WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 25 JULY 2026
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- Jul 25
- 10 min read
Previews, articles, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLOUMN SATURDAY 25 JULY 2026
Previews: Classical Guitarist Richard Haslam Saturday Lunchtime Concert at St Chad’s, Side‑by‑Side Festival returns this August, High School Musical starring Jason Donovan opens next month from Hope Mill Theatre at the Lowry plus New Dawn Fades at Heywood Civic
Reviews: Skills 4 All finds success with award winning online safety film at the 2026 Childnet Film Competition
Skills 4 All finds success with award winning online safety film at the 2026 Childnet Film Competition
By Steve Cooke
Skills 4 All in Rochdale has secured 2nd place in the Secondary Category at the 17th annual Childnet Film Competition. This impressive achievement highlights the students' exceptional filmmaking talents and their strong commitment to promoting Visit: online safety for young people.
Judged by a prestigious panel of experts from the BBC, BBFC, Disney, the Motion Picture Association, as well as young people, the competition is a unique event, showcasing the power of youth voice in online safety education.
The Childnet Film Competition attracted participants from all nations of the UK who embraced the challenge of creating short films on the theme of “Smart tech, safe choices – exploring the safe and responsible use of AI”.
Set in a dystopian Manchester, Skills 4 All’s film creatively shows us a reality where we use AI to complete all of our everyday tasks. We are shown how this version of our world could affect us negatively and cause a great deal of change to our society.
This entry impressed the judging panel with its distinctive approach, engaging content, and thoughtful delivery. By combining creativity with a vital and timely message, the students created an impactful online safety film for young people across the country.
All winning films receive excellent filmmaking equipment, as well as their films receiving BBFC Classification, which allows them to be played in cinemas across the UK.
Will Gardner OBE, CEO of Childnet and Director of the UK Safer Internet Centre, says:
“The Childnet Film Competition has shown yet again the real impact that creativity can play in online safety education. These films not only showcase the young people’s filmmaking skills but also show the power of their voice in creating high quality learning materials.
Safer Internet Day 2026 found that almost all (97%) children and young people of all ages from 8 to 17 have used AI in some form, with many using AI online on a weekly, and even daily, basis. With this in mind, educating young people about the safe and responsible use of AI has never been more important, and seeing the amazing creations from all of our finalists and entrants showcases just how effectively film can play a part in this.”
Charlotte Tudor, VP Marketing Disney & Animation, Walt Disney Studios UK & EMEA and Film Competition Judge, said:
“We are proud to have partnered with Childnet for another year to support their work helping young people build knowledge, confidence and skills in the digital world.
“The responsible use of AI is something Disney continues to advocate for and is crucial to ensuring a safe and positive online experience. It’s inspiring to see how our young finalists have used their creativity and storytelling skills to share understanding and shape conversations around this complex and increasingly important topic.”
The audience at the finalists’ event, held at Disney in Hammersmith, includes representatives from government, industry, charities and the wider online safety space.
The winning films are a unique and engaging way of learning about online safety from a young person’s perspective.
Please contact Becca Cawthorne, Childnet’s Communications and Marketing Manager, by emailing press@childnet.com.
About the Childnet Film Competition
For the past 17 years, the Childnet Film Competition has challenged young filmmakers to create a short film or storyboard in response to a given theme. All entries must contain a positive message and be able to educate other young people. More information about the winning and shortlisted films can be found at childnet.com/film/winners.
This year, the Childnet Film Competition is made possible thanks to kind support from the BBFC, Disney and the MPA.
About Childnet
Childnet is a UK-based charity who empower children, young people, and those who support them in their online lives, and its mission is to work with others to make the internet a great and safe place for all children and young people.
Launched in 1995, just two years after the public launch of the open web, Childnet has delivered a positive impact with its empowering, youth led, evidence based and collaborative approach to online safety and has given children and young people the skills they need to navigate the internet safely and in a positive way.
As one of three charities in the UK Safer Internet Centre, Childnet coordinates Safer Internet Day in the UK, which reaches millions of UK children every year with online safety information about key issues.
Classical Guitarist Richard Haslam Saturday Lunchtime Concert at St Chad’s
Preview by Steve Cooke
The latest Saturday lunchtime concert in the atmospheric St Chad’s sees Richard Haslam, a Derbyshire-born classical guitarist and guitar teacher based in Bury. He completed a post-graduate degree in music performance at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, under the tutelage of Australian guitarist Craig Ogden in 2017, having previously earned a BA (Hons) in music from the University of Hull in 2013.
Since completing his studies, Richard has given recitals as both a soloist and within a variety of ensembles. In July 2023 he performed Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez with Derby Concert Orchestra and did so again in June 2025 with Salford Symphony Orchestra. He is currently scheduled to perform the same concerto with Todmorden Orchestra in November of this year.
He teaches privately from his home (and online) in the Bury area and for Trafford Music Service in Greater Manchester as an instrumental tutor, where his role includes individual and group lessons, leading guitar ensembles and delivering wider opportunities programs to whole year groups within primary schools.
Concert Programme:
Variations on a Theme of Handel - Mauro Giuliani
Lagrima, Adelita and Sueno - Francisco Tarrega
Lough Caragh and Benga Beat - Gary Ryan
Bagatelles 2, 3 and 4 - Sir William Walton
Valseana and Jongo - Sergio Assad
Concert starts 12 noon - £6, pay on the door
Light refreshments available from 11.30 am.
Further info: phone 01706 639162 , email: jm_stchadschurch@outlook.com
Saturday 1 August - St Chad’s Parish Church, Sparrow Hill, Rochdale OL16 1AF
Side‑by‑Side Festival returns this August
Preview by Steve Cooke
Side‑by‑Side Festival returns this August for three days under the theme “It Belongs to You.”
Working together with Touchstones and the Creative Voices panel of local people from Rochdale Borough, the festival is rooted in belonging. It champions local voices, centres care and connection, and supports young people through creativity and collaboration.
Each day has a distinct focus and is inspired by an object of significance, creating space for shared experiences, reflection and participation. Join us over three days for fun-filled creative activities in Rochdale Town Centre!
Rochdale Town Hall is hosting Side-by-Side whilst Touchstones is closed for redevelopment.
It belongs to you.
A festival made by the people of Rochdale Borough, for everyone. You can take part in free activities like making art, playing games, performances, film screenings food and more – all created by local communities.
Explore the pop-up space ‘Temporary Touchstones’ near Touchstones on Rochdale Town Hall Square and discover what happens when we all work Side-by-Side. There are plenty of ways to get involved, so create something special together!
Cultural Partners:
\
Skylight Circus Arts, M6 Theatre, Quarantine, Creative Health, Playful Anywhere, Wild Things Performing Arts, Make Mouth Music, Tate, National Galleries Scotland, ARTIST ROOMS, Theatre in Flow, Elevate Young Minds.
High School Musical starring Jason Donovan opens next month from Hope Mill Theatre at the Lowry
Preview by Steve Cooke
Icon Jason Donovan will play Coach Bolton and Disney royalty KayCee Stroh (High School Musical Trilogy) stars as Ms Darbus in Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. They join Tobias Turley (ITV’s Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream), Leonor Correia (Six), Caitlin Tipping (Frozen) and Luke Bayer (Titanique) as Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay and Ryan respectively.
Based on the hit Disney Channel Original Movie- join Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High as they navigate the highs and lows of first love, friendships, and self-discovery — all while juggling classes, basketball games, auditions and the expectations of their peers. This fresh and exciting new production will transform the Lowry’s Lyric Theatre into an immersive East High experience, with extended staging and on-stage seating that puts the audience right in the middle of the game.
\
Co-directed by Hope Mill Theatre founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton, with a book by David Simpatico and music adapted, arranged and produced by Bryan Louiselle, this will be High School Musical like you’ve never seen it before.
Featuring all the hit songs from the original film, including Breaking Free, We’re All In This Together, Stick to the Status Quo, Get’cha Head in the Game and many more.
*Jason will not be performing in the shows on Saturday 19 September.
Jason said:
“High school musical was such a massive part of my kids early childhood. As a parent and as a musical fan the film was family entertainment at its best. Magical! Loved it. Popular culture has a cycle, and I’m delighted to be joining this new reimagined High School Musical theatrical experience 20 years on from when I first discovered the film. Looking forward to seeing all in Salford.”
Matthew Eames, Co-Head of Theatres (Contemporary & Commissioning) at Lowry said:
“Following A Christmas Carol, we are delighted to be working again with Hope Mill Theatre. We all felt there was a real opportunity to build on the success of that show by working together more closely, identifying musical projects that we feel our collective audiences will be excited to experience on our Lyric stage. HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL is the first of these. It’s a truly iconic show that launched the careers of some huge stars. HMT are teaming up with Chris Harper Productions who presented The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe last Christmas, this will be a Summer to remember, and we can’t wait for the East High Wildcats to come to Salford!”
To book visit: https://www.thelowry.com/whats-on/high-school-musical
New Dawn Fades at Heywood Civic
Preview by Steve Cooke
Heywood civic continue to offer excellent opportunities to experience high quality live theatre.
Coming in September New Dawn Fades is the funny, moving and powerful story of Ian Curtis and the rise of Joy Division.
Set against the backdrop of the post-punk explosion in 1970s Manchester, the play follows four ordinary young men who came together to form one of the most influential bands of all time: Joy Division.
Blending humour, drama and music, New Dawn Fades charts the band’s rapid rise from the Manchester clubs to the brink of international success, with Ian Curtis at the centre of it all — a young man grappling with fame, creativity and personal turmoil. Following Curtis’ tragic death in 1980, the remaining members would go on to achieve worldwide success as New Order.
Written by the award-winning Brian Gorman, New Dawn Fades guides you through the heart and soul of both the band and the city, introducing historical figures, including Roman General, Julius Agricola, Dr John Dee, Friedrich Engels, Paul Morley, and Pete Shelley of Buzzcocks! The result is a spellbinding journey of love, passion, grief, and of course music, drawing inspiration from the enigmatic lyrics of Ian Curtis, with a soundtrack featuring iconic hits of the late 1970’s UK music scene, including of course Joy Division.
A smash hit when it debuted at the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival in July 2013, New Dawn Fades has continued to wow audiences across the country, playing to capacity crowds and standing ovations.
For many shows at Heywood Civic, they have three prices to choose from for the same seat:
A standard price – fair pricing for the show you’re going to see
A slightly lower price – for people who need it
A slightly higher price – if you’d like to help support their charitable work
You can select the right price for you at checkout: https://heywoodcivic.co.uk/book/?show
Standard: £28.35
Lower: £26.25
Higher: £30.45
120 minutes
7.30pm on Sunday 6 September at Heywood Civic, Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
You can find Heywood Civic on Peine Square in the centre of Heywood, near Heywood Library. As well as having a small car park for visitors, Heywood Civic is also close to several bus routes linking to Rochdale, Bolton, Bury, Middleton and Manchester city centre.
They are an accessible building with a casual vibe – no need to dress up to enjoy events or cafe, just be yourself!
Saturday 22 August – Saturday 19 September at The Lowry Theatre, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
RECOMMENDED
Saturday, 25 July 2026
Reading Group - Middleton Library
Free
Last Saturday of every month. Discover new authors and discuss books with other readers in this friendly and relaxed reading group.
Books are provided and loaned through the library. Refreshments will be provided.
For adults
No booking required, you can just turn up.
1.30pm - 2.30pm
Middleton Library, Long Street, Middleton M24 6DU
Saturday, 25 July 2026
Monthly Lego Club - Langley Library
Last Saturday of every month. A monthly Lego Club with a different theme each session. All creations will be displayed in the library until the following month. There's Duplo for younger children.
Free
For families with children aged 4 and over.
Booking required: Please book by 4pm the day before a session. You can book by:
Emailing langley.library@rochdale.gov.uk
Phoning 0161 654 8911
Calling into the library
10.30am - 12pm
Langley Library, Windermere Road, Middleton M24 4LA
Saturday, 25 July 2026
Kids' Club - Wardle Library
Come along and get creative at our craft table.
Free
Last Saturday of every month. These themed Kids' Club activity sessions will include crafts, activities and challenges.
For families with children aged 4 and over.
No need to book, you can just come along.
10am - 12.30pm
Wardle Library, 448 Birch Road, Wardle, Rochdale OL12 9LH
Saturday, 25 July 2026
Code Club - Rochdale Central Library
The sessions will be fun and informal.
Free
Come along and learn how to code at our Code Club.
For families with children aged 7 and over, and teenagers.
No need to book, you can just come along.
11am - 12pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Monday, 3 August 2026
Little Reads at Rochdale Central Library
Free
First Monday of every month. Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs and play to explore children’s picture books.
For families with children aged 2–6.
This is a space for you and your little ones to have fun sharing a story, singing, moving and playing. Remember to join in yourself as your children love to copy you.
No booking required, you can just turn up.
10am - 10.30am
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Wednesday, 5 August 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.
Free
For adults, families and teenagers.
No need to book, you can just drop in.
1.15pm - 3.15pm
Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
Wednesday, 29 July 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Voci Voices: Elizabeth Ambrose soprano, Eric Cymbir tenor, Mackenzie Paget baritone and Jonathan Ellis piano
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
Comments