WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER 2024
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- Oct 19, 2024
- 9 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER 2024
WOMEX Coming to Manchester
Preview by Steve Cooke
Manchester Music City, host partner for this year’s WOMEX (Worldwide Music Expo), is excited to announce the full music and film line-up for WOMEX 24 Festival.
WOMEX 24 Festival gives music fans a unique opportunity to access this prestigious music industry event and discover over 50 live acts from across the world representing a mix of musical genres and styles, including folk, afrobeat, roots, jazz, reggae and electronica.
WOMEX 24 Festival will take place over 3 nights (24th-26th October) at 5 of Manchester’s most iconic venues - Albert Hall, Manchester Central, O2 Ritz Manchester, HOME and Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International, with an exclusive Opening Night concert at The Bridgewater Hall on 23rd October hosted by Manchester icon DJ Paulette.
With live music showcases, club nights and films on offer, audiences can now tailor their festival experience with a choice of 3-Night Festival Passes, 1-Night Festival Passes or 1-Night Venue Passes. Tickets for the film programme at HOME are now also on sale. The full line-up, schedule and tickets can be found on the WOMEX 24 Festival website.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
"We love live music in Manchester and can't wait to welcome WOMEX to the city and the chance it brings for our audiences to enjoy some of the most incredible international musicians from around the globe, performing on local stages at some of our most iconic venues. It promises to be a fantastic few days filled with music that moves you and makes you dance - don't miss it, catch some if you can!"
Amongst the 50+ international artists performing across the festival are Orchestra Baobab, known for their smooth blend of Cuban rhythms and traditional West African sounds; Japanese neo-folk fusion band Mitsune; Parisian group Sarāb, who mix Arabic music, jazz and psychedelic rock; Jamaican artist Kabaka Pyramid who fuses traditional reggae with modern hip-hop; and Les Mamans du Congo x Rrobin who will present an electrifying fusion of Congolese rhythms and modern electronic beats.
Rivca Burns, Head of Music, Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International, said:
“We are so excited to be welcoming not one, not two, but three of the WOMEX 24 showcase stages to Aviva Studios. As an international organisation, the diversity of sounds and voices from across the world that we’re going to witness over the festival will create a long lasting impact on the city. We are really proud to be part of such an important festival coming to Manchester.”
In addition to live music at Aviva Studios and Manchester Central, Grade II listed venue Albert Hall will play host to the Horizons Stage - a dedicated stage showcasing acts from across the UK and Ireland: Balimaya Project, Gwenifer Raymond (England), Strange Boy (Ireland), Córas Trio (Northern Ireland), Amy Laurenson, Gnoss (Scotland/Alba), Cerys Hafana, and N’famady Kouyaté (Cymru/Wales). Expect Welsh folk, West African Mandé music, Irish rap, and more. The line-up also includes one act from the host city (Rioghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet), in partnership with Manchester Music City.
The Horizons partnership was founded over 10 years ago at WOMEX 13 in Cardiff, the last time the UK and Ireland hosted this major event. On behalf of the Horizons partnership, Dr Claire Mera-Nelson, Director of Music at Arts Council England, said:
“Over the last 10 years the Horizons partners have joined together at WOMEX to showcase the very best of the UK and Ireland’s rich musical offer to peers and industry professionals from across the globe. We are excited to be working with this year’s host partner Manchester Music City to kickstart the global careers of many more talented homegrown artists.”
In addition to enjoying more acts for less, 3-Night Festival Pass holders will get exclusive access to the prestigious opening concert at The Bridgewater Hall on Wednesday 23rd October. Hosted by Manchester’s very own DJ Paulette with artistic direction by Jenna G, the night will see performances from four artists that represent the breadth of Greater Manchester’s music scene - Agbeko, Dirty Freud, Heather Ferrier and Vulva Voce.
DJ Paulina said: "I am thrilled to be hosting the Opening Concert for WOMEX's 30th edition. Manchester is the place where innovation, inspiration, music, passion and community collide. I can’t wait to reveal the joys on offer.”
Jenna G also commented: "I love my city and want everyone in it to thrive, so I'm honoured to be involved in WOMEX 24 as the Artistic Director for the Opening Concert, ensuring it not only entertains but reflects the diversity in sound and style of Manchester's music culture. I can’t wait to showcase what Greater Manchester has to offer the world!"
WOMEX 24 Festival isn’t just about live music. The Club Summit at O2 Ritz Manchester will play host to a late-night party on Friday and Saturday, showcasing DJs and electronic artists from Latin America, South Africa and more. Festival goers can also discover music, movements and histories from across the world with a curated selection of documentaries at HOME as part of the WOMEX film programme.
For public tickets for WOMEX 24 Festival visit the WOMEX Festival website, or for more information about attending as a music industry delegate visit the main WOMEX website.
Heywood AODS Presents Footloose
Preview by Steve Cooke
Heywood Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society [HAODS] presents Footloose at the Middleton Arena.
When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth.
When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.
To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.
Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 October
Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester M24 1AG
Duration: 2h 30m
Tickets from £15.00
General Enquiries & Bookings: 0161 662 4000
Ticket Sales & Event Enquiries (open Mon-Fri 10am – 2.30pm: 0300 303 8633
Box Office: arts.events@yourtrustrochdale.co.uk
RECOMMENDED
Until Saturday 19 October 2024
Dante or Die’s - Inside Odds On
Join us to experience this unique, immersive and free pop-up film that warns about the dangers of gambling addiction in Rochdale town centre.
The award-winning and critically acclaimed Inside Odds On will transform an empty shop at the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre into a mesmerising, immersive underwater betting shop with this ground-breaking installation.
Until Saturday 19th October theatre company Dante or Die will provide a 40-minute simulated experience each hour throughout each day, where the audience is put in the shoes of a woman battling the highs and lows of gambling.
The film was created in consultation with people with lived experience of gambling harm, using their own words, and is inspired by their openness and creativity as they reflect on their journey towards recovery through Gordon Moody gambling recovery centres throughout the UK.
Audiences will be given opportunities to watch the film as well as learn about the making of it and discover resources and support information for gambling issues.
Due to the topics covered in the installation the experience is strictly 18+
Trigger warnings:
The films presented contain gambling (live play, images, sounds, slot simulation) and discussions around lived experience of gambling which may be triggering to people with a gambling addiction or who are in recovery. There will be support and safeguarding services present and a full support pack will be available for anyone who may be affected by the issues raised in the production.
Support packs available on the Eventbrite page.
Access - Venue and Experience are fully accessible. If you require any confirmation of accessibility, please email sophiehack@danteordie.com.
Tickets and times are available via the below weblink.
Free
Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre, Unit 50a, Newgate, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1YL
Saturday 19 October 2024
Oktoberfest Rochdale
Join us for a night of drinking and games with our amazing Oompah Band. With bars serving authentic German beers as well as Gin, Spirits, Wines and of course Jager!
£20 +booking fee
7.00pm - 10.30pm
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Saturday 19 October 2024
Bi-Lingual Storytime
Come and listen to stories read in English and other languages such as Urdu, Arabic, French and Slovakian.
Afterwards, join in with crafts related to the story.
Alternating Thursdays and Saturdays.
Free and suitable for children 5 and under and their grown-ups.
Phone: Tracey Tomlinson 07356 182030
10.30am to 12pm
Rochdale Library, Number 1 Riverside, Smith Street, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Sunday 20 October 2024
Halloween Craft Market - Alkrington Village Craft Market
Pop along and support your local small businesses and community.
With over 30 stalls we have a fantastic range of brilliant crafters selling their handmade and unique crafts not available on the high street.
Free entry and hot food and refreshments available.
We have free customer parking outside Alkrington Community Centre, plus additional parking outside Tesco Mainway Alkrington.
Everyone welcome, see you soon.
Phone: Lee Yates 07807 457 703
11am - 4pm
Alkrington Community Centre, Hardfield Road, Alkrington, Middleton M24 1TQ
Monday 21 October 2024
Grandparent Storytime
Calling all 0 to 5 year olds and their grown-ups to come and listen to stories read by Grandparents who will bring the story to life for the children in our communities.
If you are interested in volunteering for a story-time role, please see a member of staff or visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/libraries/library-volunteers
Free
Phone: Tracey Tomlinson 07356 182030
10am to 11am
Langley Library, Langley Children's Centre, Windemere Road, Manchester M24 4LA
Tuesday 22 October 2024
Halloween Cupcake Workship
A spooky cupcake workshop brought to you by BC cakes.
Come down and get decorating as Jenna and Mia talk you through how to make the creepiest cakes.
£15 (4 cupcakes pp)
Phone: Georgina Lee 07496216516
5pm
Pionero Lounge, Riverside, Unit 21/21A, Rochdale OL16 1TR
Tuesday 22 October 2024
Rochdale & District Camera Club
Astro photography – Cowm res.
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 2024 syllabus.
Phone: Pete Williams 07967 969136
8pm
Syke Methodist Church Hall, Syke Road, Rochdale OL12 9TF
Wednesday 23 October 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have Oldham Community Choir, Jonathan Gibson conductor (RNCM), J Edward Rigg piano.
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
Wednesday 23 October 2024
Free Drama Workshops
Two Shires Drama is kicking off free drama workshops.
Ever been told you should give acting a try? Or maybe you're just someone who loves fiction and drama? Whether you've always wanted to be on stage or you’re just curious, this is your chance!
No pressure, no experience needed—just come along, have fun, and see where it takes you. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the stage.
Let’s make this unforgettable!
Our workshops offer:
Theatre games.
Drama skills.
Acting exercises that aim to build confidence, self-esteem and friendships.
These session are suitable for ages 16+ and run weekly.
Free
Phone: Jules Howliston 07909 505461
6pm
Caring and Sharing Community Hub, 78 Yorkshire Street, Town centre, Rochdale OL16 1JU
Wednesday 23 October 2024
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - L&CPU Folio North B.
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.
£2.50 for room fee
Phone: Secretary - Ed Whitaker
Doors open 7.15pm, 7.30pm start
Rochdale Unitarian Church, Clover Street, Rochdale OL12 6TP
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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