Poetry that packs a punch: Rochdale’s Poet Laureate hosts live performances

Posted by on 15 Jan 2026

Rochdale’s Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver is hosting free live poetry performances alongside some very special guests, as part of Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, and everyone’s invited.

An impressive collection of award-winning poets, writers and performers are lined up to join Sammy at five free poetry and spoken word events being held between now and late March. The line-up includes Hafsah Aneela Bashir, Mike Garry, Clare Shaw, Yasmin Hussain, Zaffar Kunial, Lancashire dialect poet Sid Calderbank, spoken word and poetry giant Reece Williams, social media sensation The Chubby Northerner, acclaimed songwriter Sean Cooney and many more. Local poets from across the borough will also be reading their work together with Rochdale’s young poets in residence Alende Amisi and Sasha Mustafa.

The poetry performance events are at Wardle Library on Saturday 24 January (2.30pm - 4pm), Spotland Library on Saturday 7 February (2.30pm - 4pm), Middleton Library on Thursday 5 March (7pm – 8.30pm) and Saturday 21 March at Number One Riverside in Rochdale (1.30pm - 3.30pm). On Friday 13 February at The Yard at Darnhill, Heywood there will be a session specifically aimed at young people aged 11+ and their families. (6pm – 8pm).

Tickets are all free, but booking is essential as places are limited.

For those wanting to try writing poetry themselves, Sammy will host a sold-out workshop at Middleton Library on Saturday 17 January (10am – 12pm) aimed at showing how it is possible for everyone to be creative and write poetry. Participants could see their work in print sooner than they think, with everyone having the chance to submit a poem for an anthology to be published in March celebrating Rochdale’s year in the cultural spotlight. 

Rochdale’s Poet Laureate 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 you and spark conversations. There’ll be no stuffy readings I promise, this will be poetry that packs a punch, you’ll be on the edge of your seats!”

Get more details, the full guest line-up and book free tickets at rochdalecreates.co.uk

The events are funded by National Lottery project grants from Arts Council England and Flexible Funds, delivered by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency. 

These poetry performances and workshop are part of a spectacular line up of festivals, live performances, exhibitions and art during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. The title, awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, celebrates the town’s rich history, creativity, talent and diverse arts scene.