Rochdale Town Hall is set to host a free Steampunk Festival on Saturday, September 19, from 10am to 4pm, organized by the team behind the Haworth Steampunk Weekend. The event will transform the Town Hall and Square into a hub of costume, craft, performance, and alternative heritage, celebrating the artistry and community spirit of Steampunk culture. No booking is required.
New Leadership for Rochdale Development Agency
Rachel Laver has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Rochdale Development Agency (RDA), a not-for-profit company established by Rochdale Borough Council in 1993 to drive regeneration. Laver brings over 25 years of experience in economic development, having previously served as CEO at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce. She will focus on the Atom Valley project, which aims to create 17 million square feet of employment space in advanced manufacturing.
Paul Ormerod, chair of RDA, said: “Rachel’s commitment to partnership working reflects our long-standing tradition of co-operation, while her track record in innovation and low carbon development aligns with the new wave of reindustrialisation across Greater Manchester. We look forward to working with her to move the borough forward with ambition, creativity and purpose.”
Vision for Arts and Culture
Laver highlighted the success of Rochdale's year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025/2026, which featured 257 events. She attended the Culture Awards just before starting and was impressed by the community spirit. “The event gave me a flavour of the communities, the coming together and commitment to doing something good for the area. It was my first time in the town hall, and I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was,” she said.
Laver sees RDA as a convener: “I see our job as to hide the wiring. I see RDA as the convenor. We can bring in money that the council doesn’t have access to.” She emphasized partnership working with Your Trust and community groups to address anti-social behaviour and secure funding, regardless of which organization brings in the grant.
Future Plans: Touchstones and National Town of Culture
Laver is excited about Touchstones reopening in 2027, with plans to bring art from London, including works by Picasso and Turner. “We need to make sure that local people are aware of this and that we bring people in from outside the area. You could come to Rochdale to see a Picasso and a Turner wow! We need to package this up - don’t just come to Rochdale for a day - come for a week,” she said. RDA is also bidding for the national Town of Culture in 2027.
A new website, This is Rochdale, will promote the borough to businesses, highlighting infrastructure, workforce, and culture. Laver noted, “I recently got told off for saying that I was a bit surprised about how beautiful Rochdale is, but it is and that is not the impression people have.” A campaign called “So You Thought You Knew Rochdale” is being considered.
Other Cultural Events
In Manchester, the immersive VR experience “Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City” runs at Transmission House, 11 Tib St, Manchester M4 1AF, costing £20 (£13 concessions). The 40-minute VR experience is suitable for ages 10+ and is wheelchair accessible.
Aviva Studios hosts an Ai Weiwei Film Weekend Marathon from August 21-23, featuring nine films over three days, including “Human Flow” and “Cockroach.” Tickets are available for single films, day passes, or the full weekend.
From December 8, 2026 to January 10, 2027, Lightroom at Aviva Studios will present “Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs,” narrated by Damian Lewis, with a score by Hans Zimmer. The same venue also features “David Bowie: You’re Not Alone” during the same period.
Locally, Rochdale Central Library hosts a free Lego Club every other Saturday from 12pm-1pm, suitable for families with children aged two and over. The Toad Lane Concerts continue weekly on Tuesdays at St Mary in the Baum, with doors open at 12 noon and concert from 12.30-1.30pm, costing £6.
