Spoken Word Event - Northern Voices and Identity

Join us at Spotland Library for an afternoon of poetry and spoken word where Northern voices reflect on identity and the future.

Come and join us at Spotland Library for a very special afternoon of poetry and spoken word, where we’ll be putting the mic firmly in the hands of powerful Northern voices, and exploring what identity means to us in 2026.

Hosted by Rochdale’s Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver, this event is part of a borough-wide series celebrating bold new poetry and creative voices.

Expect striking words, bold and creative Northern perspectives, and performances that will stay with you long after the final line.

Words with a local beat

The theme of identity invites a range of stories and styles, from playful to profound, from personal to political.

Confirmed performers include:

• Hafsah Aneela Bashir, award-winning poet, playwright, and performer
• Mike Garry, poet and poet-librarian
• Alende Amisi, young poet in residence
• Local poet Yasmin Hussain
• Local poet Sid Calderbank
  
  

Meet the poets and explore the exhibition

And don’t forget to dive into the poetry exhibition featuring writers from across the borough! You can even and meet some of the poets, who will have books available for sale.

This event is part of a partnership between Rochdale Borough Libraries, Rochdale Borough Council, and Rochdale Development Agency, funded by Arts Council England and Flexible Funds, and forms part of Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture programme for 2025/26, celebrating Rochdale’s role as the region’s cultural heartbeat.

Together, we’re creating space for Northern voices to inspire and connect our community.

And it's free!

This event is free of charge and open to everyone. So why not get yourself a ticket, come along and catch the poetry bug.