What's On in Rochdale This September

Rochdale is preparing for barrels of laughter, as the borough is about to host a comedy festival as part of its events programme for being crowned Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025-26. The line-up includes Robin Ince at Rochdale Town Hall, co-host and creator of the Sony Gold Award-winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage. Also appearing is comedy legend Mick Miller, supported by 2017 Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist Jonny Awsum at Champness Hall.

Edinburgh Festival favourite Patrick Monahan will be performing along with English comedian of the year Rob Mullholland, Aaron Wood – named by Rolling Stone UK as one of the 12 rising comedy stars to see at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, and comedy musician Alex Camp. 

“Us northerners are famous for our sense of humour and there’s a big appetite for comedy,” commented Councillor Sue Smith, who is the cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council.

“I’m happy to see Rochdale Comedy Festival launching during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.

“It will bring together communities and give new comedians a chance to shine.” 

There's never been a better time to discover Rochdale - get out, explore, and be part of the action! 

Book tickets and view the full line-up HERE. 

Common Walls International Mural Festival

Rochdale became a canvas for creativity! Last week, the town centre was transformed into this jaw-dropping urban art gallery as Common Walls Rochdale International Mural Festival brought together some of the world’s most talented mural artists. 

Missed it? Don’t worry, the murals are here to stay! Go explore the streets and discover the magic for yourself.

Download the map HERE. 

With 4 days still to go, be sure to visit one of Rochdale's FREE heritage events celebrating history, culture, and architecture.

Rochdale Old Fire Station

Fireground, Old Fire Station, Maclure Road, Rochdale, OL11 1DN
20 Sept – Explore the historic fire station, once the most advanced in the country, now home to the Fireground museum of firefighting. Free entry, guided tours, and cafeteria on site. No booking required.

Bamford Chapel and Norden URC

Norden Road, Rochdale, OL11 5PQ
Multiple dates – Tour this historic non-conformist chapel, established in 1801, with illustrated talks on social history. No booking required.

Milnrow Parish Church (St James the Apostle)

St. James Street, Milnrow, OL16 3JT
Multiple dates – Visit this Grade II listed church with over 155 years of history. No booking needed.

Middleton Heritage Green Trail Launch

Moonraker Sculpture, Middleton Gardens, Rochdale, M24 6DU
20 Sept – Join guided walks celebrating local heritage trails. No booking required.

Tour of Touchstones

Touchstones, The Esplanade, Rochdale, OL16 5Q
19 Sept – Explore the Grade II listed museum and arts centre with architects’ tours during redevelopment. Booking recommended.

Stone and Story: The Heritage of Rooley Moor

Catley Lane Head, Rochdale, OL12 6BN
Multiple dates – Discover the history and landscapes of Rooley Moor including local architecture and open moor views. No booking required.

St John’s Church

Dowling Street, Rochdale, OL16 1EX
Multiple dates – View one of the largest artworks in Northwest England inside the church. No booking needed.

Stone and Story: Top of Leach Rendezvous

Catley Lane Head, OL12 6BN
21 Sept – Join the final festival gathering in this outdoor heritage event. No booking required.

Middleton Heritage Red and Blue Trail

Car Park by St Leonard’s Church, Middleton, M24 6DF
21 Sept – Enjoy guided walks along historical trails with community experts. No booking needed.

Rochdale Parish Church of St Chad

Sparrow Hill, Rochdale, OL16 1QT
Multiple dates – Visit a church with over a millennium of history and detailed archives. Illustrated booklets available. No booking required.

Middleton Heritage Red Trail Launch

Car Park by St Leonard’s Church, Middleton, M24 6DJ
20 Sept – Join guided heritage walks exploring the area’s rich stories. No booking needed.

St Andrew’s CE Church, Dearnley Open Weekend

Arm Road, Dearnley, Rochdale, OL15 8JE
13 Sept – Visit this welcoming Anglican church with historical insight. No booking required.

Stories of the Gank – Rochdale Town Hall

Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, OL16 1AZ
Multiple dates – Exhibition spotlighting the working-class history and housing conditions in the “Gank” area. No booking needed.

Historic Court Room Tours

Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, OL16 1AZ
Multiple dates – Exclusive tours and talks regarding Rochdale’s judicial history. Booking required.

Rochdale Town Square History Tour

Flying Horse Hotel, 37 Packer Street, Rochdale, OL16 1NJ
20 Sept – Guided historical tour from medieval times to today. No booking needed.

Rochdale Heritage Trail

Rochdale Train Station, Station Road, OL11 1DR
Multiple dates – Guided tours showcasing the town’s heritage and culture. No booking required.

St Mary in the Baum Church

4-6 St Marys Gate, OL16 1DZ
Multiple dates – Visit this early 20th-century church featuring notable architectural elements and stained glass. No booking needed.

Explore the Architectural Heritage of NW Rochdale

St Paul’s Church, Edenfield Road, OL12 7SL
Multiple dates – Walks through local woodland and heritage sites with music and events. No booking needed.

From booking a Rochdale Town Hall tour or joining a 2-day Stained Glass Workshop – Glazing and Leading, to celebrating The Martlet Kitchen’s first birthday, there’s loads happening at Rochdale Town Hall this month.

Don’t miss the newly refurbished Town Hall Square, now home to the Square Gallery – an outdoor art space with built-in seating right in front of the Town Hall. The first exhibition celebrates Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture, featuring poetry, a cultural map, and highlights from this year’s events. New displays will appear every few months, giving local artists and groups a platform in the heart of the town.

Discover what's happening at Rochdale Town Hall HERE. 

Why stop at Rochdale? Extend your visit and explore the surrounding towns, villages, and beautiful nature spots in the area. 

Dive into Visit Manchester's Complete Visitor's Guide HERE.