In a landmark move for Rochdale's flourishing cultural scene, Sammy Weaver has been unveiled as the town’s first ever poet laureate.
The acclaimed writer and performer will lead a two-year programme of creative activity as part of Rochdale’s tenure as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
Weaver, who lives on a narrow boat on the Rochdale Canal, brings a strong track record of artistic excellence and community engagement. Her debut poetry collection, Angola, America, won the prestigious Mslexia Poetry Pamphlet Prize and was shortlisted for the Michael Marks Award. With over a decade of experience leading writing workshops across the country, her appointment signals a bold and inclusive approach to the town’s cultural celebrations.
“This seemed like a great chance to be a public poet in a place that has become my home,” said Weaver. “Encouraging others, especially young people, to get involved and telling Rochdale’s fascinating stories through poetry really excites me. In the spirit of the co-operative movement that started here, I love how there’s room for ideas to grow and for local voices to shape the project.”
Weaver’s commission will see her deliver writing workshops in schools, mentor two young poet laureates, and craft original poems inspired by Rochdale’s communities, heritage and landscape. Her residency runs until March 2026, aligning with the full length of the borough’s time in the regional cultural spotlight.
Deputy mayor councillor Janet Emsley, who is soon expected to become mayor, praised the appointment: “I am so pleased to welcome our first poet laureate and am looking forward to seeing what she has planned for our exciting year ahead.”
Weaver’s appointment is one of many projects forming the backbone of Rochdale’s Town of Culture celebrations, a title awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The programme, coordinated by more than 35 local arts organisations, promises a packed calendar of exhibitions, live performances and community-led festivals, underpinned by the theme of ‘people power’.
Since completing a creative writing master’s degree at Manchester Metropolitan University, Weaver’s life has taken a distinctly poetic turn. She swapped urban life for the quieter inspiration of the Pennine waterways, which now fuel much of her writing. “I really love it here – the wonderful communities, the moors, rivers and canals, and even the new developments in the town centre,” she said. “And of course, the majestic town hall.”
Her international credentials are also notable. Earlier this year she became a Yaddo Fellow, joining the ranks of world-renowned artists in residence at the respected New York retreat.
As Rochdale embarks on this cultural journey, Weaver’s words are expected to play a central role in shaping how the borough tells its story to itself and to the wider world.
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