Rochdale kicks off year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture

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• Woman found dead at Freehold Flats in Rochdale as murder investigation begins

  A woman believed to be in her 40s has died after officers were called to reports of a concern for welfare at Freehold Flats on Tweedale Street in Rochdale on Sunday afternoon.

• 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.

• Parents face over 12 days of more disruption as St Cuthbert’s strike action continues

  St Cuthbert’s R.C. High School in Rochdale has told parents that industrial action is set to continue after half term, with disruption expected across June.

• 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.

• Andy Burnham launches election campaign in sunny Makerfield

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• 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. 

• 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.