Part of the Rochdale Music Stories campaign in 2026, fans of the iconic music recorded at the legendary Cargo Studios and Suite Sixteen are invited to a very special one-off show this spring.

Rochdale boasts a rich and diverse musical legacy

From Gracie Fields to The Courteeners, Lisa Stansfield to Autechre and where groundbreaking music continues to thrive. And between 1977-2001, it was home to both Suite Sixteen and Cargo Studios on Kenion Street, Rochdale, where trailblazing artists like OMD, Inspiral Carpets, A Certain Ratio, Fall, Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, and Joy Division - among countless others - recorded some of their best work.

Launching Rochdale Music Stories

Fast forward to 2026, and Rochdale is Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. As part of this exciting year, the Rochdale Development Agency launched ‘Rochdale Music Stories’ – an exciting collaboration between The Stockport Music Story and Voltalab Sound Studios. Funded by Arts Council England as part of this innovative project, 14 local artists have been invited to reimagine classic tracks that were recorded at both Cargo and Suite Sixteen studios, for a new album due for release on a limited-edition vinyl, ‘Rochdale Music Stories presents: Kenion Street’ coming soon.

Exclusive one-off live event

In tandem with the release, all of the artists who have lent their talents to the project will exclusively perform their renditions for a special one-off live show at Heywood Civic, a venue which has recently been transformed thanks to a multi-million pound investment.

Taking place on 14 March 2026, audiences can expect appearances from an array of local talent including: 

• K-Estate
• Micah Stalgic
• Desyfer & Emma Konnanov
• From The Ground Up
• PoolEra
• Medley
• P*Starr
• Blvckout,
• The Velvet Shadow
• Leo HC

Each of whom will perform their unique take on a Cargo or Suite Sixteen recorded classic.

The event will be compered by Inspiral Carpets legend Clint Boon, who will also be chatting to some
very special guests as part of the event.

Tickets are on sale now, priced from just £13.65 - available here.