previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 29 MARCH 2025
ROCHDALE YOUNG POET IN RESIDENCE 2025 to 2026
By Steve Cooke
Are you a young person aged 16 to 25 living, working or in education in Rochdale, passionate about the written and spoken word, want to develop your talent, earn some money and have an opportunity to share your poetry with your fellow Rochdalians?
If the answer is yes, then Rochdale Young poet in Residence is the perfect opportunity for you.
In May 2025, Councillor Janet Emsley will become the 52nd Mayor of the Borough of Rochdale. In the same year 2025 to 2026, Rochdale will be the Greater Manchester Town of Culture
Rooted in our history as the birthplace of the Worldwide Cooperative Movement, the Town of Culture programme puts ‘People Power’ centre stage. encouraging people to work together to deliver an ambitious programme that elevates creativity, celebrates diversity, tells new stories, opens minds, forges relationships, and renews our pride in place.
Our Town of Culture has plenty of opportunities for Young People to help plan and shape activities and share their creativity, from a Young Producers Programme to the Town of Culture Youth Arts Festival.
A passionate advocate for Arts, Culture, education and equalities, Councillor Emsley, as Mayor Elect now wishes to commission a Young Poet in Residence to work alongside the Rochdale Poet Laureate to record and celebrate both our Town of Culture, and the Mayoral Year.
The Project will be supported and overseen by the Year in Poetry Project Steering Group which consists of the Mayor of Rochdale, representatives from the Cultural sector, the Council’s Library Service and Rochdale Development Agency.
As Rochdale’s Young Poet in Residence, you will help capture and celebrate our people and places, building on Rochdale’s rich co-operative history to celebrate our past; and through your poetry find new ways of sharing our young people’s ambitions for the future.
As Rochdale’s Young Poet in Residence, you will have the opportunity to create new Poems and share your talent with a wider audience through:
Drawing on Rochdale’s rich history and the uniqueness of our townships and the people that make them, you will create at least 6 new poems.
Your poetry, that of the Poet Laureate and some of our Creative learning participants will feature in an exhibition that will tour to libraries in each of the Townships
As part of our Year of Culture and our Urban Arts Festival you’ll have the opportunity to put forward one of your poems to be immortalised in a large scale mural in Rochdale Town Centre.
As young poet in residence you’ll have free access to 5 poetry events, one in each of the 5 townships featuring professional poets and spoken word artists. You may even get the chance to perform your poetry as part of the events.
Our Town of Culture 2025 to 2026 will end with a book containing poems created by our Poet Laureate, the Young Poet in Residence and young people and residents who have taken part in workshops. The final book will be distributed through our libraries.
As our Young Poet in Residence, you’ll have the opportunity to work with the steering group to select the final poems and content in the book.
As Rochdale Poet Laureate 2025 to 2026 you will supported by the Rochdale Poet Laureate. They’ll give you advice and guidance to help you develop your work. You’ll have the opportunity to shadow and gain an insight and understanding into the life of a working artist.
You will also be invited to attend the Mayor’s Inauguration on 14th May 2025 at Rochdale Town Hall
As well as having the opportunity to develop your poetry and share your talents with a wider audience. You will also earn a fee as our Rochdale Young Poet in Residence of £3,000
Potential Young Poets in residence can apply for the post by writing a letter outlining:
• Why you would like to be Rochdale Young Poet in Residence 2025 to 2026
• How this commission will help you develop your career in the arts
• How would you approach the work, what inspires you, what would you like to explore through your writing
• You will also need to submit some example of the poems you have already created. (no more than 5)
Deadline for submission: 12 Noon Friday 11th April 2025
Shortlisted young poets will be invited to an interview with a panel of members from the Project Steering group to find out more about the role and share their thoughts about how they wish to approach the commission.
Interviews: Friday 25th April 2025.
For further information and an informal conversation about the commission please contact Pete Courtie (Head of Culture and Placemaking) at p.courtie@investinrochdale.co.uk
PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED FOR 2025 MANCHESTER INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
PREVIEW BT STEVE COOKE
Factory International has announced the eagerly anticipated 2025 edition of Manchester International Festival (MIF) from Thursday 3 July to Sunday 20 July 2025, the first under new Creative Director Low Kee Hong.
Working with partners across the city and the world to build on the MIF legacy, the wide-ranging, multi-artform programme of groundbreaking world premieres will inspire fresh perspectives, challenge conventional thought and invite audiences to ‘dream differently’ - envision new possibilities, brighter futures and utopian spaces. Presenting some of the most exciting creative minds of our generation, the programme champions indigenous artists and creators from the Global South, expanding the Festival’s renowned international impact as well as fostering deep connections with local artists and communities in the North West of England.
Creative Director at Factory International, Low Kee Hong says: “It has been an incredible journey building the MIF25 programme with such a diverse range of artists from around the world whose voices are ever more critical in these challenging times. They encourage us to lean into visions of other possible futures, encounter cosmologies unfamiliar to our own, and enter into worlds that propose a re-enchantment of dreaming to rediscover our ability for joy, hope and belief in each other and our communities to build these tomorrows we want to be part of.”
Blackhaine, Eric Cantona, Edgar Davids, Richard Russell, Juliet Ellis, FAFSWAG, Andy Field and Becky Darlington, Ryan Gander, John Grant, Shilpa Gupta, Germaine Kruip, Juan Mata, Amir Nizar Nuabi, Ntombizodwa Nyoni, Orchestral Qawwali Project, Paul Pfieffer Keiken, The Royal Ballet, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Rosabel Tan, Ella Toone, Venture Arts, Jonathan Watkins, Edward Watson, Josh Willdigg and Santiago Yahuarcani are just some of the names who will be contributing to this extraordinary bi-annual celebration of creativity in 2025.
The Festival celebrates Manchester as a global hub of creative innovation, presenting work throughout the city and surrounding areas. MIF25 is a celebration of homegrown artists returning to the region with many of the artists programmed originally coming from the North West. As well as welcoming artists from all over the world to venues across Greater Manchester, the Festival is venturing further out than ever before with new work being presented in Rochdale and Wigan.
This year will be the first edition of the Manchester International Festival hosted within the fully operational Aviva Studios; home of Factory International. The festival will span Aviva Studios, partner venues such as HOME and the Royal Exchange, as well as unique found spaces on the city streets.
MIF25 will continue to build and strengthen its relationship with the people of Manchester and the North West with nearly 800 local people and 600 children taking part in this year’s festival.
On the opening weekend hundreds of participants will join puppeteers in THE HERDS to parade animals made in Manchester through the city streets and beyond to open the festival. 160 young people will participate in a schools showcase taking over Festival Square and 489 school children from across all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester will work alongside artists to create The Inheritance.
There will also be three specific weekends of community activations curated and hosted by MIF’s Neighbourhood Organisers, who will host afternoon showcases featuring cabaret, performance and comedy.
The buzzing heart of MIF, Festival Square, returns with a free programme of live music and performances outside Aviva Studios, and this year also flowing indoors to the Social. There will also be a talks programme, to be announced in due course.
Digitally, Factory Settings launches a new project by award-winning design studio Superflux for MIF25. Marking the beginning of a long-term partnership, which will explore the ecological future of Aviva Studios’ post-industrial site, the collaboration will launch with an augmented reality experience on the Factory Settings free AR app.
This year's festival will also see six Factory Fellows working directly alongside creatives and production teams; 15 Factory Sounds artists, as well as 400 incredible Festival volunteers.
John McGrath, Chief Executive and Artistic Director at Factory International says: “It has been such a delight to welcome Low Kee Hong to Manchester and to see his ideas for the future of MIF develop. With a global outlook and deep local engagement, the 2025 edition of Manchester International Festival, curated by Kee Hong, promises to be an exciting new step in the story of this unique festival of new work from the world’s great artists. Our wonderful new year-round home, Aviva Studios, will form a joyful centre to the festival, while we also partner with artists and organisations across Greater Manchester to ensure a festival for everyone.”
Rivca Burns Head of Music at Factory International says: “I’m very excited and honoured to share the first wave of music collaborations and shows artists for this year’s festival! A collection of global and local artists that will bring special and one-off performances to Manchester and really challenge what live music can be, alongside the return of Festival Square, which will see hundreds of performances from musicians and artists of Greater Manchester. The music projects as part of this MIF are a celebration of collaboration, of the importance and power of grassroots of not just this city that we call home but the world, and it cements this building, Aviva Studios, as a playground where truly magical and unexpected live performances can happen that welcome audiences and artists to the unknown.”
Councillor Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader, Manchester City Council said: “Manchester's worldwide reputation as a city of culture and the arts is in no small part thanks to Manchester International Festival and the groundbreaking new works it has presented every two years across the city since the very first festival back in 2007. This year's programme sounds just as brilliant with some amazing artists and creatives set to take over the city this July. As well as producing creative work that is consistently innovative, often spectacular, and always thought-provoking - much of which goes on to tour the world - the fantastic opportunities the festival also provides for local people of all ages to get involved, learn new skills, and play a part in its success, either as participants, staff, or as one of the festival's huge army of volunteers, make a real difference in the city and literally do help change lives for the good.”
Rebecca Ball Area Director, North, Arts Council England says “Manchester International Festival has a well-deserved reputation for programming pioneering work from across the creative spectrum and the 2025 programme is no exception. A fantastic array of national and international artists and organisations will bring their creativity to Manchester for the first festival to be hosted within the fully completed Aviva Studios, as well as collaborations with other city centre venues. It’s also great to see that some events will take place in Rochdale and Wigan so local communities can experience the activities on their doorstep. Manchester International Festival brings audiences from far and wide to the city, while involving communities across Greater Manchester and bringing significant economic benefit. We’re proud to support the festival and I look forward to experiencing some of the events over the summer.”
Tickets for MIF25 are on sale now.
RECOMMENDED
Sunday 30 March 2025
Chaand Raat
Join us for our annual Chaand Raat, marking the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid celebrations.
A fun event where there will be many stalls selling food, desserts, perfumes, jewellery, tombola, clothing, mehndi and much more.
Stalls are £25 and are only booked on payment. Please call 07837 828754 to book a stall.
Free entry to the public
Phone: Tasneem 07837 828754
4pm until late
Castlemere Banqueting Hall, 8 Castlemere Street, Rochdale OL11 3SW
Sunday 30 March 2025
Alkrington Alternative Market
A new alternative market launches in Alkrington, Middleton – a haven for the quirky and handmade.
Alkrington, Middleton is about to welcome a brand-new shopping experience for lovers of all things alternative, handmade, and unique.
With around 40 incredible stalls, this market is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates gothic, witchy, quirky, and handcrafted products. Expect to find alternative art, jewellery, clothing, home décor, candles, and much more, all crafted by talented independent makers.
Food lovers are in for a treat, too! The market will feature delicious food vendors and a coffee barista horse food cart, ensuring visitors can grab a bite while browsing the eclectic selection of stalls.
Each month, the market will also host a charity tombola supporting different causes. The first event will be raising funds for the RSPCA, helping to support animals in need.
Whether you’re a collector of the unusual, a supporter of small businesses, or just looking for a great day out with a fantastic atmosphere, this market is the perfect place to explore.
Mark your calendars and join us for the launch on 30th March – and don’t forget to check out the market every month to discover new and exciting stalls! For updates, follow us on social media and stay tuned for more details.
Free
Phone: Mr Lee M Yates 07807 457703
11am - 4pm
Alkrington Community Centre, Hardfield Road, Alkrington M24 1TQ
Tuesday 01 April 2025
Rochdale & District Camera Club
Session: Lighting talk.
Using Ambient lighting with Flash and or LED. Maybe emphasise lighting outside - odd lights, different times of dates. Golden Hour, Blue Hour, etc.
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 2025 syllabus.
Phone: Pete Williams 07967 969136
8pm - 10pm
Syke Methodist Church Hall, Syke Road, Rochdale OL12 9TF
Tuesday 01 April 2025
Knit and Natter
We hold a 'Knit and Natter’ in the Marian Room every Tuesday afternoon.
Everyone is welcome to drop by and call in for a chat with friends, old and new.
The church will also be open for anyone who would like to take time for prayer and reflection.
Phone: 01706 631973
1.00pm til 2.30pm
Saint John The Baptist Catholic Church, Dowling Street, Rochdale OL11 1EX
Wednesday 02 April 2025
Tea Dances with Prima Dance
Join us as we waltz back into a cherished tradition and let the rhythm of sequence dancing sweep you off your feet.
The Tea Dance will fill the Grand Hall every first Wednesday of the month. Immerse yourself in an afternoon of joy and connection, as friends old and new come together to enjoy the magic of dance.
Prima Dance invites you to glide in harmony with your fellow dancers while executing the same routines, moving gracefully in an anticlockwise direction around the room. Each step you take offers a chance to bond with others, making memories that linger long after the last note fades.
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to try something new, we warmly welcome all skill levels.
Mark your calendars and prepare for an enchanting mix of rhythm, relaxation, and reconnecting. We can't wait to see you back on the dance floor at Rochdale Town Hall.
£6.50 including refreshments
Phone: 01706 924797
1pm - 3pm
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Wednesday 02 April 2025
Whitworth Historical Society
“Clog Dancing of the Lancashire Wallopers” by Robynne Wood
(note: - this will be held at the URC schoolroom)The “Wallopers” were originally formed in 1981 by followers and students of the legendary clog dancer and music hall entertainer Sam Sherry. Sherry, described variously as an acrobatic dancer, clog dancer, musician and singer, was part of an act, The Five Sherry Brothers, which toured the country’s leading variety theatres during the 1930s. Keen to keep the skill of walloping (clog Dancing) alive, in his later years Sherry became an enthusiastic teacher of the genre. Robynne, one of today’s troupe of Wallopers, uses explanation and demonstration to take us through some of these fascinating routines.
Whitworth Historical Society have a programme of monthly lectures, which are usually held on the first Wednesday in every month, between the months of October and June, at 7.30pm.
Visit the link below for a list of upcoming talks/lectures.
Free but donations welcome
Phone: Secretary 07816 911 556
7.30pm start
Whitworth Heritage Museum, North Street, Whitworth OL12 8RA
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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