Performance poet Tony Walsh will host an afternoon of live poetry in Rochdale as part of the town’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture. The event will take place at Number One Riverside on Saturday 21 March and will also launch two poetry anthologies created by local writers.
The event will feature Tony Walsh, also known as Longfella, alongside Rochdale’s Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver and young poets in residence Alende Amisi and Sasha Mostafa.
It will showcase poets who have contributed to Rochdale’s cultural programme during its year in the spotlight as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025 to 2026.
The afternoon will also mark the launch of a poetry anthology titled Weaving Words, a 120 page collection containing more than 80 poems written by local residents.
A children’s anthology titled Poems to change the world will also be launched. The book features work by young people who took part in poetry workshops held across the borough.
Over the past year Sammy Weaver has led writing workshops in 20 schools and ten sessions with local residents. More than 650 young people have taken part in poetry workshops, with many of their poems included in the children’s collection.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said, “I’m delighted that Tony Walsh is hosting this finale event, he is an extraordinary talent, and our audience are in for a treat.
“The afternoon will capture the creative energy of the borough and people will hear inspiring stories that will leave them feeling proud. A perfect afternoon for anyone who loves words, as we launch these two wonderful anthologies, celebrating the power of storytelling, memory and community through poetry.”
Visitors attending the event will also be able to view the Rochdale in Rhyme exhibition at Number One Riverside, featuring more than 40 poems written by residents during the past year.
The event will include live readings from contributors, opportunities to meet the poets and the chance to purchase copies of the anthologies.
The poetry programme is funded by National Lottery project grants from Arts Council England and Flexible Funds, along with township funding from Rochdale Borough Council. It is delivered by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency.
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