Rochdale's cultural landscape is buzzing with an exciting array of artistic events this season, from heartfelt poetry exhibitions to family-friendly circus spectaculars and nostalgic silent film screenings.
Poetry Spotlight: Farah Nisa's Creative Journey
The town's Outdoor Gallery proudly showcases Farah Nisa's powerful work 'Creatively Me', launching a new weekly poetry initiative. Born and raised in Rochdale, Nisa began writing poetry as a young person, using it as a therapeutic tool for healing and self-expression.
Her writing explores complex themes including mental health, identity, love, and philosophical concepts with what she describes as a "raw and authentic voice". The poet confronts taboo subjects and personal struggles, offering readers intimate glimpses into her inner world.
The 'Poetry Spotlight - a poem a week' programme, running every Saturday, forms part of Rochdale's term as GM Town of Culture, organised in partnership with Rochdale Development Agency.
Family Entertainment: Shaun the Sheep's Circus Extravaganza
Meanwhile, Manchester prepares for the UK premiere of Shaun the Sheep's Circus Show at Aviva Studios this festive season. Running from December 11 2025 to January 4 2026, this family spectacle combines the extraordinary physical talents of Australia's Circa ensemble with the beloved charm of Aardman's animated characters.
The production brings together the internationally-acclaimed circus company and the Academy Award-winning studio behind Wallace and Gromit. Audiences can expect a visual feast packed with Aardman's signature comedy, incredible acrobatics, and vibrant circus skills that blur the lines between movement, dance, theatre, and traditional circus.
Under the artistic direction of Yaron Lifschitz, Circa continues to redefine contemporary circus, demonstrating how extreme physicality can create powerful emotional experiences for audiences of all ages.
Classic Cinema and Seasonal Delights
Rochdale Town Hall recently hosted a sell-out screening of The Phantom of the Opera (1925) in its original silent format, accompanied by the magnificent JJ Binns organ. Scottish organist Aaron Hawthorne delivered a virtuoso improvised performance, while mezzo Kirsty Duncan provided live vocal performances from behind the screens.
The event, part of the 2025 Silent Film Tour, saw the Great Hall transformed into an atmospheric picture house, complete with coloured uplighters framing the organ pipes. The organ itself, originally opened by King George V and Queen Mary in 1913, proved the perfect instrument for this nostalgic journey into cinema history.
Looking ahead, Rochdale prepares for its Santa's Village Ice Rink, opening November 21 2025 through to January 4 2026. The rink will launch during the Ignite Fire Festival and offers 45-minute skating sessions for all abilities, with ticket prices starting from £13.50.
Regular Cultural Programming
The town's cultural calendar remains packed with regular events including the Queen's Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts every Wednesday at St Mary in the Baum. Recent performances have featured students from Chetham's School of Music, the Telemann Baroque Ensemble, and Oldham Community Choir celebrating their ruby anniversary.
Additional highlights include free Lego Club sessions at Rochdale Central Library every other Saturday, and a thought-provoking event exploring the life of John Bright scheduled for November 16 2025 at Rochdale Town Hall.
With such a diverse range of cultural offerings, Rochdale continues to establish itself as a significant hub for arts and entertainment in Greater Manchester, providing opportunities for creative engagement across all age groups and interests.
