Rochdale to come alive after dark with immersive storytelling experience
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 2026 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.
Rochdale’s streets will be transformed into an immersive night-time light and audio experience.
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 4 years after its original debut in Deeplish. This new edition is promising 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.
Built from real stories, archival images, video and audio recordings shared by residents, the experience re-imagines familiar streets in new and unexpected ways.
Hayley Garner, street mural artist who contributed to the project, said:
“Rochdale is one of those places I always want to come back to.”
“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.”
This edition welcomes a young company of assistants, including Holly Copping, assistant producer; Jordan Sheard, assistant production manager; Hope Chiguvo, assistant sound designer; Hannah Thomas-Byrne, assistant filmmaker; Saleem Miah, assistant director, designed to offer opportunities and support to the next generation of local creatives.
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.”
Produced by Rochdale-based multidisciplinary production company, Breaking Barriers, Stories We Tell: Rochdale returns 4 years after its original debut in Deeplish.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation, said:
“Following an incredible first 9 months there’s lots more to come during our Greater Manchester Town of Culture programme as we move into 2026 and this new storytelling event will be one of the real highlights, a unique experience for those lucky enough to grab the free tickets. Wrap up warm and prepare to be amazed. I’ve heard so much positive feedback from people who have attended previous Breaking Barriers experiences, and we are pleased to be working with them on their latest project in Rochdale.”
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.
2 performances will be held nightly at 6pm and 7.30pm from Wednesday, 28 January 2026 to Saturday, 31 January 2026, and from Tuesday, 3 February 2026 to Friday, 6 February 2026, in Rochdale (multiple sites) starting at Rochdale Railway Station and ending at Rochdale Town Hall. The event is free to attend, but booking is essential.
