WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 27 JUNE 2025
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 1 minute ago
- 9 min read
An oasis of positivity celebrating the creative arts with previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations.
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 27 JUNE 2026
Previews: Poetry on the page: voices of Rochdale brought to life in books, The Drop – New Theatre Showcase, PoolEra — winners of Young Creatives of the Year and Merhaba - world music, art and halal food festival
Poetry on the page: voices of Rochdale brought to life in books
Preview by Steve Cooke
As previously previewed in this column two new anthologies of poetry, written by Rochdale residents inspired by its year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, have been published.
The first, titled ‘Weaving Words’, is a 120-page collection and captures the uniqueness of the borough, packed with poems celebrating local people and places. The second is aimed specifically at children, called ‘Poems to change the world.’ Both include over 65 new poems from a total of 96 local poets.
Both are highly recommended and well worth the money.
Over the last year, Rochdale’s inspirational Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver led writing workshops with residents and over 650 young people, drawing on Rochdale’s co-operative history as a source of inspiration. Many of the poems created feature in the books.
Both anthologies (£10 each) are now available to buy from any of the borough’s 16 libraries, or from Rochdale Pioneers Museum on Toad Lane.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “These two limited edition anthologies are such a fascinating souvenir of a moment in time. They will make you think and make you laugh. We’ve so much creativity and talent within our diverse communities that needs sharing so I’m so pleased now they’ve been published, so many more are now able to enjoy reading them.”
Sammy Weaver added: “These beautiful collections of poems really reflect our people, places and the moments that make this borough feel like home. The feedback and reviews we’ve had so far has been amazing.”
The anthologies include illustrations by local artist, poet and AATA writer Mark Rothwell and community artist Phoebe Foxtrot, as well as a painting by Elizabeth White.
The project was funded by National Lottery project grants from Arts Council England and Flexible Funds, the council’s township funding, delivered by Rochdale Borough Council’s local libraries and Rochdale Development Agency. It was part of a spectacular line-up of festivals, live performances, exhibitions and art during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture that ran until April 2026. The title, awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, celebrated the town’s rich history, creativity, talent and diverse arts scene.
The Drop – New Theatre Showcase
Preview by Steve Cooke
An open invitation to drop in Heywood Civic all day to see unexpected stories, original performances and the next hottest ticket in this new theatre showcase. One ticket gets you full access – drop in and out as you wish or stay all day!
See work by local talent from Your Trust and Rafia Hussain Productions’ Rochdale Future Theatre Makers programme – Leah Wild, Sam Jamil and Becky Kershaw – as they present the outcome of months of mentoring and workshops.
They’ll also be hosting new work from across the region and beyond, as well as Edinburgh Fringe Festival previews, so you can see the shows everyone will be talking about, before they hit the festival crowds.
Full line-up:
11am – Leah Wild: On the Heather Grows + Q&A
A new musical theatre piece in development, combining original songs, magical realism and heartfelt storytelling. Set in an overgrown garden filled with memories, the story explores motherhood, grief, creativity and connection across generations with warmth, humour and hope. For ages 6+
11.30am – Theatre in Flow: The Baobab Tree (extract) + short Q&A + workshop
The Baobab Tree is a work in progress by Rochdale-based Theatre In Flow. Come and see some early scenes and take part in a workshop that will feed into the development of the script. The play focuses on a relationship between two people living in temporary accommodation. It includes themes of migration, loneliness and racism, and may not be suitable for younger audiences.
12.45pm – Sam Jamil: God’s Gift (extract) + Q&A followed by extracts from digital screening of Sam Jamil: Ward 76
When a sudden power cut plunges a hospital into darkness, three teenage patients set off in search of WiFi and stumble into an unexpected adventure. Moving through hidden corridors and strange encounters, Ward 76 blends humour, mystery and heartfelt moments to explore friendship and growing up in hospital.
2.30pm – Becky Kershaw: FIX (script in hand extract)
Fix: – To repair, mend or make something whole again
To satisfy a craving for something Set in present‑day Rochdale, FIX follows Angie – outwardly strong and sharp‑witted, but quietly struggling with addiction, depression and the weight of past trauma. As her life unravels, unexpected moments of connection emerge at a local recovery meeting, offering glimmers of hope, love and friendship. Inspired by true events, FIX explores grief, resilience and the power of human connection, balancing raw honesty with humour and the possibility of redemption.
3pm – Out of Kilter: Flux
An impressionistic montage of contemporary urban life merging spoken word, physical theatre, music and sound effects. Set against the dramatic, ever-changing world of a city over 24 hours, Flux takes us on a journey through brief moments of people’s lives and the life of the metropolis itself, reflecting on universal themes of memory/mortality, vulnerability/resilience, love/loss, connection/alienation.
3.30pm – Natalie Bellingham: Marie Chou-Fleur
Meet Marie Chou‑Fleur: a gloriously absurd, big‑hearted guide to being human. Part clown, part confidant, she arrives with joy, foolish wisdom and an unshakeable belief in you. Speaking straight from the heart, Marie celebrates who we are, who we might become, and the stories we tell ourselves along the way. Funny, stupid and deeply heartfelt, this playful show invites you to laugh, dream bigger, and feel truly seen, leaving with a lighter spirit, a fuller heart, and the sense that maybe, just maybe, everything is possible.
4pm – Somnambulist Internationale Alone at 6, a reading of a new play by Mick Martin
This rehearsed reading is based on the story of Steve Hillman, a professional actor who grew up in the care system in 1970s and 80s Middlesbrough. Drawn from his lived experience, the piece reveals the lifelong impact of being a care leaver — the stigma, the survival and the voices that were never heard. Raw, honest and often darkly funny, it speaks for a generation and asks what it really means to be seen, listened to and believed.
7pm – Left for Dead Theatre in association with BoonDog Theatre: Brick
James is stuck. Adrenalized and alone with an unconscious cellmate in a police holding cell after throwing a brick during a queer rights protest, he unpacks the experiences that brought him here: a lifelong battle with identity, over-achievement masking loneliness, a family tragedy that left deep fractures. Pulled into protest culture through a crush on an artist/activist, personal grief and political fury collide. With dark humour and confession, this powerful new play – winner of the 2026 BoonDog Theatre Edinburgh Mentorship Scheme – examines how systemic neglect pushes vulnerable people toward dangerous obsessions and extreme acts. Contains very strong language.
8.30pm – Black Bright Theatre Company: The Hunger (a work-in-progress)
Megan and Deborah live alone on their farm in the Yorkshire Dales. What was once their home has now become their only refuge from an increasingly dangerous outside world. They have their farm, their food and each other. But when their fragile harmony is sent into a dark, downward spiral, the cost of survival is chillingly laid bare. Kitchen sink drama meets post-apocalyptic horror; The Hunger is about morality and motherhood at the end of the world.
For The Drop at Heywood Civic, they have three prices to choose from for the same seat:
£6: A standard price – fair pricing for the show you’re going to see
£5: A slightly lower price – for people who need it
£7: 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/the-drop-new-theatre-showcase/
From 12:00noon on 18 July at Heywood Civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood, Greater Manchester, OL10 1LW
Accessible viewing platform / area, wheel chair / pram accessible
PoolEra — winners of Young Creatives of the Year
Preview by Steve Cooke
Hailing from Rochdale, PoolEra are a high-energy indie/alt four-piece making serious noise across the music world with their original sound.
Frontman Ed Jamil can be seen to own the stage with raw energy and sharp-edged lyrics, while Seb Parry tears through lead guitar riffs, Calum Lucas drives the low-end groove on bass, and Alfie Duke keeps everything pounding on drums. It’s an exhilarating experience!
2025/26 has already been massive for the band. After being selected for the Factory Sounds programme, PoolEra worked alongside industry mentors and recorded a live version of ‘Tonight’ at the Adidas Abbey Road Studios inside Co-op Live. The studio version of 'Tonight' is to be released shortly on all streaming platforms.
PoolEra were also chosen for Rochdale Music Stories presents Kenion Street Album Launch Concert, where they reimagined and recorded OMD’s iconic track ‘Electricity’ with great praise and approval from OMD's Andy McClusky.
Outside of gigs and studio sessions, PoolEra are committed to supporting the next wave of talent — working with youth groups and creating opportunities for emerging artists across the local scene.
PoolEra are headlining The Castle Hotel, Manchester on Saturday 31st July.
Tickets are available via the link below.
Follow PoolEra on Instagram and TikTok and stream their music now on Spotify and all major platforms.
Merhaba - world music, art and halal food festival
Preview by Steve Cooke
Merhaba (welcome), a celebration of food, live music and artisan crafts from the Islamic world.
A family-friendly festival with free activities and rides for the children, live entertainment for everyone including:
Amazing homemade street food from Rochdale’s diverse community. Choose from dozens of great value dishes. There'll be Turkish, Pakistani, Ethiopian and more dishes to explore.
Live music from regional bands from around the world.
Artisan markets with handmade crafts from local and regional artists.
Art workshops, with children's art activities and games, free activities and fairground rides.
Free entry, food and drink available to buy
Email: info@theculturecoop.org
Created by the Islamic Arts Co-op, Merhaba brings everyone together for a day of community cohesion, togetherness and fun.
11:00 - 17:00 on Saturday 1 August in Rochdale Town Hall Square, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ\
RECOMMENDED
Saturday, 27 June 2026
Reading Group - Middleton Library
Last Saturday of every month. Discover new authors and discuss books with other readers in this friendly and relaxed reading group.
For Adults
Books are provided and loaned through the library. Refreshments will be provided.
No booking required, you can just turn up.
Free
1.30pm - 2.30pm
Middleton Library, Long Street, Middleton M24 6DU
Saturday, 27 June 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.
For families with children aged 2 and over, and teenagers.
No need to book, you can just turn up.
Free
12pm - 1pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Saturday, 27 June 2026
Kids' Club - Wardle Library
Come along and get creative at our craft table.
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.
Free
10am - 12.30pm
Wardle Library, 448 Birch Road, Wardle, Rochdale OL12 9LH
Saturday, 27 June 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.
For Families with children aged 7 and over, and teenagers.
No I need to book; you can just come along.
Free
11am - 12pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Wednesday, 1 July 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.
For adults, families and teenagers.
No need to book, you can just drop in.
Free
1.15pm - 3.15pm
Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Notability Choir
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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