As the festive season winds down, Rochdale is offering a diverse programme of events to help residents relax, celebrate, and engage with the arts throughout January and beyond. From immersive wellness experiences to lively family discos and poignant musical tributes, there's something for everyone in the borough.
Unwind with an Immersive Sound Bath in the Great Hall
For adults seeking a serene escape after the hectic holidays, an immersive sound bath experience is scheduled for Thursday, 15 January 2026. The session will take place in the stunning Great Hall of Rochdale Town Hall from 6pm until 7pm.
During this unique event, participants will be soothed by resonant sounds and vibrations that echo around the historic hall. Attendees are asked to bring a mat, a blanket, and any other items to help them feel cosy. Given it's an evening session, pyjamas are welcome for ultimate comfort, allowing you to head straight to bed for a good night's sleep afterwards.
Tickets cost £8 and must be booked in advance online through Your Trust Rochdale. The organisers note that the session is not suitable for those in their first trimester of pregnancy, individuals with thrombosis, or those prone to seizures, advising consultation with a doctor before participating.
Festive Fun for Young Families
In the lead-up to Christmas, Rochdale Borough Council is hosting free Holiday Hive Christmas Mini-Discos for children. These events are set for Monday, 22 December 2025 at two locations: Langley Library from 10am to 11.30am and Wardle Library from 1.30pm to 3pm.
The sessions will begin with festive storytelling, followed by Christmas-themed craft activities. The party then truly starts as the lights go down and the disco begins, encouraging children to show off their best festive dance moves. The events are most suitable for families with children of walking age.
Booking is essential and is not a drop-in session. Every child attending requires a ticket, though accompanying adults do not. All children must be library members, and adult supervision is mandatory. Parents are asked to bring an appropriate drink for their child, as refreshments are not provided.
A Musical Tribute to a Local Maestro
The local arts scene recently witnessed a heartfelt celebration of the late Peter Collier, the esteemed harpsichordist and director of the Telemann Baroque Ensemble (TBE), who passed away recently. With the blessing of his widow, Pam, the surviving ensemble members performed a special tribute concert at St Mary in the Baum.
Peter Collier, a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music, was director of the Baroque Week Summer School for over four decades. He was known for his engaging introductions and for building a vast music library. The tribute performance featured the surviving ensemble members—Alastair Roberts (flute), Sarah Snape and Elaine da Costa (violins), John Goodstadt (viola), and Roger Bisby (cello)—playing works by Haydn, Mozart, and Telemann.
The future of the TBE remains hopeful, with aspirations to continue Peter's legacy in June. Meanwhile, the Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts continue every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the same venue, with an entrance fee of £6.
Other Notable Local Listings
A selection of other events rounds out Rochdale's cultural offering. The new musical Freaky Friday continues its run at HOME in Manchester until Saturday, 10 January 2026, presenting a contemporary, family-friendly take on the classic body-swap story.
For weekly musical nourishment, the Toad Lane Concerts host Alfred Anderson (baritone) and Joseph Dawson (piano) on Wednesday, 17 December. Additionally, families can enjoy a drop-in Christmas Craft Session at Littleborough Library on 18 December and a festive story and singalong at Langley Library on 19 December.
