WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 16 MAY 2026
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 3 minutes ago
- 10 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 16 MAY 2026
Previews: Step into the sound of the Renaissance, Rum, A Powerful New Play, Regional Premier of Fun Home at Royal Exchange Theatre and Horizons Festival 2026
Review: Sounds From the Other City (SFTOC) 2026
Sounds From the Other City (SFTOC) 2026
Review by Steve Cooke with Jade Duckworth
Sounds From the Other City (SFTOC) 2026 refreshingly delivers a vibrant, genre‑spanning, city‑wide celebration of new music, art, and Salford’s creative identity — an urban adventure into the creative arts.
SFTOC has long been known as “the Christmas Day of Greater Manchester’s independent music scene”, and this edition underlines why. The festival transformed Chapel Street and The Crescent into a 17‑stage musical playground, using everything from pubs and churches to galleries, mills, and outdoor squares.
The lineup was focussed on the future, no greatest hits nostalgia here, with the over 100 artists representing electronic, punk, R&B, experimental, indie, and lots more.
The festival’s commitment to boundary pushing artists being exemplified by such as Moonchild Sanelly, Lynks, Blue Bendy, Pollyfromthedirt, Jasmine.4.t, and Sorvina.
The innovative and highly successful Immersive venue curation saw Maxwell Hall hosting major names; St Philip’s Church becoming a cathedral of post‑punk; Islington Mill running day‑to‑night programming from Band on the Wall, Reform Radio, BENT, and Swagga.
This fantastic celebration of Salford, in its centenary year, is demonstrably founded on local identity, grassroots venues, and community‑driven programming.
The real pleasure of SFTOC is wandering about and then finding yourself stumbling into a church to find baroque post‑punk, then into a tapas bar turned dancefloor, then into an art gallery hosting experimental electronics.
For this column Jade Duckworth lived the experience:
“On arriving at the press gathering once we collected our tickets, we had a wander around the Islington Mill complex. The music was lively and the atmosphere friendly and buzzing populated by a verity of colourful outfits and people.
Having found our bearings we followed a group down to The Green and listened to a variety of vibrant upbeat bands. In particular Inland Taipan at Salford Museum and Art Gallery. It was fabulous, great sounds, lots of punch but mixed in with effectively contrasting quieter interludes.
We then sat outside eating a gorgeous chicken curry with rice and momos from Tibetan Kitchen. Listening to the end of Hater and seeing the beginning of Red Rodeo Club was a great opportunity for people watching, admiring huge variety of colourful and sometimes outrageous but always brilliant outfits.
Next up was a toddle down to The Pint Pot (Downstairs) where Leucotome and all female group were playing. They were absolutely fantastic rocking stunningly beautiful outfits and delivering atmospheric, gothic, ethereal sounds (… reminded me of the film Oh brother where art thou?).
Then Manifestation Group with their chilled vibe. I thoroughly enjoyed the female vocals and guitarist/vocals; a band totally on point.
Moving further down the road we popped into Chung’s Chippy for more sustenance which was delicious.
Then on to Bexley Square where there were a number of busy venues with a cute little square to sit in and soak up the atmosphere.
Finally ending back at Islington Mill, up to the fifth floor where there was plenty of dancing to be had before heading home and hitting the hay, head buzzing with a day like no other.”
On the day, for our AATA Column, Jade was accompanied by Joey Critchley who summed up SFTOC with "The bands we watched were excellent, food was good, happy vibes off everyone and loads to explore."
SFTOC has deservedly become recognised as one of the UK’s most distinctive independent festivals — not because of headliners, but because of its spirit of exploration, its commitment to emerging talent, and its use of Salford as a living, breathing stage. For those of us who enjoy discovering artists before they break, wandering through unconventional spaces, and immersing yourself in a city’s creative pulse, SFTOC is unmatched.
Step into the sound of the Renaissance
Preview by Steve Cooke
The Friends of St. Edmund’s are presenting “an unforgettable live experience in one of Rochdale’s most breathtaking historic spaces”.
An opportunity to be transported to the courts of Tudor England and Renaissance Europe as Edward Foster performs hauntingly beautiful music from the 16th & early 17th centuries on the Renaissance Lute - the instrument that defined an Era.
His programme will include both Music of Dowland & da Milano along with Edward’s own compositions for lute.
Their also will be an exclusive display of Edward’s Artwork & Published art book
This promises to be more than a concert- it’s an immersive journey into history. art, and sound.
Tickets priced at £10 from: https://www.ticketsource.com/friends-of-st-edmund/step-into-the-world-of-the-renaissance/e-loeeba
3pm, doors Open 2:30pm on Saturday 23 of May at St. Edmund’s Church, Falinge Rochdale
Rum, A Powerful New Play
Preview by Steve Cooke
“This plaster will outlive me. I shape these rooms but in turn they have moulded me. Hiding secrets. Weak spots made to look strong.”
Meet Danny, plastering since he was a kid, he’s not scared of anything, he’s RUM. Danny’s been up all night and now he’s rushing to finish a job before he has to give the speech of his life. RUM is a darkly humorous and powerful new play that wrestles with masculinity, mental health and addiction in the trade.
Written and performed by Joe Mallalieu and directed by Tess Seddon, this powerful play is returning to tour the UK in 2026 following successes at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2024 (winner of Broadway Baby’s Bobby Award) and a UK Tour in 2025.
Content Warning: 16+ due to themes of suicide, drug use and swearing throughout.
Price from £10.50 at https://www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/rum/book/?instance=642602
19:00, Tuesday 26 May at Rochdale Ukrainian Club, Mere Street, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL11 1HJ
Wheel chair / pram accessible
Touchstones Rochdale are proudly partnered with ANDYSMANCLUB, a men’s suicide prevention charity who offer free to attend peer-to-peer support groups for men aged over 18 across the UK and online.
Regional Premier of Fun Home at Royal Exchange Theatre
Preview by Steve Cooke
The Royal Exchange Theatre has announced the cast for the regional premiere of the Tony-Award winning musical FUN HOME, featuring music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Lisa Kron.
The musical’s Northern debut, which marks the 20th anniversary of Alison Bechdel’s iconic graphic novel, is directed by former Royal Exchange Artistic Director Sarah Frankcom who is making her ‘Homecoming’ to the theatre in its 50th anniversary season of the same name.
FUN HOME is known as an exhilarating and heartbreaking musical about coming out and coming of age.
Cartoonist Alison Bechdel, played by Jodie McNee, takes audiences on a journey into her childhood memories remembering what it’s like to grow up in a funeral home, undergo a sexual awakening in college, and try to make sense of the secrets at the heart of her family, including her dad Bruce Bechdel played by Olivier-award winning stage and screen actor Nigel Harman.
This groundbreaking modern masterpiece is a tale of grief and love, queer tragedy and queer joy, told through soaring, revelatory songs and runs in in the Exchange’s iconic round from 3 July to 1 August
A Royal Exchange Theatre Production, Regional Premiere FUN HOME Music by Jeanine Tesori Book and Lyrics by Lisa Kron
Based on the Graphic Novel by Alison Bechdel Director: Sarah Frankcom.
Tickets from £12
Box Office: 0161 833 9833
Online: www.royalexchange.co.uk
Friday 3 July – Saturday 1 August 2026
Access Performances
Captioned (C) Performances: 25 July, 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Sensory Adapted (SA) Performance: 28 July, 6pm
Audio Described (AD) Performance: 25 July, 2.30pm
BSL-Interpreted (BSL) Performances: TBC
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 June, 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.
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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
Friday12 & Saturday 13 June 2026
RECOMMENDED
Saturday, 16 May 2026
Lego Club - Rochdale Central Library
Every other Saturday. Get creative with Lego and join our free club, suitable for all the family. There's Duplo available for younger siblings.
Free
For families with children aged 2 and over, and teenagers.
No need to book, you can just turn up.
12pm - 1pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Saturday, 16 May 2026
Code Club - Rochdale Central Library
Every other Saturday. Come along and learn how to code at our Code Club.
The sessions will be fun and informal.
Free
No need to book you can just come along.
11am - 12pm
Location: Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Saturday, 16 May 2026
Rapunzel
Golden-haired Rapunzel is trapped in her lofty tower by a wicked witch, who lops off the locks of her beautiful hair and sells them for a tidy profit. It’s time for Rapunzel to take charge of her own destiny and figure out a way to escape.
This bold and funny adaptation of the much-loved storybook by Bethan Woollvin, the creator of the New York Times Best Illustrated Book Little Red and I Can Catch a Monster, Bethan Woollvin is brought to the stage by award-winning family theatre company Wrongsemble (Three Little Vikings, The Not So Big Bad Wolf) in a brand-new theatrical adventure brimming full of music, magic and madcap schemes – and not a prince in sight!
For this show at Heywood Civic, we have three prices to choose from for the same seat:
£8.50: A standard price – fair pricing for the show you’re going to see
£7.50: A slightly lower price – for people who need it
£10: A slightly higher price – for those who want to help support our programme
You can select the right price for you at checkout: https://heywoodcivic.co.uk/event/rapunzel/
12pm & 3pm
Heywood civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood, Greater Manchester, OL10 1LW
Accessible viewing platform / area
Wheel chair / pram accessible
Saturday, 16 May 2026
The West End Tenors
Leading men from London’s West End combine in a powerhouse of vocal talent. After selling out arenas across Europe, The West End Tenors embark on their first UK Tour, bringing their smash hit show directly to you!
The cast of The West End Tenors have starred in musicals such as Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia and Miss Saigon, as well as performing at Windsor Castle for the Royal Family, the BBC Proms and the Eurovision Song Contest.
Celebrating the greatest triumphs of musical theatre and film, their spine-tingling vocals are not to be missed, leaving audiences breathless from start to finish.
Price from £25.20: https://www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/the-west-end-tenors/
19:30
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester, M24 1AG
Accessible viewing platform / area
Wheel chair / pram accessible
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
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