Roam Rochdale

04/09/2026

Rochdale’s live music venues have something for everyone 🎶 |

If the Feel Good Festival’s left you wanting more, take your pick from these four spots in Rochdale town centre...

🍷 Vicolo del Vino – An atmospheric w**e cellar which is perfect for a weekend gig. Expect bands, acoustic sets and even open mic nights with a great choice of w**es.
🍻 Moody Blue Rochdale – Everything from old school bands to live DJ sets in a lively, down-to-earth pub that’s always buzzing at the weekend.
🎸 Empire Rochdale – Known for hosting the best tribute acts and local talent. This place is made for live music with the biggest stage in town and a proper dancefloor.
🐎 The Flying Horse Hotel – An iconic pub with bands on most weekends and a long history of live music. It’s even hosted big names like The Animals and Paul Heaton.

Not ready for your night to end? You’ve got KoKo Lounge Rochdale, Courtyard Rochdale and Hoochi Koochi as well as Empire, all open till late

In Partnership with Rochdale Town Centre BID

28/08/2026

Rochdale’s more than just “home of the co-op” |

It’s actually home to the co-operative movement – inspiring credit unions, worker-owned businesses and so much more across the world 🌍

Globally, one in eight people are part of a co-operative. And the groundwork was laid by 28 workers who pooled together their money to open a shop on Rochdale’s Toad Lane.

They sold staples like flour, butter and oats – all without any adulteration or watering down, which had become common at the time.

In doing so, they created the Rochdale Principles, which co-operatives worldwide still follow today, including:
💷 Profits split between members proportionally
🗳️ All members having a vote on how things were
🤝 Membership should be open to anyone

Housed at 31 Toad Lane where the original shop was opened, the Rochdale Pioneers Museum is a must for anyone who’s interested in the power of working people when they come together 💪

It’s packed with real artefacts from the time, from divi books to vintage scales, plus a full reconstruction of the shop as it stood in 1844.

There’s also loads for kids to do with:
✂️ Crafts
🎩 A dress-up wardrobe
🛍️ A mini shop for roleplaying
🎒 Young Pioneers sensory backpacks full of activities

Tickets are just £7 for adults, which gets you unlimited entry for the year. And it’s completely free for under 18s.

They’re open 10.30am to 4pm, Wednesday till Saturday.

Definitely one to add to your list!

In Partnership with Rochdale Town Centre BID

24/08/2026

Who else is kinda chic? ✨

24/08/2026

🚂 Looking for a great family day out? Visit the East Lancashire Railway!

Or, for something a little different, step behind the scenes during Heritage Open Days this September. Explore the Castlecroft Sheds and discover where the historic locomotives are stored, maintained and restored.

📍 Tours depart from Bury Bolton Street Station
👥 Limited to 12 guests per tour
📅 13 & 20 September
🕙 10am & 1pm
⏱️ Approx. 2 hours

Find out more: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/east-lancashire-railway-heritage-open-day-1.html

10/08/2026

A Rochdale band to add to your Spotify playlist 🎵

We were invited to watch PoolEra at The Castle Hotel in Manchester’s Northern Quarter - and what a top night it was!

The Castle Hotel was a brilliant venue, with a lively crowd that made for a fantastic atmosphere. As for PoolEra… they were brilliant. Seriously talented and energetic with their own distinctive indie sound. It’s easy to see why they picked up Young Creative of the Year at the 2026 Rochdale Culture Awards.

If you’re into indie rock, they’re well worth adding to your Spotify playlist, and we’d definitely recommend giving them a follow on social media to keep up with their upcoming gigs.

Rochdale has a fantastic selection of local bands, and PoolEra are another reminder of the talent we’ve got right here on our doorstep. Try something new, get out to a local gig and support local music. You won’t regret it. 🎸

31/07/2026

Can’t wait for a pint of this! 😍

The official b**r for this year’s festival 🍻 ‘Dreams Can Come Brew’ is a limited edition 4.7% light pale ale brewed by Rochdale's Wakey Wakey Brew Co. Available on draught at the festival and inspired by Gabrielle's debut number one single, it's a hop-forward fruity b**r. Cheers!

29/07/2026

Festival vibes, no tent required 🎪☀️

Little Glastonboro is Littleborough's annual family festival that really does have something for everyone. Now in its fourth year, the festival has built a loyal following, attracting a mix of returning regulars and first-time visitors from across the Rochdale borough and beyond.

Backed by the beautiful Pennines at Littleborough Cricket Club, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the Somerset countryside rather than Greater Manchester.

Two music stages delivered a bit of everything throughout the day with indie, 80s party anthems, Irish pop, country and an incredible acoustic set from Grace Kelly. It all built towards a big finale from 90s dance icon DJ Sash!, bringing the festival to a close in style.

But it’s not just about the music. The Kids Zone was a great addition with bubble shows, family bingo and even BGT semi-finalist Jonny Awsum keeping families entertained. Plus a bouncy castle corner that could tire out even the most energetic kids.

Food lovers were spoilt for choice too, with street food stalls serving everything from Greek, German and Italian favourites to vibrant Jamaican flavours. Not to mention an ice cream van, which was definitely a hit with the sun shining

Plans for next year’s event are already underway with 2027 tickets on sale soon, so definitely one to keep your eye on.

In Partnership with Rochdale Development Agency.