WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 4 JULY 2026

An oasis of positivity celebrating the creative arts with previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations.

WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 4 JULY 2026

Previews: More main stage acts announced for Rochdale Feel Good Festival plus Kell Wind Trio Concert in St. Chad’s Church  Rochdale

Reviews: Young musicians shine at Rochdale’s Summer Sizzler music event, A Melodious TLC Concert and Celebrity Recitals at the magnificent Rochdale Town Hall Organ 

Young musicians shine at Rochdale’s Summer Sizzler music event

Review by Steve Cooke

The future of our creative arts is in safe hands as evidenced by more than 220 gifted musicians, including children as young as seven years old, impressing local audiences with their talents.

This follows our excellent Rochdale Music Service’s annual Summer Sizzler event held at Middleton Arena, where local schools and children, who have been supported by the service, came together to perform in front of the Mayor of Rochdale and their friends and family.

With the sound of guitars, violins, flutes, trumpets and trombones playing in perfect harmony among many other instruments, participants played a variety of music, from traditional rock to classical ensembles, throughout the day during three separate concerts.

For some, this was their very first live musical performance as they played in small bands and a mass orchestra alongside pupils from different schools in the borough who they may otherwise have never met.

To tie in with the upcoming season, all of the music was summer themed, with special arrangements put together so that children, who have only just started playing and know a few notes, could still join in alongside more seasoned performers. Inclusivity like this is what widens the reach of the positive effects of participation in the creative arts and inspires the elite performers of the future

This included Rochdale Music Service’s very own innovative playful take on ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’, which had been reworded as 'The 12 Days of Summer' so participants could count down in song to items such as six inflatable dolphins and five rubber rings.

Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The annual Summer Sizzler event is an amazing opportunity for our children and young people to be a part of as they perform on stage and develop their abilities as talented musicians.

“It brings people of all ages together to show off their fantastic skills, and it is a wonderful acknowledgement of the teaching they receive from the council’s very own Rochdale Music Service.

“Our borough is incredibly gifted and on the music scene, it has been the birthplace to many famous hits including Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark’s (OMD), debut single "Electricity”.

“So, if anyone has been inspired to pick up an instrument or hit those high notes with their voice, I encourage you all to get in touch with Rochdale Music Service today.”

Rochdale Music Service provides a range of lessons to support people of all ages to improve their musical skills.

From teaching people how to sing and play instruments like the drums, piano or even the xylophone, there are lots of opportunities available.

The service also provides a variety of choirs and ensembles to take part in alongside music theory lessons for those wishing to elevate their understanding of music.

Anyone who would like more information on what Rochdale Music Service has to offer, can visit: www.rochdale.gov.uk/rochdale-music-service

More main stage acts announced for Rochdale Feel Good Festival

Preview by Steve Cooke

It’s great to see local talent getting opportunities with Two new Rochdale bands playing the biggest gig of their careers this summer after being added to the line-up for Rochdale Feel Good Festival. House-pop, funk and indie disco four-piece K-ESTATE and rock band Metro will take to the main stage on Saturday 8 August. 

K-ESTATE, formed last year in Middleton, are described as a modern crossover between Happy Mondays and Jungle, playing euphoric, groove driven tracks that mix dance, house and electronic funk. They’ve already played a host of live shows, including support slots with Inspiral Carpets and have a busy summer ahead including slots at Kendal Calling, Lakefest and this home debut. The band were selected for the Rochdale line-up by London based international music agency Free Trade, after festival organiser Rochdale Development Agency put forward artists who appeared on the recent ‘Rochdale Music Stories presents Kenion Street’ album. Released this year, it celebrated the borough’s musical legacy, with local bands playing classic tracks by world renowned artists who recorded at the iconic studios.

Five-piece band rock band Metro will open the main stage. They also formed in 2025 but are rapidly rising.  In March they made the final of the Greater Manchester and Blackburn with Darwen Music Hub Battle of the Bands Competition, representing Rochdale.  Their style is influenced by a range of acts including The Foofighters and Deftones and they are heading to the recording studio in September. 

K-ESTATE and Metro will be joined at Rochdale Feel Good Festival by the previously announced headliners - pop/soul icon Gabrielle, rock band Ash, and Starsailor, alongside soul and funk pioneers The Allergies, and Manchester indie artist Alex Spencer, together with live music across indoor venues, a food and drink village and other entertainment. 

While early bird and phase 2 tickets are sold out, you can get discounted tickets (£30 + 7.5% booking fee) from rochdale.gov.uk/FeelGoodFestival or phone QuayTickets on 0161 876 2015.  VIP upgrade packages are also available.

The bi-annual festival is organised by Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council. Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation said: “We’ve got some extraordinarily talented and creative musicians in the borough so it’s great to see more local acts on the main stage at Rochdale Feel Good Festival, which has always provided a great platform for the borough’s talent. I’m very proud and looking forward to seeing them both on stage and supporting them on their musical journey.”

The festival is supported by the council together with sponsorship from local businesses, including Premier Kia, The Royal Toby Hotel, Hopwood Hall College and Transport for Greater Manchester. 

Once again, to cut single use plastic, tickets include a re-usable drink cup to be collected upon arrival at the festival site. 

The night before the festival (Friday 7 August) synth-pop icons Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) are performing a headline show at Rochdale Town Hall Square alongside post-punk legends Peter Hook & The Light, and Manchester’s post-punk/funk band - A Certain Ratio. 

For festival updates on Facebook go to www.facebook.com/feelgoodfestival follow @RochdaleFeelGoodFestival on Instagram and connect with @FeelGoodFest on X. On all social media search #FeelGoodFest26

A Melodious TLC Concert

Review by Dr Joe Dawson

This melodious Toad Lane Concert at St Mary in the Baum was the 1,190th since taking over from Rochdale council in 2001.

Jasmine Ai Higgs recently completed her master’s at the RNCM, where she also completed her undergraduate studies. She is a lyric soprano who performs a range of operatic and recital repertoire and is currently preparing the role of the Shepherd Boy in Tosca, in which she will also perform as a chorus member on tour with Flat Pack Opera. She works regularly as an ensemble singer and collaborative performer and has also worked with Streetwise Opera and participated in community opera projects with Glyndebourne, where she was awarded the inaugural Bill Weston Award.

Logan Ferris is in his final year reading music at the University of Manchester reading music. He is a first-study organist, and in his second year was awarded the Procter-Gregg Prize for organ performance. Gaining a distinction in his ARSM Piano Performance Diploma whilst still at secondary school, Logan’s current work finds him in demand as a recitalist and collaborative pianist, accompanying and directing a wide range of groups from community choirs, professional soloists and ensembles and operatic and musical theatre productions. Logan is currently sub-organist at Bolton Parish Church and an organist for the BBC R4 Daily Service and to the University of Manchester.

This accomplished pair of musicians, on the first steps of their promising careers, gave an enthusiastic and varied recital. With her exuberant personality, Jasmine quickly captured the hearts of the audience. She revelled in her theme, ‘Love me from Head to Toe’.

Starting with the head meant Rodgers and Hammerstein - I’m gonna wash that man right outta my hair, from South Pacific. This set the mood well.

Some of the songs were more serious ‘Art songs’ where she could demonstrate her technical and musical polish such as Vaughan Williams - Silent Noon. She also sang successfully in French and Italian.

To finish her theme, we had a beautiful setting of How beautiful are the feet by Julia Perry.

Logan’s accompaniments were excellent … and then we had a terrific encore by contemporary composer Jonathan Dove. Wow! That really set the place alight.

The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1 listed church of St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

Kell Wind Trio Concert in St. Chad’s Church  Rochdale

Preview by Steve Cooke

The next in the wonderful Saturday Lunchtime concert series in the stunning St Chad’s

Church features the Kell Wind Trio.

Since it was founded in 2015, The Kell Wind Trio has gained a reputation for giving lively and informative concerts which include accessible music of many different styles and genres – from music of the Baroque to accessible music from the 20th and 21st centuries.  Based in South Manchester, it has performed over 100 concerts throughout the North and the Midlands at venues including Shrewsbury, Doncaster, Preston, Chesterfield and Southport.

The Kell Wind Trio is named after the pioneering English instrumentalist Reginald Kell, who was the first clarinettist to use vibrato in orchestral concerts.

Kell Wind Trio are Alastair Roberts (flute), Penelope Bisby (clarinet) standing in for this concert and Ian Harvey (bassoon).

Alastair Roberts plays principal flute with a number of orchestras in the Manchester area including the Wilmslow Symphony Orchestra and the Cheshire Sinfonia.  He is a member of several chamber groups that perform regularly throughout the North West of England including the Telemann Baroque Ensemble.

Penelope Bisby studied at the RNCM and has worked freelance, teaching woodwind instruments and playing with such orchestras as Manchester Camerata, English National Ballet, Orchestra da Camera and various shows and musicals in Manchester and elsewhere. She has also performed in solo and chamber music recitals in the north and toured for the dementia charity Lost Chord, giving concerts in care homes. More recently she has become more active as a viola player, in, amongst others, Cheshire Sinfonia, the Silhouette Band, Morecambe Promenade Orchestra, and Academy of St Peters. She also enjoys choral singing and aims to sing at every English Cathedral(25 /42 so far!).

Ian Harvey was a Junior Exhibitioner at London’s Royal Academy of Music. His musical commitments include the position of principal bassoon with the Stockport Symphony Orchestra.  He runs his own business repairing woodwind instruments.

PROGRAMME

Divertimento in Bb (“St. Anthony”) Hob11:46 Haydn (Allegro con spirito – Andante – Menuetto - Allegretto)

Le Petit Ane Blanc Ibert Suite for Wind Trio                                      

Shostakovich (Moderato – Romance – Waltz - Galop)

Three Scottish Dances Op.59 Arnold (Vivace – Allegretto – Pesante)

Wind and Sea   Parry Jones (Allegro giocoso – Andante – Vivace)

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

12 noon on Saturday 11 July in St. Chad’s Church  Rochdale

Celebrity Recitals at the magnificent Rochdale Town Hall Organ

Review by Dr Joe Dawson\

RMBC/ORTOA (Oldham, Rochdale & Tameside Organists’ Association est.1908) Celebrity Recitals at the magnificent Rochdale Town Hall Organ - Soloist Jean Martyn. That’s entertainment! With touches of gravitas.

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The JJ Binns instrument in the Great Hall is a renowned civic pipe organ. It also represents a noble tradition of civic instruments in the UK that encourages the appreciation of adaptations of ceremonial, orchestral and secular music … for all.

It has extended its repertory since the restoration of the Great Hall to embrace cathedral virtusos to accompaniments for silent movie nights (Nosferatu and the Phantom of the Opera) and cinema organ playing.

So, an appropriate and worthy addition to the impressive ORTOA celebrity organist list was Jean Martyn, an acclaimed performer on keyboards. Largely self-taught from the age of 3, she gained ATCL and LGSM and became a teacher, organist and musical director … but always an entertainer.

Jean was a finalist on Britain's Got Talent 2011, which led to international performances, including Ronnie Scott's in London! This added to her distinction of being the only woman to record a CD on the Wurlitzer organ in the Blackpool Tower ballroom. She also played classical organ concerts.

During the pandemic, Jean's streaming sessions brought her music to a global audience and she continues to attract thousands of followers.

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Janet established herself as an entertainer instantly, engaging with the audience and interspersing endearing tit-bits of her life story between pieces.

Once mounted at the consoles with just a few shorthand chords to remind her, Janet’s determined vitality burst forth with the appropriately named  ‘I got rhythm’  by Gershwin. The noble Binns began to let its ankles show.

Janet’s programme was in effect a series of fluent extemporisations on themes that sometimes explored unusual textures:  ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’ really sang plaintively, and ‘Marches on a windy day’ was a potpourrie of tunes and effects – stormy with a touch of the circus and steam organ with the Binns gleefully splashing through puddles with delight.

Classical gravitas included ruminations on a childhood piano piece, Rubinstein’s Melody in F, which provided a charming segue into a medley of West End Musicals. Janet called out, ‘close your eyes, you’re now in London.’ And do you know, we were. Tunes from West Side Story, Les Mis and Phantom emerged complete with the character of the works. Handel’s Arrival of the Queen of Sheba was at a fiendish pace, lifting its skirts cheekily before moving seamlessly into a Beatles selection.

Childhood recollections came to the fore again with improvisations on Three blind Mice exploring even more unusual registrations and  slipping into heavy jazz. Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance No 4 brought us back round to Edwardian gravitas with just a soupçon of blue harmony.

All too soon, encore time came, but had room for requests and jazz to finish.

Then, just for good measure, Janet moved to the grand piano at the side of the stage to deliver the Warsaw Concerto! 

A great entertainer that gave enormous pleasure. The impressive Binns wore its sunhat well.

Next concert Tuesday 14 July 2026 at 1 pm William Campbell (Bradford Cathedral).

Admission £10 (concessions £8) concerts last one hour. Card or cash at the door or visit www.rochdaletownhall.co.uk/events or iao.org.uk/ortoa.

RECOMMENDED

Monday, 6 July 2026

Wardle Library Reading Group

1st Monday of every month. Discover new authors and discuss new books with other readers at our free, friendly and informal monthly meetings. Everyone's welcome.

Free

For adults and teenagers.

No need to book, you can just turn up.

Email: wardle.library@rochdale.gov.uk

6pm - 7pm

Wardle Library, 448 Birch Road, Wardle, Rochdale OL12 9LH

Monday, 6 July 2026

Little Reads at Rochdale Central Library

First Monday of every month. Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs and play to explore children’s picture books.

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.

Free

For families with children aged 2–6.

No booking required, you can just turn up.

Email: library.service@rochdale.gov.uk

10am - 10.30am

Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU

Wednesday, 8 July 2026

Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime

This week we have - Leda Mileto violin (Rome, RNCM, JRNCM tutor) & Kanako Mizuno piano(Toho Gakuen Japan, RNCM & RAM)

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

Phone: Dr Joe Dawson 01706 648872

Doors open 12noon, concert starts 12.30pm - 1.30pm