Exciting year ahead for town

ROCHDALE is poised for an exciting year as Greater Manchester's Town of Culture, with more than 35 arts organisations bringing together an ambitious programme of festivals, performances, exhibitions and events.

- BY CHRISTOPHER JONES

The town kicked off its tenure last month with a nature-themed parade that drew over 2,500 people to Rochdale Town Hall Square, and the opening of an outdoor gallery featuring 24 new pieces of public art.

The title, awarded to the town by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, recognises Rochdale's rich history, creativity, and diverse arts scene. The town plans to enhance its cultural capital and global reputation as the birthplace of the co-operative movement with a programme that runs until March 2026.

'People power' will be centre stage, with residents helping to plan, develop and deliver much of the line-up of creative activity alongside several major events like The Herds, a major new work of public art and climate action by the team behind Little Amal.

This event on Friday, July 4 will see puppeteers bring life-sized animal puppets to the streets around Mutual Mills and into Queen's Park as part of Manchester International Festival, along with music, comedy and other entertainment in Heywood's bars and restaurants.