More than 220 gifted musicians, including children as young as 7 years old, have been impressing local audiences with their talents.
This follows Rochdale Music Service’s annual Summer Sizzler event held at Middleton Arena, where local schools and children, who have been supported by the service, came together to perform in front of the Mayor of Rochdale and their friends and family.
With the sound of guitars, violins, flutes, trumpets and trombones playing in perfect harmony among many other instruments, participants played a variety of music, from traditional rock to classical ensembles, throughout the day during 3 separate concerts.
For some, this was their very first live musical performance as they played in small bands and a mass orchestra alongside pupils from different schools in the borough who they may otherwise have never met.
To tie in with the upcoming season, all of the music was summer themed, with special arrangements put together so that children, who have only just started playing and know a few notes, could still join in alongside more seasoned performers.
This included Rochdale Music Service’s very own playful take on ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’, which had been reworded as 'The 12 Days of Summer' so participants could count down in song to items such as 6 inflatable dolphins and 5 rubber rings.
Children and young people perform brass instruments at 2026 Summer Sizzler event.
Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education at Rochdale Borough Council, said:
“The annual Summer Sizzler event is an amazing opportunity for our children and young people to be a part of as they perform on stage and develop their abilities as talented musicians.
“It brings people of all ages together to show off their fantastic skills, and it is a wonderful acknowledgement of the teaching they receive from the council’s very own Rochdale Music Service.
“Our borough is incredibly gifted and on the music scene, it has been the birthplace to many famous hits including Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark’s (OMD), debut single "Electricity”.
“So, if anyone has been inspired to pick up an instrument or hit those high notes with their voice, I encourage you all to get in touch with Rochdale Music Service today.”
Rochdale Music Service provides a range of lessons to support people of all ages to improve their musical skills.
From teaching people how to sing and play instruments like the drums, piano or even the xylophone, there are lots of opportunities available.
The service also provides a variety of choirs and ensembles to take part in alongside music theory lessons for those wishing to elevate their understanding of music.
- Rochdale Music Service – find more information on what Rochdale Music Service has to offer.