Rochdale’s streets will be transformed into an immersive nighttime light and audio experience this winter, as Stories We Tell: Rochdale invites residents and visitors to explore the borough through the real memories, voices and lived experiences of local people.
Running from Wednesday 28 January to Friday 6 February 2026, the free, guided audio walk will use large-scale projections, moving imagery and powerful 3D sound to animate buildings and streets, including Milkstone Road, Drake Street, Baillie Street and Rochdale Town Hall Square. Audiences will take a journey through town after dark, encountering stories of belonging, change and hope, gathered directly from local communities.
Commissioned as part of Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, the project is supported by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency, with funding provided through the Community Regeneration Partnership from the UK Government, and supported by Arts Council England.
Produced by Rochdale-based multidisciplinary production company Breaking Barriers, Stories We Tell: Rochdale returns four years after its original debut in Deeplish. This new edition promises to reflect on what has changed, what has remained, and the stories that continue to shape Rochdale’s identity. Built from real stories, archival images, video and audio recordings shared by residents, the experience re-imagines familiar streets in new and unexpected ways through immersive storytelling.
“Rochdale is one of those places I always want to come back to,” said Hayley Garner, street mural artist who contributed to the project. “Stories We Tell: Rochdale will be a powerful way to honour our past, celebrate the present and keep the stories of our community alive for future generations.”
The project is supported by emerging creative talent from the Young Company, including Holly Copping, assistant producer; Jordan Sheard, assistant production manager; Hope Chiguvo, assistant sound designer; Hannah Thomas-Byrne, assistant filmmaker; and Saleem Miah, assistant director.
Parvez Qadir, Artistic Director of Breaking Barriers, added: “Bringing Stories We Tell back to Rochdale as part of this special year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture is hugely significant. Rochdale has long been an underserved community, and this is an opportunity to shift the narrative. This project was born here, shaped by local people, and rooted in everyday stories that make this place extraordinary. It hands the microphone back to residents and shines a light on the rich creative diversity and resilience that has always existed in this town.”
The route is step-free and suitable for wheelchair users and prams, with headphones provided and trained volunteers on hand to guide audiences throughout the experience, ensuring it is accessible and welcoming to a wide range of participants.
Two performances will be held nightly at 6pm and 7.30pm from Wednesday 28 to Saturday 31 January 2026, and from Tuesday 3 to Friday 6 February 2026, in Rochdale, starting at the Rochdale Train Station and ending at Rochdale Town Hall. The event is free to attend, but booking is essential. Book free tickets here.