Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham visited Rochdale on Friday as more about the town’s plans for its year as town of culture were revealed during a preview event staged at the town hall.
Mr Burnham took a tour around the recently refurbished Rochdale Town Hall before heading to the nearby Voltalab Studios where he met international artist Shilpa Gupta and a Ukranian community choir as they rehearsed for Shilpa’s exhibition taking place in Rochdale this July as part of Manchester International Festival.
The mayor also got chance to see the new Town of Culture Outdoor Gallery on Drake Street, featuring 24 new pieces of public art.
Mayor Burnham said: “There is so much happening here over the next few months, Rochdale has the most magnificent town hall you could wish to see, such a rich cultural heritage, so we’re going to be celebrating this and all the history during the year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture. It’s easy to get here by public transport, and Rochdale will surprise you, it’s got so much to offer and it’s going to be a wonderful year in the spotlight.”
The Greater Manchester mayor’s visit was followed by a preview event at Rochdale Town Hall attended by creatives, artists, arts organisations, businesses and local leaders, including Rochdale MP Paul Waugh, as more was revealed about the spectacular year ahead.
The evening included a performance from Rochdale’s new poet laureate Sammy Weaver who read her poem inspired by the peregrine falcons that nest in the town hall before introducing two new poets in residence – Alende Amisi and Sasha Mostafa who will be capturing the spirit of Rochdale in words.
Sam Elliot from Bolton Council looked back on Bolton’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture which ended in March and explained how they shone a light on existing creativity as well as working in new ways with new audiences before wishing Rochdale good luck for the year ahead.
World renowned Shilpa Gupta took the stage to reveal the title of her latest work that will be premiered in Rochdale in July as part of Manchester International Festival. ‘You Are The Place’ is her upcoming multilingual sound installation which sees the Mumbai-based artist working with local residents to create a thought-provoking sound installation taking in different perspectives in a piece about waiting, persistence and hope.
Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council added: “We are in the early stage of a very exciting journey that will see us drawing audiences from across Greater Manchester and beyond to enjoy a fabulous programme of new events and activities as well as amplifying our existing offer. A really inspiring line-up celebrating the culture, history and future of Rochdale and our wonderful borough.”
The town hall preview event also featured Tabla performers from Aymen Arts, an atmospheric musical set by Rochdale guitarist Becky Langan and was brought to a close by Rochdale indie-rock band PoolEra who took to the stage for an energetic ten-minute finale.
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