Poetry that packs a punch as Rochdale Poet Laureate hosts live spoken word events

Wednesday, 14 January 2026 17:56

By David Murphy

LANCASHIRE LAD: Lancashire dialect poet Sid Calderbank will also be performing at Spotland Library.

A series of free poetry performances is set to bring bold voices and fresh perspectives to Rochdale as part of its Greater Manchester Town of Culture year.

Rochdale’s Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver will headline a series of live spoken word events across the borough, joined by an impressive line-up of award-winning poets and performers.

The free events will run through January, February and March, with appearances from high-profile names including Hafsah Aneela Bashir, Mike Garry, Clare Shaw, Yasmin Hussain and Zaffar Kunial. Also featured are Lancashire dialect poet Sid Calderbank, spoken word veteran Reece Williams, social media hit The Chubby Northerner, and acclaimed songwriter Sean Cooney.

Local poets will take centre stage too, alongside Rochdale’s young poets in residence, Alende Amisi and Sasha Mustafa.

Sammy Weaver said:

I’m so excited to be introducing some of the north’s finest spoken word talent who’ll be joining me to perform bold new poetry in front of live audiences. Expect fresh, fearless voices and memorable guests who will challenge, entertain and spark conversations. There’ll be no stuffy readings I promise, this will be poetry that packs a punch.

The event dates and venues are:

Saturday 24 January, 2.30pm - 4pm - Wardle Library
Saturday 7 February, 2.30pm - 4pm - Spotland Library
Friday 13 February, 6pm - 8pm - The Yard at Darnhill, Heywood (youth and family focused session)
Thursday 5 March, 7pm - 8.30pm - Middleton Library
Saturday 21 March, 1.30pm - 3.30pm - Number One Riverside, Rochdale

Tickets are free but booking is essential due to limited capacity. Full details and bookings are available at https://www.rochdalecreates.co.uk

Sammy will also host a sold-out writing workshop at Middleton Library on Saturday 17 January, helping residents find their creative voice. Participants will be invited to submit their work for a new anthology due to be published in March.

The events are funded by Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants and Flexible Funds, and delivered by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency.

The poetry performances form part of a wider cultural celebration during Rochdale’s time as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025–26.