Rochdale’s streets were transformed this month as hundreds of residents and visitors took part in Stories We Tell: Rochdale - a striking night-time light and audio walk that invited audiences to experience the town in a completely new way. The twice‑nightly guided tour ran over two weeks and was produced by local company Breaking Barriers as part of Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.

Blending large‑scale projections, archive footage, soundscapes and real stories from residents, the experience offered an intimate look at Rochdale’s identity through memories, lived experiences and local voices.

A New Chapter Following the Deeplish Debut

Four years after a similar format premiered in Deeplish, this new edition reflected on how Rochdale has changed and what has stayed the same. Featuring video, imagery, audio and personal memories shared by local people, the walk reimagined familiar streets in unexpected ways. Described as a “love letter to Rochdale,” the journey began at Rochdale Railway Station, where participants donned headphones and stepped into a world of sound and light.

The hour‑long route travelled through the hustle and bustle of Milkstone Road, Drake Street and Baillie Street, before ending with a striking final projection on Rochdale Town Hall Square.

Stories of Belonging, Change and Community

Each evening, audiences encountered stories reflecting belonging, hope and identity. Voices included those of families who have lived in the town for generations, alongside more recent arrivals celebrating the warm welcome they received and the town’s fascinating history - famously mentioned in the Domesday Book - as well as the positive changes of recent years.

Tales ranged from heartfelt reflections to humour, including former mayor councillor Billy Sheerin recalling his 1970s life in one of the College Bank (Seven Sisters) tower blocks and watching cricket from his balcony: “that cricket pitch is now an Asda!” he joked.

Landmarks Brought to Life Through Light and Sound

At every turn, the experience revealed small but powerful details about Rochdale’s heritage. Audiences stepped inside the magnificent Grade II listed St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church for a beautiful light show.

Lighting effects also transformed Rochdale Fire Station, recreating the sparkle of its famous ballroom, which once hosted sold‑out gigs from well-known performers.

Music played a key role too. Local artists - guitarist Ed Jamil, rapper Micah Stalgic and indie‑folk band Syncere - performed outside Voltalab Music Studios on Kenion Street, where pioneering artists such as OMD, The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Joy Division, Inspiral Carpets, A Certain Ratio and The Fall recorded between 1977 and 2001.

The walk also highlighted two murals from the Common Walls street art trail. “Rochdale is one of those places I always want to come back to,” said Hayley Garner, street mural artist and curator of last year’s Common Walls International Mural Festival.

Beloved local institution San Remo, owned by the same Italian family for decades, featured too - complete with its nostalgic Lancastrian menu - and welcomed visitors after each performance.

A wander down the listed buildings of ‘Northern Quarter cool’ Baillie Street led participants towards the final projection at Rochdale Town Hall, showcasing more memories, illustrations and the voices of local people.

Celebrating Rochdale’s Past, Present and Future

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation, said:
“There’s another side to Rochdale, stories that need to be told, a history and a future that should be shouted about. This was an amazing production by Breaking Barriers and a powerful way to honour our past, celebrate the present and keep the stories of our community alive for future generations. I couldn’t help but be captivated by the stories and the real lives they represented, and also by the affection that so many people have for the town they call home. As we move towards the final few weeks of what has been a breathtaking year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture this really has been another one of the highlights.”

The project was supported by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency, with funding from the UK Government’s Community Regeneration Partnership and support from Arts Council England.

Looking Ahead: A Model with National Potential

Parvez Qadir, artistic director of Breaking Barriers, hopes to take the Stories We Tell model further:
“This project was born here, shaped by local people and rooted in the everyday stories that make Rochdale extraordinary. It shone a light on the rich creative diversity and resilience that has always existed in this town. Feedback has been amazing, tickets for every session were snapped up within the first two weeks of release, so we know the demand is there and we’d like to bring something like this back in the future. It also provided opportunities for fantastic young producers, production staff, sound designers and engineers and film-makers, supporting the next generation of local creatives too. I also must thank our incredible team of volunteers who looked after our audiences so well during the experience.”

Part of an Exceptional Cultural Year

Rochdale: Stories We Tell formed part of an impressive programme of festivals, exhibitions and live events during Rochdale’s tenure as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025–26, a title awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority in celebration of the town’s creativity, heritage and diverse arts scene.

Find out more at: www.rochdale.gov.uk/TownOfCulture