Rochdale hosts first ever music summit to boost local talent

Rochdale will host its first-ever music summit at Rochdale Town Hall on Monday 25 November, in an effort to support the borough’s grassroots music scene.

The event is designed to inspire and empower local musicians, bands, venue owners, and promoters, offering a mix of practical advice, networking opportunities, and expert insights.

The summit comes as the Government has introduced a voluntary levy on large concert and arena tickets, aimed at supporting smaller venues that have struggled in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Organisers hope the summit will be a turning point for Rochdale, marking the start of a music development plan for the borough. This initiative aims to grow audiences, support diverse talent, and position Rochdale as a music hub within Greater Manchester.

Attendees can look forward to a stellar line-up of speakers, including Clint Boon, former member of Inspiral Carpets, and representatives from Factory International, Band on the Wall, Independent Venue Week, and rising artist OneDa. Arts Council England and other cultural organisations will also be present to discuss funding opportunities and other support for Rochdale’s music industry.

Free tickets for the event are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rochdale’s cultural ambitions were also highlighted last week when Arts Council England chief executive Darren Henley visited the town.

He met with Rochdale Council leader Neil Emmott, cabinet member for culture Councillor Sue Smith, and local cultural leaders, including Sound Roots, a music charity. The delegation toured the Town Hall and Voltalab Studios, where they met with studio owners Laura and Jamie Howkins.

Paul Waugh, MP for Rochdale and member of the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, praised the summit as a vital step in securing Rochdale’s place in Greater Manchester’s cultural landscape.

 

 

“This summit is an exciting moment for Rochdale,” he said. “Our music scene has deep roots, not least our folk traditions, and it’s essential that we invest in it for the future.

“The music summit gives our artists, venues, and promoters a platform to connect with industry leaders. I’m committed to supporting Rochdale’s music industry because I know its impact on our community, economy, and young people.”

The summit reflects a growing determination to revitalise Rochdale’s cultural offerings and ensure its music scene thrives. By bringing together key stakeholders and industry experts, the event sets the stage for long-term growth and development, aligning with the borough’s broader cultural vision.

In the wider context, the Government’s voluntary levy on large concert tickets has been welcomed by the Commons Culture Committee, which warned that tougher measures could follow if major arenas fail to implement the scheme by next summer. The levy, modelled on a French system, proposes adding £1 to ticket prices for big gigs, with the proceeds shared among small venues.

Rochdale’s Music Summit represents the town’s bold step forward, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing local talent and establishing itself as a cultural powerhouse in the region.

Free tickets for the event are available to book online here.