ELEVATION

Wednesday 6th August 2025 – Saturday 16th August 2025.

Rochdale lies below us. We can see its people, its culture, and its history, all intertwined in a rich tapestry of community. We are on top of the world!

Created by Breaking Barriers, Elevation was made possible with support from Culture Co-Op, Public Health Rochdale and Littleborough Arts Festival. Following a successful 6 week run, Elevation is back!

Elevation is an immersive journey along the scenic route of Blackstone Edge, using binaural sound, which creates an “audio 3D effect”, to tell tales of those who walked this land before us, and encouraging audiences to take a moment to listen deeply to the sounds of Rochdale in the distance.

Created and delivered by Rochdale-based production company, Breaking Barriers, Elevation is an invitation to embark upon a creative guided tour across the flatlands of Blackstone Edge, whilst listening to the mother of the moorlands on a pair of headphones. Although you’ll be listening individually, you’ll experience the journey as a collective together.

Join us on a pilgrimage along the ancient path, as we make our way through timeless landscapes and stories from the Romans to the Radical Rochdalians.

Performances are running Wednesday 6th August, Thursday 7th August, Friday 8th August, Saturday 9th August, Wednesday 13th August, Thursday 14th August, Friday 15th August & Saturday 16th August 2025.

Access Information:

Elevation is an audio tour across the moors of Blackstone Edge. You will be required to wear a pair of headphones (provided by us) and listen to the piece whilst following a tour guide. It is an accessible project, with our route created with the needs of all abilities. The land is flat and wheelchair accessible, and our Access Consultant has checked the route with us to ensure that we follow a gravel path. The pace of the route will be slow and led by guides wearing high-vis jackets. There are planned breaks to catch your breath and take in the views. There are no toilets on the route. The entire journey lasts no more than 50 minutes.

There are limited places on this event, so please let us know if you are no longer able to attend the event so we can offer the places to other participants.

Dogs are welcome on leads.

Bookers will meet at the carpark of the White House Pub, Blackstone Edge, Halifax Rd, Littleborough, OL15 0LG.

Elevation has been made possible by support from The Pennines Township Fund, Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency as part of Rochdale’s Place Partnership project funded by Arts Council England.

Photocredit: Ed Waring