Rochdale’s streets will be transformed into an immersive night-time light and audio experience
Rochdale’s streets will be transformed into an immersive night-time light and audio experience this winter, as 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 28-31 January and 3-6 February 2026, the free guided audio walk will use large-scale projections, moving imagery and powerful 3D sound to animate buildings and streets across the town centre, including Milkstone Road and Rochdale Town Hall Square. Audiences will journey through Rochdale after dark, encountering stories of belonging, change and hope gathered directly from local communities.
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 four years after its original debut in Deeplish. This new edition reflects 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 reimagines familiar streets in new and unexpected ways through immersive storytelling.
“Stories We Tell is a powerful way to honour our past, celebrate the present and keep the stories of our community alive,” said Hayley Garner, street mural artist who contributed to the project.
The event is free, with booking required.
