Rochdale Music Stories presents: Kenion Street Album Launch Concert

Artists stood outside the Kenion Street studio.
Some of the local artists who feature on the new album alongside Andy McCluskey (OMD), Clint Boon (Inspiral Carpets) and Martin Moscrop (A Certain Ratio) outside Voltalab Sound Studios on Kenion Street, Rochdale.

Date: Saturday, 14 March 2026

Location: Heywood Civic, L/Cpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW

Cost: Tickets from £13.65–£17.85

Time: 7pm - 11pm

About this event

Iconic music recorded in Rochdale is being celebrated with a new album featuring re-imagined recordings of some of the classic tracks, launched at this very special live concert.

Rochdale boasts a rich and diverse musical legacy, from Gracie Fields to The Courteeners, Lisa Stansfield to Autechre. Between 1977–2001 it was home to both Suite Sixteen and Cargo Studios on Kenion Street in the town, where trailblazing artists including Orchestral Maneouvres in the Dark (OMD), The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Joy Division, Inspiral Carpets, A Certain Ratio, The Fall and many others recorded some of their most memorable work. 

Fast forward to 2026 - Rochdale's year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture and lots of local artists, a choir and a brass band have recorded their version of a Cargo or Suite Sixteen classic at Voltalab Studios in Rochdale, released as a limited-edition vinyl record.

The album is being launched with this concert at the recently refurbished Heywood Civic, with each act performing their track live. 

It will be hosted by the Inspiral Carpets frontman Clint Boon,  who’ll also be chatting to some special guests as well as introducing  the array of local talent including: K-Estate, Micah Stalgic, Desyfer & Emma Konnanov, From The Ground Up, PoolEra, Medley, P*Starr, Blvckout, The Velvet Shadow, Jen Reid, Leo HC, Bloom Music Community and Local Vocals. 

Staged in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency this show is part of ‘Rochdale Music Stories’ as part of the town’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, to shine a spotlight on Rochdale’s longstanding influence on British music whilst promoting the next wave of talent. 

Disclaimer

Events and activities are not organised by Rochdale Borough Council unless stated otherwise. Neither is Rochdale Borough Council responsible for the accuracy of the information provided. If you are under 18, ask your parent/guardian before taking part in any event or activity.

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