With six weeks to go, the 12-page programme for Rochdale Literature & Ideas Festival has been unveiled.
Now in its third year and with more than 30 events covering music, readings, children’s shows, interviews, comedy, talks and more, the festival runs from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October and aims to excite audiences of all ages.
To mark the programme launch, performing arts students from Hopwood Hall College took part in a photo shoot at one of the festival’s new venues – Hopwood Hall College Theatre.
More than 800 tickets have already been sold and Councillor Daalat Ali, Rochdale Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighborhoods and Community, believes the festival is a favourite fixture on the borough’s cultural calendar.
He said:
“We have a great combination of international names, local talent and a really intriguing programme for 2015. Ticket sales are higher than ever and I know people from all across the borough and the North West are looking forward to it. I will be proud to welcome audiences and performers to Rochdale for another incredible few days. Rochdale Central Library will be full of activities for all ages, so come along and experience the festival, even if you don’t get a ticket for one of the main events.”
The main festival venue will be Rochdale Central Library at Number One Riverside. The library and first floor Hollingworth conference suite will stage some performances, including talks by actress Helen Lederer, playwright Bonnie Greer OBE, comedian Dom Joly and author Jonathan Harvey. Number Ten Gallery in Baille Street, Touchstones Arts and Heritage Centre, Rochdale Town Hall and Bar Vibe Music Venue will also host shows.
The Flying Horse Hotel hosts Andy Kershaw’s acclaimed one man live show and a Theatre Writing Showcase will be at The Baum. Other highlights include author/poet Gervase Phinn, ‘Emmerdale’ star and photographer Bill Ward, the Poet Laureate Dame Carol Ann Duffy, television historian David Starkey CBE and poet Lemn Sissay.
Warm-up events will be held earlier in October at libraries and other venues across the borough.
Under the theme ‘expand your mind’ – the programme covers workshops, music, readings, children’s shows, interviews, talks and more from other guests including playwright Ian Townsend, artist Jim Medway, poet Andrew McMillan, plus authors Frances Brody, SF Said and Sathnam Sanghera.
There’s a full programme of free events for children and families themed ‘Pirate Adventures.’
The festival celebrates and promotes the Maskew Collection of classic literature and philosophy at Rochdale Central Library, encouraging people to engage in thought and philosophy.
It is due to the generosity of Annie and Frank Maskew, a Rochdale couple who shared a passion for reading and thinking, who originally met in Rochdale Library. They left a sum of money to be used on resources and events related to literature, and philosophy to ensure classic works are available for future generations.
For the full line-up and to book tickets, visit www.rochdaleliteraturefestival.co.uk You can also book in person at Touchstones Arts and Heritage Centre.
The festival is organised by Rochdale Borough Council, funded by ticket sales, sponsorship and the Maskew bequest.
