Poet Tony Walsh to celebrate Rochdale’s cultural year
As well as Tony Walsh and Rochdale’s Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver, alongside young poets in residence Alende Amisi and Sasha Mostafa, the event at Number One Riverside on Saturday, 21 March 2026 will showcase talented poets who have helped shape the town’s year in the spotlight.
Rochdale’s young poet in residence Sasha Mostafa will also be reading.
It will also mark the launch of a poetry anthology titled ‘Weaving Words’ – a 120 page collection featuring over 80 poems written by local people.
Tony Walsh, or ‘Longfella’ as he is also known, is quite literally a giant of the performance poetry scene. A regular on television and radio, he’s known for his powerful and accessible poetry with his work published internationally. His acclaimed live appearances including numerous performances in Rochdale over the years are renowned for his characteristic mix of comedy and tragedy.
Over the past year Sammy Weaver has been capturing the spirit of the borough in words, raising awareness of poetry and helping encourage everyone to try it.
Rochdale’s Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver.
She’s led writing workshops with 20 schools in libraries and hosted another 10 workshops with the borough’s residents, with lots of the poems created finding their way into the new book, capturing the uniqueness of the borough, celebrating local people and places. The poems draw on Rochdale’s rich co-operative history as a source of inspiration. Over 650 of the borough’s young people have also taken part in poetry workshops, with many of their poems featuring in a children’s edition of the anthology called ‘Poems to change the world’ also being launched at the event.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said:
“I’m delighted that Tony Walsh is hosting this finale event, he is an extraordinary talent, and our audience are in for a treat. The afternoon will capture the creative energy of the borough and people will hear inspiring stories that will leave them feeling proud. A perfect afternoon for anyone who loves words, as we launch these 2 wonderful anthologies, celebrating the power of storytelling, memory and community through poetry.”
From 1pm on the day visitors can also 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.’
Young poet in residence Alende Amisi will be speaking at the event.
The afternoon will include live readings from contributors, opportunities to meet the poets, and chance to purchase a copy of the anthologies (£10 each).
It is funded by National Lottery project grants from Arts Council England and Flexible Funds, and the council’s township funding, delivered by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency.
This poetry event is 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.
Book your free tickets and find out more on the Rochdale Creates website
