Something different in the ‘air’ at Darnhill Library

The first Rochdale Literature & Ideas Festival breezes into the borough later this month, with a special preview event being held in Heywood on Saturday 12 October.

Darnhill Library will host a celebration of poetry and music based on the theme of ‘air’ with live performances, storytelling, drumming and dance. There’ll be hands-on activities for all the family, including a making your own hot air balloon session, which you can then keep or set free!

Community groups taking part in the day which runs from 11am until 3pm include Cartwheel Arts, Spiral Dance and the Youth Council.

It’s free to attend, fun is guaranteed and no booking is required.

Peter Williams, Cabinet Member responsible for libraries at Rochdale Borough Council said:

“Rochdale Literature & Ideas Festival really does have something for everyone, and as part of the warm up we’re holding preview events like this, across the borough, with a fantastic day for all the family, packed with things to see and do. It’ll be a visit to Darnhill Library you won’t forget.”

The preview event is being held during the run up to Rochdale Literature & Ideas Festival, staged from 25 to 27 October, which will feature workshops, music, children’s shows, talks and more from guests including Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, television personality Gyles Brandreth, Dragons’ Den winner Mark Champkins, poet Simon Armitage, MOBO award-winning rapper Akala and former Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy. 

There’ll be the chance to meet inspiring poet James Nash and former rugby league international and author of ‘Tries and Prejudice’, Ikram Butt. There’s a full range of shows for children including The Wimpy Kid Show, a puppet theatre performance of The Pied Piper and Grandpa’s Railway - by M6 Theatre, plus top children’s storyteller Susanna Oldfield. 

The event is organised by Rochdale Borough Council, funded by the Maskew Bequest and the Arts Council’s Grants for the Arts Award.

For more, visit www.rochdaleliteraturefestival.co.uk