Rochdale Rising Music Showcase to Debut at Refurbished Heywood Civic
The first-ever Rochdale Rising event promises to deliver a high-energy live music showcase, meticulously curated by Common Ground. This collective represents the town's next generation of music producers, aiming to platform the incredible diversity and raw talent within the Rochdale music scene. The event will take over the impressively refurbished Heywood Civic Centre, transforming it into a hub for musical celebration.
A Celebration of Local Musical Diversity
From soulful alt-pop and indie-rock to floor-filling DJ sets, Rochdale Rising offers more than just a typical gig. It serves as a vibrant celebration of wonderful local talent, highlighting the area's creative spirit. The lineup features an exciting mix of emerging artists, each bringing their unique sound to the stage.
Ellysse Mason captures nostalgic sounds from the 80s and 90s with crunchy guitars and a bittersweet rock-pop edge. Her music is deeply personal and unapologetically authentic. With support from BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, and BBC Introducing, she arrives at the Civic fresh from performances at iconic venues like Band on the Wall and Manchester Academy 3.
The Tails, an upcoming band from Heywood, are swiftly building their community and passion. They bring raw local energy and an infectious indie-rock spirit, embodying the definition of homegrown talent.
25th Hour delivers groove-driven indie music shaped by movement, connection, and high-energy live shows. Formed across Greater Manchester and Rochdale, their sound is specifically designed to get crowds moving.
Coyote, formed in Leeds by Rochdale's own Rohan Young, is an indie-rock four-piece that originated from a university collaboration in 2020. After years of gigging and writing, they are well on their way to releasing their first major body of music in 2026.
DJ Adam Statham brings a musician's soul to the decks. As the Atlas frontman and Factory International regular, he will spin a curated mix of rare tracks and groovy house records. From 80s gems to modern-day floor-fillers, Adam will maintain seamless energy throughout the night.
Accessibility and Ticket Information
As a Common Ground event, organizers are committed to making the night accessible for all attendees. Heywood Civic is a fully accessible venue, and anyone with specific access requirements is encouraged to contact the box office in advance.
For this special show, tickets are available on a free or pay-what-you-can basis. Audiences can select the option that works best for them during the checkout process, ensuring financial barriers don't prevent anyone from enjoying the event.
The Rochdale Rising showcase will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2026, starting at 7:30 PM. This event is open to ages 16 and above, unless accompanied by an adult. Heywood Civic is located at LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way in Heywood.
Additional Cultural Events Across Rochdale
Rochdale's cultural calendar remains bustling with various creative events throughout March 2026. The Say It Out Loud! poetry event at Middleton Library on March 5 celebrates World Book Day with bold, rebellious poetry and spoken word performances. This free event features Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver and guests, including social media sensation The Chubby Northerner.
Altered Skin presents "When We See Ourselves" at Rochdale Ukrainian Club on March 12. This powerful performance combines movement with words to explore cultural differences and relationships, set against the historical backdrop of 18th-century botanist Carl Linnaeus.
The Curtain Theatre in Rochdale will host Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from April 25 to May 3, 2026. This beloved musical theatre classic tells the biblical story of Joseph through catchy songs and vibrant performances, presented by Curtain Theatre Rochdale and Whitworth Amateur Dramatic Society.
Regular community events continue across Rochdale's libraries, including Lego clubs, kids' craft sessions, reading groups, creative writing workshops, and the popular Toad Lane Concerts at St Mary in the Baum. These initiatives support individual and community wellbeing through creative engagement.
