Voices of Rochdale: Tony Walsh celebrates cultural year at poetry anthology launch
Over the past year Rochdale’s Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver has led writing workshops with 20 schools in local libraries, as well as hosting workshops with the borough’s residents. Many of the poems that were created feature in the new 120-page book called ‘Weaving Words’, capturing the uniqueness of the borough and celebrating local people and places.
The poems draw on Rochdale’s rich co-operative history as a source of inspiration. Over 650 young people have taken part in poetry workshops, with many of their poems featuring in ‘Weaving Words’ and a children’s edition of the anthology called ‘Poems to change the world’ to be released soon.
As well as readings by Tony Walsh and Sammy Weaver, the town’s young poets in residence Alende Amisi and Sasha Mostafa also performed in front of a sold-out audience at Number One Riverside, alongside other local poets including Kirsty Olczak, Eileen Earnshaw, Farhan Zahoor, Year 5 student Rania Faisal, Freddie Earnshaw and Beth Kilgallon who have helped shape the town’s year in the spotlight.
Rochdale’s Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver (centre) with the town’s young poets in residence Alende Amisi (right) and Sasha Mostafa (left) and a copy of ‘Weaving Words’ – launched at the event, a 120-page collection featuring over 80 poems written by local people.
The Mayor, councillor Janet Emsley read her own poetry as well as closing the event and said it was a wonderful afternoon:
“Listening to our amazing poets bringing their words to life was fabulous. I do think there is a poet in all of us, and sometimes it only takes a little encouragement, which is what our Poet Laureate has been doing brilliantly boroughwide over this last year. There is no greater inspiration for words than the love for our local communities, and there is so much pride in Rochdale which is great to see, and is reflected in these poems.”
Tony Walsh performed in front of a sold-out audience at Number One Riverside.
Visitors also took the opportunity to view the Rochdale in Rhyme exhibition currently on display at Number One Riverside, featuring over 40 poems written by residents during the past year, described as ‘a celebration of creativity, community, and the power of words. inspired by Rochdale.’
The anthologies (£10 each) will be available to purchase from Rochdale Town Hall.
The project was funded by National Lottery project grants from Arts Council England and Flexible Funds, the council’s township funding, delivered by Rochdale Borough Council’s local libraries and Rochdale Development Agency.
On Saturday, 28 March 2026, poetry workshops take place at Number One Riverside as part of the FAB Youth Arts Festival, and the venue hosts a children’s poetry exhibition until 10 April 2026.
Mayor Councillor Janet Emsley and Tony Walsh, alongside some of the local poets who read during the event. (Left to right: Rania Faisa; Sammy Weaver; Alende Amisi; Sasha Mostafa; Councillor Janet Emsley; Tony Walsh; Kirsty Olczak; Farhan Zahoor; and Beth Kilgallon.
This poetry event was 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.
