Rochdale Town Hall has launched a new series of Relaxed Recitals in collaboration with the Stoller Hall's creative engagement team, which works closely with Chetham's School of Music and Chetham's Library. The initiative aims to develop pupils' experience of performing in various venues and before live audiences.
First Recital in the Great Hall
The first recital took place in the Great Hall, a light and airy space adorned with rose windows, a gigantic organ, and stained-glass depictions of British monarchs. The setting encouraged attendees to relax, with tables set out and complimentary hot and cold drinks available (donations welcome, booking advised).
Chetham's students, accompanied by an accomplished staff member, delivered high-standard performances. Avelyb performed the Allegro moderato from Chopin's cello sonata with wonderful tone. Trumpeter Ewan played his Grade 8 exam pieces, Funk and Andante from Sonata No 2 by Allen Vizzutti, clearly relishing the works. Matilda sang How beautiful are the feet by Handel, Pie Jesu by Faure, and Till there was you from The Music Man by Meredith Wilson with admirable purity of tone. Rodion closed the recital with Poulenc's Clarinet Sonata, refreshingly fluent and energetic.
Second Recital in the Council Chamber
The second Relaxed Recital was held a week later downstairs in the former council chamber, offering a more intimate and historically rich atmosphere. Performances included The Tang Quartet (Jennifer, Emma, Thea, and Amy) playing arrangements of Over the Rainbow for flute quartet, The Changing of the Guard, and Bizet's Chorus of Urchins, with two players switching to piccolos. The Flint Trio (Thea, Amy, and Ling) performed arrangements of a trio by Krebs and Tchaikovsky's Danse Des Mirlitons from The Nutcracker. The Arkwright String Quartet (Coco, Isla, Enzo, and Chloe) produced a wonderful range of collective expression in Mendelssohn's String Quartet No 2 in A minor.
Cellist Isla played an unaccompanied piece, Julie-O by Mark Summers, featuring modern improvisatory styles including jazz and percussive effects. Violinist Enzo performed Allemande from unaccompanied Partita No 2 for violin by JS Bach. The recitals showcased the exceptional talent of young musicians, comparable to BBC Young Musician of the Year standards.
Belfield Art Group Exhibition
Belfield Art Group (BAG) is holding an art exhibition at the Coach House, Lodge Street, in Littleborough. Established in 2000, the group started as a small gathering of artists meeting weekly for two hours to paint in watercolours. They later introduced tutored lessons in watercolour and acrylic from established artists.
Chairman Neil Bamford said: “When I joined the group in 2012, I had never picked up a brush. Under the tutorage of Huge Templeton and with help from the late Rev Robin Morris, who was in charge, I was encouraged by the group to take up painting as a hobby.” Today, the group has 24 artists with tutors in watercolour, mixed medium, acrylic, pastels, charcoal, and collage. Bamford added: “We break down the elitist attitude that surrounds art as we have no barriers of age, diversity, disability or abilities.”
The exhibition runs from Saturday, June 27, to Saturday, July 26, 2026, open 11am-3pm at the Coach House. The group holds an annual exhibition at St Ann Church, but this year it is excited to move to the new venue.
Super Saturday Summer Reading Challenge Launch
Rochdale Library is hosting a Family Fun Day on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 12 noon to 2pm, to launch the Summer Reading Challenge 2026. The theme celebrates the joy of music, with music-inspired arts and crafts, stories, and activities. Families can register for the challenge and receive a booklet to track reading progress. Children who complete the challenge will receive a medal and certificate (while stocks last) and be entered into a prize draw.
The event features giant floor games, indoor sports, musical storytime, parachute play, and carnival crafts. It is free and no booking is required, but activities are first come, first served. Suitable for families with children aged 4 to 11, with adult supervision required. Both library members and non-members are welcome.
Thank You for the Music Showcase
Falinge Park High School presents a free musical showcase, "Thank You for the Music," on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 5-6.30pm at the school. The event features solo performances, bands, and ensemble groups, celebrating student talent. Free parking is available, and reservations can be made via the school website.
Panto Returns to Heywood Civic
Pantomime returns to Heywood Civic this Christmas with Aladdin, starring Coronation Street's Helen Flanagan as The Spirit of the Lamp and Steven Arnold as Wishee Washee. The cast also includes Daniel Dean as Abanazar, Robby Khela as Aladdin, Freya Freda as Princess Jasmine, Robert Stuart-Hudson as Dame Betty Bubbles, and Anthony Proctor as Sgt Pepper/Genie of the Lamp.
The production runs from Saturday, December 12 to Sunday, December 27, 2026. Tickets are on sale now, priced £12.60 to £16.28. The show promises song, dance, comedy, and magic for the whole family.
Other Events
Heywood Scribblers meets at Heywood Library on the first Wednesday of every month (July 1) from 1.15pm to 3.15pm, offering free creative writing sessions for all abilities. Toad Lane Concerts continue weekly on Wednesdays (July 1) at St Mary in the Baum, featuring the Notability Choir; doors open at 12 noon, concert from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, cost £6. Bring Your Own Book Club meets every other Saturday (July 4) at Rochdale Central Library, 12pm-1pm, free. Tin Man and the Scarecrow, a family dance show by Joss Arnott Dance, takes place at Smallbridge Library on July 4, 11am-11.30am, free but booking required by July 3.
All Across the Arts celebrates creative arts and artists, supporting individual and community wellbeing.
