Rochdale's cultural calendar is bursting with opportunities for young creators, theatre lovers, and arts enthusiasts, with major projects and performances scheduled well into 2026.
Ebor Studio Launches 'Good Shout' for Young Creatives
A groundbreaking cross-artform project for 16-21 year olds, named 'Good Shout', is now recruiting. Run by the wonderful Ebor Studio, this is not a passive workshop but a hands-on, co-creation experience. Participants will work directly with experienced artists to build a live event from the ground up, which will take over the Rochdale Exchange during the Rochdale Youth Arts Festival in March 2026.
Young people will join one of three small groups, each led by specialist artists. They will help choose the creative direction, shaping the look, sound, rhythm, and atmosphere of the final showcase. The adult artists are there to facilitate, not dictate, offering a unique chance for genuine artistic leadership.
Exploring Diverse Artforms
The project is split into three key streams. The Sound + Music group offers a chance to experiment with new equipment and techniques, working with professional musicians. The Photography stream allows exploration of various mediums and equipment, working with a pro to document the project and create images for the final event. Finally, the Textile Art + Wearable Design group will use industry-standard sewing machines to create wearable artwork, costumes, and sculptural garments.
Interested young creatives aged 16-21 must sign up by Tuesday, January 6, 2026. More information and booking is available on the Ebor Studio website.
The Curtain Theatre Presents 'Improbable Fiction'
Meanwhile, The Curtain Theatre, one of Rochdale's hidden gems, is currently staging Alan Ayckbourn's play, Improbable Fiction. Directed by Karen Knox, the comedy takes place at a meeting of the Pendon Writers Circle, whose members are all struggling with writer's block.
The first act introduces the eclectic group in the home of Arnold, played compellingly by Paul Dawson. The second act bursts into life as the writers' imagined stories—spanning historical romance, alien abduction, and 1930s detective fiction—hilariously interweave. The production offers a great evening's entertainment at very reasonable prices, supporting this traditional theatre that harks back to a more glamorous era.
A Festive Feast of Song and Supporting the Arts
The festive season was brilliantly launched by the 1,166th Toad Lane Concert at St Mary in the Baum. The prize-winning Voci Voices returned with an international programme of Christmas music, featuring carols from Austria, Ghana, Ukraine, Poland, Italy, France, and Wales.
In other arts news, The Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery (FRAG) continue their vital support for Touchstones Rochdale. They have a series of key meetings planned for 2026, starting on January 8 with artist Harry Meadley. Annual membership is just £10, offering discounts on talks and private views.
Additionally, Hope Mill Theatre in Ancoats will host the dark comedy Post Traumatic SLAY Disorder, written and performed by Offie-nominated Lois-Amber Toole, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Regular Community Events
Rochdale's libraries also host regular free community events. These include a monthly Reading Group at Middleton Library, a Monthly Lego Club at Langley Library for families, and a weekly Kids' Craft Club at Wardle Library.
From empowering youth projects to cherished local theatre and community gatherings, Rochdale's arts scene is a vibrant testament to community creativity and wellbeing.
