News

Featured

• Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out

  Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.

• 🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• RECAP from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway on Day One

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• 🟥 LIVE Eurovision 2026 and what we all think during the final

  Live commentary on tonight’s Eurovision

• Rochdale promoted to the Football League after Wembley penalty shootout win

  Rochdale are back in the Football League after beating Boreham Wood on penalties at Wembley following a dramatic 2-2 draw after extra time.

• More from Featured
• Feed

Local News

• Metal recycling scheme provides £17,000 boost for Andy’s Man Club

  A national metal recycling scheme has generated a £17,000 donation for Andy’s Man Club from cremations carried out at Rochdale Borough Council crematoria.

• La Latte Lounge opens new community space and women’s workshop

  La Latte Lounge Community Cafe CIC has opened a new community space and women’s workshop on Bank Street aimed at supporting people facing isolation, mental health challenges and abuse.

• Closure notice issued for Boro General Store on Church Street

  A property on Church Street in Rochdale has been served with a Closure Notice by Rochdale Borough Council following concerns linked to nuisance and disorder at the address.

• Huge Medieval fair to bring Rochdale’s history to life this summer

  Rochdale town centre will be transformed into a Medieval village this June as a large scale event featuring combat displays, music, activities and historical reenactments takes over the area.

• Free Rocky the Rhino trail launched at The Rock for half term families

  Families visiting The Rock during May half term can take part in a free interactive trail with the chance to win a £150 shopping voucher.

• Community spirit stitched into new Rochdale banner celebrating unity and heritage

  A new embroidered banner created by women from communities across Rochdale is set to go on public display after months of collaborative work celebrating the borough’s history and identity.

• Rochdale sewer heat project could warm hospital, schools and homes

  Wastewater flowing beneath Rochdale could soon be used to heat public buildings and homes under plans backed by £1 million in government funding.

• New speed camera vans to target Greater Manchester speeding hotspots

  Greater Manchester Police has increased its speed enforcement capability with the introduction of two new vehicles aimed at tackling dangerous driving across the region.

• Housebuilders join Queensway litter pick as concerns remain over Cowm Top fly-tipping

  Two Greater Manchester housebuilders joined Rochdale’s Mayor and a litter picking charity for a community cleanup on Queensway amid continuing concerns over fly tipping and littering around Cowm Top Lane.

• Man arrested in Salford over synagogue terror attack investigation

  Counter Terrorism Policing North West officers have arrested a man in Salford as part of an ongoing investigation into the attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue last year.

• Family pay tribute to woman found dead at Freehold flats

  The family of a woman found dead at a property in Rochdale have paid tribute to her after she was formally identified by police.

• Second arrest made after Whitefield incident investigation

  A second man has been arrested as part of an investigation into an incident in Whitefield last week.

• More from Local News
• Feed
• X

Local Sports

• Jos Buttler signs new three year Lancashire Lightning deal

  England white ball star Jos Buttler has signed a new three year Vitality Blast contract extension with Lancashire Lightning. The agreement keeps him linked with the club through to the end of the 2028 season alongside his existing ECB central contract.

• High school student helps footballers net second title

  FOOTBALLER Summer Taylor helped her team to add the Manchester FA Girls Cup to their Bolton and Bury League title and now she hopes they win the treble.

• Ramsbottom United chairman Harry Williams steps back after 60 years at the club

  Ramsbottom United chairman Harry Williams has announced he is stepping back after six decades leading the club he helped establish in 1966.

• Rob Henry appointed new Ramsbottom United manager after Steve Wilkes retirement

  Ramsbottom United have confirmed Rob Henry as the club’s new manager following the retirement of Steve Wilkes at the end of last season.

• Rochdale AFC promotion heroes welcomed home after Wembley triumph

  Hundreds of Rochdale AFC fans gathered at Rochdale Town Hall to celebrate the club’s return to the Football League.

• Rochdale promoted to the Football League after Wembley penalty shootout win

  Rochdale are back in the Football League after beating Boreham Wood on penalties at Wembley following a dramatic 2-2 draw after extra time.

• Paul Waugh says Rochdale have put town in national spotlight ahead of Wembley trip

  Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has praised Rochdale AFC’s “never say die spirit” ahead of the club’s trip to Wembley.

• RECAP: Follow Rochdale AFC’s Wembley journey against Boreham Wood

  Dale head to the national stadium today, Sunday 10 May, for a place in the English Football League as they face Boreham Wood.

• More from Local Sports
• Feed

Lifestyle

• La Latte Lounge opens new community space and women’s workshop

  La Latte Lounge Community Cafe CIC has opened a new community space and women’s workshop on Bank Street aimed at supporting people facing isolation, mental health challenges and abuse.

• Free Rocky the Rhino trail launched at The Rock for half term families

  Families visiting The Rock during May half term can take part in a free interactive trail with the chance to win a £150 shopping voucher.

• Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out

  Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.

• 🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• Vintage Vibes turns Bury station into something you simply do not see anywhere else

  For one weekend every year, Bury Bolton Street stops feeling like a railway station and starts feeling like something much harder to describe.

• More from Lifestyle
• Feed

Greater Manchester

• Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out

  Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.

• 🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• Vintage Vibes turns Bury station into something you simply do not see anywhere else

  For one weekend every year, Bury Bolton Street stops feeling like a railway station and starts feeling like something much harder to describe.

• RECAP from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway on Day One

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• Community groups across Oldham mark World Bee Day with local events

  Community groups across Oldham held activities this week to mark World Bee Day after receiving funding from First Choice Homes Oldham to support events focused on biodiversity and pollinators.

• Oldham students paddle for children's hospital appeal

  Students from Oldham College are preparing to take part in a Dragon Boat Race to raise money for The Royal Oldham Hospital Children's Unit through the Sunshine Appeal.

• Oldham campaign aims to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days

  Oldham College and Oldham Council have launched a campaign encouraging employers to create 100 apprenticeship opportunities in 100 days to help more young people into work, training and education. The initiative launched on 21 May and will run throughout the summer recruitment period.

• Parklife transport plans changed as festival travel pick up points move for 2026 event

  People travelling to Parklife 2026 are being urged to check updated transport arrangements after organisers confirmed changes to pick up and drop off locations around Heaton Park.

• More from Greater Manchester
• Feed

Local Entertainment

• Free Rocky the Rhino trail launched at The Rock for half term families

  Families visiting The Rock during May half term can take part in a free interactive trail with the chance to win a £150 shopping voucher.

• Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out

  Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.

• 🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• Vintage Vibes turns Bury station into something you simply do not see anywhere else

  For one weekend every year, Bury Bolton Street stops feeling like a railway station and starts feeling like something much harder to describe.

• RECAP from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway on Day One

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• Vintage Vibes returns to East Lancashire Railway with music and nostalgia packed weekend

  Vintage Vibes is returning to the East Lancashire Railway this weekend with live tribute acts, Northern Soul favourites and all day heritage rail travel included in ticket prices across Saturday 23 May and Sunday 24 May.

• Parklife transport plans changed as festival travel pick up points move for 2026 event

  People travelling to Parklife 2026 are being urged to check updated transport arrangements after organisers confirmed changes to pick up and drop off locations around Heaton Park.

• Rochdale dancer wins national Anna Jones award at IDTA scholarships

  A young dancer from Rochdale has won a prestigious national award after being nominated among more than 5,000 children from across the country.

• More from Local Entertainment
• Feed

Elections

• Andy Burnham launches election campaign in sunny Makerfield

  Audio

• Six-way battle looms for crucial final seat on Bury council in Moorside ward

  Six candidates will go head-to-head to secure the final seat on Bury council. 

• Andy Burnham confirmed as Labour’s Candidate for Makerfield by-election

• Reform's new Rochdale boss - who might be gone in 12 months - on immigration, the cost of living crisis and housing

  Reform UK has a new leader in Rochdale and he believes his party can be an effective opposition in the town hall

• RECAP: from the Bury Elections with updates and reactions

  It’s decision day in Bury as the borough prepares for this afternoon’s local election count, with candidates and party activists gathering to find out who will take key seats on the council.

• More from Elections
• Feed

UK

• Boy, 16, arrested on suspicion of murder after 15-year-old stabbed to death near London park

  A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after another teenager was stabbed to death near a park.

• Man, woman and child die after fall from high-rise block of flats in London

  A man, woman and child have died after falling from a high-rise block of flats in south London, police have said.

• Men who inhaled laughing gas as they went over 130mph in 30mph zone jailed for fatal crash

  Two men have been jailed for causing a fatal crash after driving at up to 139mph in a 30mph zone as they inhaled laughing gas.

• Body of teenage boy recovered as number of open water deaths during heatwave reaches 12

  A 16-year-old boy has become the 12th person to die in a water-related incident during the heatwave.

• Man accused of murdering Shanice Brookes outside Sheffield bar avoids court due to 'mental health'

  A man accused of shooting a woman dead outside a Sheffield bar has been remanded in custody - but did not appear in court due to his "mental health".

• AI to be used to check age of asylum seekers posing as children

• Brothers accused of assaulting police officer at Manchester Airport will not face third trial

  Two brothers accused of assaulting a police officer at Manchester Airport will not face a third trial.

• Man charged with spying on Iranian journalist in UK

  A Greek national charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service - believed to be Iran - kept a covert camera hidden inside his sock, a court has heard.

• More from UK

Entertainment

• Man jailed for 15 years after plotting terror attack at Taylor Swift concert

  An Austrian man has been jailed for 15 years for plotting to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna during her record-breaking Eras tour.

• Matthew Perry's assistant jailed for three years and five months over star's death from ketamine

  Matthew Perry's personal assistant, who bought ketamine for the Friends star and injected the dose that killed him, has been jailed for three years and five months.

• Jazz legend Sonny Rollins dies

  Jazz musician Sonny Rollins, known as the "saxophone colossus", has died aged 95.

• Kylie Minogue surprises fan with 'magical' singalong

  Kylie Minogue surprised a fan by joining him for a "magical" singalong at the London premiere of her new Netflix docuseries earlier this week.

• TV presenter Judith Chalmers, who hosted Wish You Were Here, has died

  TV presenter Judith Chalmers - best known for hosting Wish You Were Here...? - has died, her family has said.

• More from Entertainment

Sport

• Premier League Darts: Luke Littler crowned champion after dramatic 11-10 victory over Luke Humphries in final

  Luke Littler came through a last-leg 11-10 thriller against Luke Humphries to be crowned Premier League champion at The O2 in London.

• Arsenal ready to take shot at immortality in Champions League final against PSG but which side has the edge?

  Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday's Champions League final still riding high from their domestic success. Their title win was their first in 22 years but their 14th in top-flight history. Only Liverpool and Manchester United have won more.

• 'I didn't want to do it anymore': Emotional Luke Littler reveals he nearly quit Premier League

  Luke Littler has revealed he almost quit this year's Premier League Darts campaign after being crowned champion with an 11-10 victory over Luke Humphries at The O2 in London.

• Mikel Arteta new contract: Arsenal owners optimistic of tying manager to new deal after Premier League win

  Arsenal's owners the Kroenke family have confirmed plans to offer manager Mikel Arteta a new contract as an "utmost priority".

• Brendon McCullum exclusive: England coach on Ben Stokes, how side will evolve after Ashes and new opener Emilio Gay

  Head coach Brendon McCullum says England's Ashes thrashing has left himself and Ben Stokes "crystal clear" how they want to work together as he backed the captain to rediscover his best form amid a potential move to No 7 in the batting order.

• More from Sport

Strange

• Viral 'Donald Trump' buffalo spared from Eid sacrifice in Bangladesh

  A viral buffalo nicknamed "Donald Trump" for its blond tuft has been spared from Eid al-Adha sacrifice after a last-minute government intervention.

• Cheese-rolling legend beaten by German YouTuber

  The Gloucestershire cheese rolling contest's most successful ever competitor has been beaten by a German YouTuber. 

• Driver filmed with football net on top of car

  Police say a driver made an "own goal" by dangerously driving with an unsecured football net on top of their car.

• The robot that can outplay elite table tennis players

  A robot has become so good at playing table tennis that at times it defeated elite human players, in what has been hailed as "a longstanding milestone for AI".

• Monkeys eating soil to settle upset stomachs from junk food, says research

  Monkeys in Gibraltar have learned to eat soil to settle their stomachs from all the junk food they consume, research suggests.

• More from Strange

Videos

• South East Water customers in Whitstable warned tap water disruption set to continue

  Thousands of people in Kent have been warned that disruption to their tap water supply is likely to continue over the weekend.

• Britain's gaming boom faces uncertain future

  When we talk about the value of the video games industry in the UK, it's usually in terms of money. 

• Blue Origin rocket explodes in fireball during launchpad test

  A Blue Origin rocket has exploded in a fireball during a late-night launchpad test - shaking nearby homes.

• Blood test could detect Alzheimer's signs 'decades before symptoms appear', study shows

  A blood test could detect Alzheimer's decades before symptoms appear, a study suggests.

• This illegal casino exposed itself... and in a very surprising way

  It's not every day the organisation you investigated over a year ago emails you to announce it is back to its old ways. 

• Fire at girls' boarding school in Kenya kills 16

  A fire at a girls' boarding school in Kenya has killed 16 students, the government has said.

• Government gave 'misleading' information about student loans, senior committee chair tells Sky News

  Students received "misleading" advice from the government about loans to pay for their university education, the chair of a top parliamentary committee has told Sky News.

• Matthew Perry's assistant jailed for three years and five months over star's death from ketamine

  Matthew Perry's personal assistant, who bought ketamine for the Friends star and injected the dose that killed him, has been jailed for three years and five months.

• More from Videos

Politics

• AI to be used to check age of asylum seekers posing as children

• Government gave 'misleading' information about student loans, senior committee chair tells Sky News

  Students received "misleading" advice from the government about loans to pay for their university education, the chair of a top parliamentary committee has told Sky News.

• Labour MPs report Reform UK to equalities watchdog for alleged Islamophobia

  A group of MPs has written to the chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) demanding a probe into Reform UK regarding allegations of Islamophobia.

• Nicola Sturgeon defends 'no comment' stance during Operation Branchform police interview

  Nicola Sturgeon has defended her reported decision to give "no comment" answers while being interviewed by police following her arrest.

• Morgan McSweeney on voters and discontent

  ?Listen to Politics at Sam and Anne's on your podcast app?

• More from Politics

Technology

• Blue Origin rocket explodes in fireball during launchpad test

  A Blue Origin rocket has exploded in a fireball during a late-night launchpad test - shaking nearby homes.

• Why Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin space plans are on the backfoot

  ? Listen to This Is Why on your podcast app ?

• Blood test could detect Alzheimer's signs 'decades before symptoms appear', study shows

  A blood test could detect Alzheimer's decades before symptoms appear, a study suggests.

• Google engineer charged with insider trading after D4vd bet makes $1.2m on Polymarket

  An Italian Google engineer has been charged with insider trading after he allegedly made $1.2m betting on prediction markets.

• This illegal casino exposed itself... and in a very surprising way

  It's not every day the organisation you investigated over a year ago emails you to announce it is back to its old ways. 

• More from Technology

World

• Canadian man admits aiding ‌suicide by selling ‌deadly chemicals online

  A Canadian man accused of selling ‌deadly chemicals online to people who took their own lives has pleaded guilty ​to aiding ‌suicide.

• Australian mother jailed for poisoning relatives with Death Cap mushrooms to appeal conviction

  An Australian woman jailed for life after killing three relatives with a toxic mushroom-laced meal will appeal her conviction.

• Why Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin space plans are on the backfoot

  ? Listen to This Is Why on your podcast app ?

• Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will move to control 70% of Gaza

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country is expanding its hold on Gaza and would move to control 70% of the enclave.

• Kenyan police arrest eight students over boarding school fire that killed 16

  Kenyan police have arrested eight students on suspicion of arson, after a fire in a dormitory at a girls’ boarding school killed 16 children.

• Fire at girls' boarding school in Kenya kills 16

  A fire at a girls' boarding school in Kenya has killed 16 students, the government has said.

• Man arrested after three stabbed at Swiss train station

  A man stabbed and wounded three people at a Swiss train station, police said.

• Disney accuses Trump's media regulator of 'unlawfully' suppressing free speech

  Disney has accused Donald Trump's media regulator of an "unlawful" attempt to suppress free speech after it was forced to apply for early licence reviews for its eight ABC TV stations.

• More from World

Business

• Rihanna-endorsed streetwear brand collapses | Mark Kleinman blog

• Playing with FIRE: Inside the 'extreme' movement that could help you retire decades early

  Former gambling addict David Scothern will retire 20 years earlier than the average Briton.

• South East Water customers in Whitstable warned tap water disruption set to continue

  Thousands of people in Kent have been warned that disruption to their tap water supply is likely to continue over the weekend.

• Disney accuses Trump's media regulator of 'unlawfully' supressing free speech

  Disney has accused Donald Trump's media regulator of an "unlawful" attempt to suppress free speech after it was forced to apply for early licence reviews for its eight ABC TV stations.

• Former BP boss hits back at oil giant after his ousting saying he does not 'accept the lies' over his conduct

  The former chairman of BP has come out swinging against his ousting, saying no one has ever made the kinds of bullying accusations levelled against him in recent days.

• Google engineer charged with insider trading after D4vd bet makes $1.2m on Polymarket

  An Italian Google engineer has been charged with insider trading after he allegedly made $1.2m betting on prediction markets.

• The escalating energy debt crisis as price cap set for rare summer hike

  There is alarm over growing household energy debts as we learn the price cap is going up 13% this summer, with the potential for further hikes ahead.

• Government gave 'misleading' information about student loans, senior committee chair tells Sky News

  Students received "misleading" advice from the government about loans to pay for their university education, the chair of a top parliamentary committee has told Sky News.

• More from Business

Rochdale Council Leaders Column

No stories to show.

• More from Rochdale Council Leaders Column
• Feed

Rochdale Council Mayors Column

No stories to show.

• More from Rochdale Council Mayors Column
• Feed