument for live, acoustic playing won over plastic amplification. Acoustic draws the listener in, better able to experience all the nuances.
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.
RECOMMENDED
Saturday 15 February 2025
Luther Live
The world’s premier show in celebration of ‘The Velvet Voice’ – experience all the hits from Luther Vandross’ amazing career, culminating in over 40 million album sales and eight Grammy awards and including many of the greatest dance anthems and love songs ever written. Fronted by international Luther Vandross tribute Harry Cambridge and his 10-piece band.
Including Never Too Much, Here and Now , Give Me the Reason, I Really Didn’t Mean It, Stop to Love, So Amazing, The Best Things in Life Are Free, Always and Forever, Endless Love, Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now, Your Secret Love, Shine, The Closer I Get To You, Love The One You’re With, Any Love, Superstar, Until You Come Back to Me, Dance with My Father and many many more.
From £27.50
7:30pm Doors open: 6.45pm
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
Saturday 15 February 2025
Hallelujah! Classic Manchester and indie dance party
After a long absence, our hugely popular Classic Manchester Nights return... Join us with three of Manchester's top DJ's as we party into the night with all of the absolute bangers from finest music the world has ever seen!
Clint Boon - Inspiral Carpets & Manchester DJ
Dave Sweetmore - Manchester's number one host
DJ Laura Beth - radio presenter and festival host/DJ
Tickets available now. Please note, this is an intimate, exclusive event and capacity is limited. Early purchase is advised.
Tickets available on the link below or from Just Lovely (Heywood Market) or Carousel Cards and Party (Norden).
£8 advance / £10 on the door
Phone: Ruby 07537 665712
7pm
St Paul's Hall, Blackpits Road, Norden, Rochdale OL11 5NG
Sunday 16 February 2025
Fireman Sam – The Great Camping Adventure
Norman wants to go on an adventure to impress his friends, so when two famous animal explorers arrive in Pontypandy, he decides to follow them into the mountains.
But when Norman discovers a rare red squirrel, one of the explorers decides to take the glory for themselves, leaving Norman stranded in a cave.
Now it’s up to Fireman Sam to save the day and ensure everyone is safe on their camping adventure!
From £16.50
3:30pm Doors open: 3pm
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
Monday 17 February 2025
St John's Art Group
We hold an 'arts and craft group' in a side room every Monday afternoon. You are invited to come along, meet new friends, enjoy a cup of tea, and chat.
Everyone is welcome, whether you want to bring your own craft project, learn a new skill or just chat.
You can bring your own craft items, or we can provide some materials and support.
Phone: 01706 631973
Visit:1pm - 3pm
St John the Baptist R.C. Church, Dowling Street, Rochdale OL11 1EX
Tuesday 18 February 2025
Rochdale & District Camera Club - Still life.
Session: Still life.
Bring your own subjects.
We meet every Tuesday at 8pm at Syke Methodist Church Hall.
You are more than welcome to come down to one of our club nights to see if you would enjoy joining the club.
Visit the link below for the 2025 syllabus.
Phone: Pete Williams 07967 969136
8pm
Syke Methodist Church Hall, Syke Road, Rochdale OL12 9TF
Tuesday 18 February 2025
Knit and Natter
We hold a 'Knit and Natter’ in the Marian Room every Tuesday afternoon.
Everyone is welcome to drop by and call in for a chat with friends, old and new.
The church will also be open for anyone who would like to take time for prayer and reflection.
1.00pm til 2.30pm
Saint John The Baptist Catholic Church, Dowling Street, Rochdale OL11 1EX
Wednesday 19 February 2025
QUEENZ – Drag Me to the Disco
Queenz are back with a brand new show.
Join the gals for an electrifying, live vocal, drag-stravaganza, where Dancing Queenz and Disco Dreams collide for the party of a lifetime.
After two trailblazing years of touring the country, a run in London’s West End, and accumulating countless 5-star reviews, Queenz has rapidly ascended as one of the world’s most successful drag shows.
Featuring more sequins and surprises than ever before, the gals are ready to drag you to the dancefloor and serve up the ultimate celebration of powerhouse popstars & dazzling disco divas.
From £26
7:30pm Doors open: 6:45pm
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
Wednesday 19 February 2025
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - Model Rahel (Steam Punk Themed).
We meet every Wednesday at Rochdale Unitarian Church, starting at 7.30pm prompt (doors open from 7.15pm). The door is kept locked so please ring the bell on arrival.
If you would like to see the club for yourself and meet our members, you are welcome to attend as our guest for up to 3 weeks before committing to membership. Annual subscription is £36 for single or £46 for joint membership.
A weekly room fee of £2.50 is also payable on arrival at the meeting. Refreshments are 50p.
Visit the link below for a full 2024 syllabus.
Doors open 7.15pm, 7.30pm start
Rochdale Unitarian Church, Clover Street, Rochdale OL12 6TP
Wednesday 19 February 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
Duncan Reid violin (Manchester University & RNCM)
Jonathan Ellis piano (Manchester University & RNCM)
The concert series has been held at St Mary’s since 2001 and was granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020… during the pandemic!
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
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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