LIGHT FANTASTIC!

Guided audio walk illuminates history of town

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ROCHDALE'S streets were transformed into an immersive nighttime light and audio experience as hundreds of residents and visitors explored the town as it's never been seen before, thanks to 'Stories We Tell: Rochdale'.

Running twice nightly over two weeks, the guided audio walk performance was produced by local company Breaking Barriers as part of Rochdale's year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, telling the story of Rochdale through real memories, voices and lived experiences of local people.

Four years on since a similar experience debuted in the town's Deeplish neighbourhood, this new edition reflected on what has changed, what has remained and tales that continue to shape Rochdale's identity.

Featuring real stories, archive images, video and audio recordings shared by residents, the experience re-imagined the streets in new and unexpected ways.

Described as a 'love letter to Rochdale', the experience began at Rochdale Railway Station with participants donning headphones and listening to powerful sounds while buildings and streets came to life.

There were multiple illuminations and projections on the hour-long tour that included the hustle and bustle of Milkstone Road, Drake Street and Baillie Street, before the finale on Rochdale Town Hall Square.