The historic Great Hall at Rochdale Town Hall was filled to capacity for a special Christmas organ spectacular, featuring virtuoso performer Jonathan Scott. The annual festive event sold out several weeks in advance, continuing a popular local tradition.
A Historic Instrument and a Modern Virtuoso
The concert showcased the magnificent James Jepson Binns organ, an instrument with a royal history. It made its debut over a century ago on July 9, 1913, during a visit by King George V and Queen Mary. Jonathan Scott, an Associate Artist of Manchester's Bridgewater Hall, paid tribute to it as an outstanding instrument in an equally outstanding building.
Scott, who trained at Chetham's School of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music, guided the audience through a festive programme with skill and engaging commentary. His connection to the instrument is personal, having paid 50p per hour to practise on it as a student and making a definitive video recording just before the pandemic.
Festive Programme and Online Reach
The performance featured Scott's own arrangements of well-known works, starting with pieces by Tchaikovsky and Saint-Saëns, followed by his own Prelude and Fugue on Good King Wenceslas. The programme also included adaptations of Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Humperdinck's Evening Prayer, and Adam's O Holy Night, concluding with Scott's Christmas Rhapsody.
A highlight was the Musical Christmas Crackers game, where Scott combined a well-known classical work with a carol, challenging the audience to name both. For those who missed the sold-out show, it is available to view on the Scott Brother Duo YouTube channel, which attracts millions of views.
Local Arts and Culture Preview for 2026
The new year brings a vibrant schedule of arts events across Greater Manchester. At the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, Jim Cartwright's award-winning play Road will run from February 13 to March 14, 2026. Directed by Selina Cartmell, the 40th-anniversary revival features a cast including Lucy Beaumont, Shobna Gulati, and Johnny Vegas, with Sir Tom Courtenay appearing on film.
HER Productions will present Noël Coward's Private Lives at Hope Mill Theatre from January 28 to February 8, 2026, before moving to The Dukes in Lancaster. Artistic director Hannah Ellis Ryan stars as Amanda, alongside Charlie Nobel as Elyot.
Local community groups are also active. The Sisters in Stitch sewing group, which meets at Hare Hill House in Littleborough, recently donated 15 embroidered cushions to help RSPCA fundraising. They welcome new members at their next meeting on January 14.
Other Upcoming Events
Toad Lane Concerts continue their weekly music series at St Mary in the Baum on January 7 with the More than Melody Ladies Choir. The series holds the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.
A book launch and exhibition for Notes from College Bank by artist Ellie will be held at Ebor Studio in Littleborough on January 10. The project documents the social history of Rochdale's College Bank buildings, with proceeds supporting Prostate Cancer UK.
Music fans can enjoy One Night of Billy Joel at Middleton Arena on January 10, featuring Robert Schmuck and a seven-piece band performing the artist's greatest hits.
Regular community groups include the Wardle Library Reading Group (first Monday monthly) and Heywood Scribblers creative writing sessions (first Wednesday monthly).
For organ music enthusiasts, the Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside Organists’ Association (ORTOA), of which Jonathan Scott is Honorary President, has events planned for 2026 starting with organ duettists Carol and Peter Kwater on Saturday, January 31.
