WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2026
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2026
Poetry Spotlight – Farah Rehmani
Previews: Celebrate World Book Day with an evening of bold, rebellious poetry and spoken word at Middleton Library, Rochdale Rising - The sound of the Dale has a new home, When We See Ourselves plus Curtain Theatre Rochdale & WAMDS present... Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
POETRY SPOTLIGHT – FARAH REHMANI
Farah RehmanI was born in Rochdale and has lived and worked here all her life.
“I have always enjoyed writing poetry, but after my little boy Michael was Stillborn, poetry helped me express to my family and friends how I was feeling. I also found reading other people’s poems and literature helped me grieve.”
When The World Stopped
I'm sorry there's no heartbeat
No life in those tiny feet
They won't run through the grass
Or laugh down by the sea
I'm sorry my dear
They won't be waiting, you see
They've already gone to a special place you can't be
You Can't visit
It's too far away
A place made only for babies
Filled with sunshine no rain
All they will ever know is happiness, no pain
And please don't worry,
They will be so loved by all the ones gone before
But I'm sorry my dear
There's no heartbeat anymore
Celebrate World Book Day with an evening of bold, rebellious poetry and spoken word at Middleton Library.
Preview by Steve Cooke
Say It Out Loud! Poetry of Rebels event with Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver and guests celebrates World Book Day with an evening of bold, rebellious poetry and spoken word at Middleton Library.
This this high-energy session is part of an outstanding series of events across the borough celebrating creativity as Rochdale shines as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture 2025/26.
You can expect fresh, fearless voices and performances that demand to be heard with Poetry that packs a punch, words that challenge, entertain, and spark conversation, no stuffy readings!
Confirmed performers include:
The Chubby Northerner - poet, performer, and social media sensation
Sean Cooney - songwriter and writer of Peter's Field
Thomas M Ryan
Eileen Earnshaw
An opportunity to meet some of the performers, and discover daring words, local talent, and maybe even pick up a few writing tips.
This series of events is brought to you by Rochdale Libraries, Rochdale Borough Council, and Rochdale Development Agency, funded by Arts Council England and Flexible Funds, and forms part of Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture programme for 2025/26.
The event, like all the others in this series, are free, open to everyone, and guaranteed to inspire. So, get your tickets while they’re available.
Free / Pay What You Want
The event will run from 7pm - 8.30pm.
Thursday 5 March 2026
Middleton Library, Long Street, Middleton, M24 6DU
Rochdale Rising - The sound of the Dale has a new home.
Preview by Steve Cooke
The first ever Rochdale Rising promises a high-energy live music showcase curated by Common Ground, a collective of the town’s next generation of producers.
The event will take over the impressively refurbished Heywood Civic to platform the incredible diversity and raw talent of the Rochdale music scene.
From soulful alt-pop to indie-rock and floor-filling DJ sets, will be more than just a gig – a celebration some wonderful local talent.
Featuring:
Ellysse Mason: Capturing the nostalgic sounds of the 80s and 90s with crunchy guitars and a bittersweet rock-pop edge, her music is personal and unapologetic. With support from BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and BBC Introducing, she arrives at the Civic fresh from iconic venues like Band on the Wall and Manchester Academy 3.
The Tails: An upcoming band from Heywood, The Tails are swiftly finding their community and passion. Bringing raw local energy and infectious indie-rock spirit, they are the definition of homegrown talent.
25th Hour: Groove-driven indie shaped by movement, connection and high-energy live shows. Formed across Greater Manchester and Rochdale, their sound is designed to get the crowd moving.
Coyote: Formed in Leeds by Rochdale’s own Rohan Young, Coyote is an indie-rock four-piece that grew out of a university collaboration in 2020. After years of gigging and writing, they are well underway to releasing their first major body of music in 2026.
DJ Adam Statham: Bringing a musician’s soul to the decks, the Atlas frontman and Factory International regular will be spinning a curated mix of rare tracks and groovy house records. From 80s gems to modern-day floor-fillers, Adam will be keeping the energy seamless all night long.
As a Common Ground event, the organisers are committed to making the night accessible for all. Heywood Civic is a fully accessible venue. Anyone with specific access requirements is encouraged to contact the box office.
For this show, tickets are free or pay what you can. Audiences can select the option that works best for them at checkout.
This event is 16+ unless accompanied by an adult.
Supported by Your Trust, Heywood Civic, Brighter Sound, Cartwheel Arts and Rochdale Creates. Funded by the Rochdale Town Board, Arts Council England, Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency.
19:30 Saturday 7 March 2026
Heywood Civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood, Greater Manchester, OL10 1LW
When We See Ourselves
Preview by Steve Cooke
Twenty years on, Vanessa and Aravindan look back at the day their families met for the first time and what began as an unexpected romance became beset by cultural difference.
Their 21st century relationship is set against the life of 18th century botanist Carl Linneaus, whose early attempts to classify all living things had far-reaching and devastating consequences.
Altered Skin creates powerful performances by combining movement with words. They use everyday stories and real-life experiences as a starting point to explore deeper ideas and themes.
From £10.50
19:30 Thursday 12th March 2026
Rochdale Ukrainian Club, Mere Street, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL11 1HJ
Curtain Theatre Rochdale & WAMDS present... Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Preview by Steve Cooke
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's beloved musical theatre classic that tells the biblical story of Joseph, his colourful coat, and his rise from slavery to power in Egypt. Packed with catchy songs and humour, it's a dazzling tale of dreams, hope, and forgiveness.
“Two societies…One iconic musical…And a whole lot of colour…”
Expect all the colours, dreams, and belting harmonies the Curtain Theatre and WAMDS [Whitworth Amateur Dramatic Society] join forces to stage one of the most beloved musicals of all time.
To book visit: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/curtaintheatrerochdale/joseph-and-the-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat/e-ryvyvd
Saturday 25 April 2026 - Sunday 3 May 2026
The Curtain Theatre Rochdale, Rochdale, OL11 1EB
The Curtain Theatre will be getting a new look, after plans for improvements to the exterior of the building have been revealed. The historic 180 seat theatre that has just celebrated its centenary, will soon benefit from a re-painted facade inspired by the theatre’s signature red, along with new signage and exterior lighting to improve its appearance and visibility as part of wider investment in the area delivered by Rochdale Development Agency. As well as giving the theatre, which was established in 1925, a more prominent and theatrical appearance, the investment aims to encourage new audiences and improve the appearance of Milkstone Road.
WAMDS [Whitworth Amateur Dramatic Society was formed in 1963 to bring the magic of live theatre to the area. They are a very warm and welcoming group of performers, creatives and theatre lovers who currently produce two musicals and a pantomime every year. On average over 50 volunteers take part in each production and attract around 3,000 audience members per year.
Visit: https://www.wamds.co.uk/
RECOMMENDED
Saturday, 28 February 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.
Books are provided and loaned through the library. Refreshments will be provided.
For Adults
No booking required, you can just turn up.
Free
1.30pm - 2.30pm
Middleton Library, Long Street, Middleton M24 6DU
Saturday, 28 February 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.
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
Free
10.30am - 12pm
Langley Library, Windermere Road, Middleton M24 4LA
Saturday, 28 February 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? No, you can just come along
Free
10am - 12.30pm
Wardle Library, 448 Birch Road, Wardle, Rochdale OL12 9LH
Monday, 2 March 2026
Wardle Library Reading Group
Discover new authors and discuss books with other readers at this friendly and relaxed reading group.
For adults and teenagers.
No need to book, you can just turn up.
Free
6pm - 7pm
Wardle Library, 448 Birch Road, Wardle, Rochdale OL12 9LH
Tuesday, 3 March 2026
Tuesday Reading Group - Spotland Library
Tuesday every 4 weeks. Read, share and discuss a range of fiction and non-fiction chosen from our extensive list of book titles in a relaxed and friendly group.
For adults.
No booking required, you can just turn up.
Free
11.30am - 12.30pm
Spotland Library, Ings Lane, Rochdale OL12 7AL
Wednesday, 4 March 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, 4 March 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Students from Chetham’s School of Music
The concert series has been held at St Mary’s since 2001 and was granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020.
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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