Factory International is hosting its popular Artist Drop-in event in Rochdale, offering a relaxed setting for artists to connect and share ideas. The event takes place on Thursday, May 21, from 6pm to 8pm at Richard Street Studios, 44-46 Richard Street, Rochdale, OL11 1DU. Attendees can meet the Factory International Artist Development Team and the Breaking Barriers Team, including artistic director Parvez Qadir, executive producer Jodie Ratcliffe, and creative producer Ella Marshall. The venue also features the new exhibition Desi United by Iqra Saied. Richard Street Studios, located in the centre of Rochdale, provides creative workspaces for the local art community and is fully accessible with step-free and wheelchair access. For more information, contact the studio manager at studio@breakingbarriersrochdale.com. This is a free or pay-what-you-want event.
Rapunzel at Heywood Civic
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 12 noon and 3pm, Heywood Civic will host a theatrical adaptation of Rapunzel by Bethan Woollvin, presented by award-winning family theatre company Wrongsemble. The show, full of music, magic, and madcap schemes, offers a bold and funny twist on the classic story. Ticket prices are flexible: £8.50 standard, £7.50 for those who need it, or £10 for those who want to support the programme. The venue is at LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood, Greater Manchester, OL10 1LW, and is accessible for wheelchairs and prams.
TLC Concert Review: Sinead D’Abreu-Hayling and Aaron Le Maistre
Sinead D’Abreu-Hayling, a Manchester-based lyric soprano, returned for a TLC concert after her successful debut last year. She was accompanied by pianist Aaron Le Maistre, who stepped in at short notice. Their programme included German lieder by Richard Strauss, songs by black composers such as Florence Price and Samuel Coleridge Taylor, operatic excerpts from Mozart and Puccini, and jazz standards like Autumn Leaves and Moon River. The performance showcased their versatility and technical skill. The concert was part of the Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts, held every Wednesday at 12.30pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. For more information, call 01706 648872.
Daniel Shao and Mark Rogers Concert at St. Michael’s Church
The Rochdale Music Society hosted a remarkable concert featuring flautist Daniel Shao and pianist Mark Rogers at St. Michael’s Church. The programme included Debussy’s Syrinx for solo flute, Chaminade’s Concertino, Chopin’s Nocturne in C sharp minor, Schumann’s Scenes from Childhood, and works by Verdi, Poulenc, Gluck, and Boehm. The performance was praised for its musicality and technical brilliance, leaving the audience in awe. This concert highlighted the exceptional talent of both musicians.
Icons on Ammo Boxes Reception Evening
On May 13, St. Edmund’s Church in Falinge will host a reception evening for Icons on Ammo Boxes, a collection of sacred artworks created on reclaimed ammunition boxes from the Ukrainian front line. The event features the Svitoch Ukrainian Chamber Choir and offers a free, pay-what-you-want experience starting at 7pm. The church is located at Clement Royds Street, Falinge, Rochdale, OL15 0AP.
Toad Lane Concerts - May 15
On May 15, the Toad Lane Concerts series will feature students from Chetham’s School of Music. The concert runs from 12.30pm to 1.30pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale. Doors open at 12 noon. Admission is £6. For details, call Dr Joe Dawson at 01706 648872.
Bookstart Baby and Bear Club at Balderstone Library
On May 14, from 1.30pm to 2.15pm, Balderstone Library hosts Bookstart Baby and Bear Club for babies and toddlers up to pre-school age. The free session includes fun activities and a Bookstart passport. Booking is required via Eventbrite. The library is at Balderstone Park, Platting Lane, Rochdale, OL11 2HD.
The West End Tenors at Middleton Arena
On May 16, at 7.30pm, the West End Tenors will perform at Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, M24 1AG. Tickets start from £25.20. The show celebrates musical theatre and film hits, featuring vocalists who have performed in Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and more. The venue is accessible for wheelchairs and prams.
