Say It Out Loud! Poetry of Rebels event with Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver and guests

Celebrate World Book Day with an evening of bold, rebellious poetry and spoken word at Middleton Library. 

Rochdale’s Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver will host this high-energy session, part of a series of events across the borough celebrating creativity as Rochdale shines as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture 2025/26. 

Expect fresh, fearless voices and performances that demand to be heard. 

Poetry that packs a punch 

Get ready for words that challenge, entertain, and spark conversation, no stuffy readings here! 

Confirmed performers include: 

• The Chubby Northerner - poet, performer, and social media sensation
• Sean Cooney - songwriter and writer of Peter's Field
• Thomas M Ryan
• Eileen Earnshaw 

Get involved 

Meet some of the performers, and discover daring words, local talent, and maybe even pick up a few writing tips. 

This event is brought to you by Rochdale Libraries, Rochdale Borough Council, and Rochdale Development Agency, funded by Arts Council England and Flexible Funds, and forms part of Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture programme for 2025/26. 

Together, we’re giving new voices a stage and celebrating creativity across the borough. 

The event, like all the others in this series, are free, open to everyone, and guaranteed to inspire. So get your tickets while they’re available. 

We’re looking forward to seeing you there! 

The event will run from 7pm - 8.30pm.