Rochdale's Cultural Scene Flourishes with Theatre Revamps and Poetry Events
Rochdale's arts and culture landscape is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, marked by significant theatre refurbishments and a rich programme of community-focused events. From ambitious dance productions to intimate poetry readings, the borough is showcasing its creative spirit and commitment to cultural regeneration.
Heywood Civic Reopens with Family-Friendly Programme
Heywood Civic has triumphantly reopened following an extensive refurbishment, unveiling a modernised theatre space with upgraded facilities and a brand-new bar and kitchen. The venue is launching with a diverse programme of family theatre events, including performances such as The Detective Dog, The Ultimate Bubble Show, and Kpop Fantasy. In a move to enhance accessibility, the theatre has introduced a Pay What You Can ticketing model, allowing families with lower household incomes to book discounted tickets without the need for evidence. Additionally, a free Family Fun Day is scheduled for Sunday, March 1, featuring arts, crafts, and games for all ages.
Joss Arnott Dance Presents 'Meet the Hatter'
In celebration of its 15th anniversary, Joss Arnott Dance returns with its most ambitious production to date: Meet the Hatter. This cinematic dance and multimedia show offers a fresh retelling of the iconic Hatter character from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The production integrates dance, storytelling, original music, digital projection, lighting, and animation to create an immersive experience. The narrative follows the lonely Hatter as he uses his imagination to craft his own magical version of Wonderland, exploring themes of play and self-belief. Performances are set for Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Heywood Civic, with tickets starting from £7.88.
Northern Voices and Identity Poetry Event
Spotland Library will host a special afternoon of poetry and spoken word titled Northern Voices and Identity, exploring what identity means in 2026. Hosted by Rochdale's Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver, this event features powerful Northern voices, including award-winning poet Hafsah Aneela Bashir, poet Mike Garry, and local poets Yasmin Hussain and Sid Calderbank. The programme includes a poetry exhibition showcasing writers from across the borough, with books available for purchase. This event is part of a borough-wide series celebrating new poetry and creative voices, funded by Arts Council England and forming part of Greater Manchester's Town of Culture programme for 2025/26. Booking is required for this free event, which takes place on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Curtain Theatre Set for Exterior Transformation
Rochdale's historic Curtain Theatre, which recently celebrated its centenary, is set to receive a dramatic new look with plans to repaint its facade in the theatre's signature red, along with new signage and exterior lighting. This investment, delivered by Rochdale Development Agency, aims to improve the theatre's visibility and appearance, encouraging new audiences and enhancing the Milkstone Road area. The designs, developed by architects IF_DO in collaboration with the theatre's volunteer team, celebrate the venue's rich history while looking toward its future. Councillor Sue Smith highlighted that this work puts culture at the heart of regeneration, ensuring benefits extend to the wider neighbourhood.
Community and Cultural Activities Across Rochdale
Beyond theatre and poetry, Rochdale offers a wide array of community events. These include Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak, a storytelling and stand-up performance by Victoria Melody at Rochdale Ukrainian Club; weekly creative writing sessions at Heywood Library; classical music concerts at St Mary in the Baum; and visits to Fireground Museum to explore Greater Manchester's firefighting history. Regular activities such as reading groups at Spotland Library and Lego clubs at Alkrington and Wardle libraries further enrich the borough's cultural tapestry, fostering engagement across all age groups.
This burst of cultural activity underscores Rochdale's role as a hub for arts and community, supported by partnerships between local authorities, development agencies, and grassroots organisations. With ongoing investments and a packed events calendar, Rochdale continues to strengthen its cultural identity and community wellbeing.
