Littleborough Gears Up for Vibrant Arts Trail

This November, the streets and open spaces of Littleborough will come alive with the arrival of the Northern Lands Public Art Trail - a free, outdoor arts experience celebrating the industrial and social history of the Pennines townships.

Developed by Rochdale Culture Co-op in collaboration with Ebor Studio, the trail is funded by Arts Council England and will feature a series of public artworks and performances through November and into December 2025.

Here’s a closer look at what’s happening in Littleborough:

Sound Walk & Immersive Performance | 8–9 November

On Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November (10:00 am–4:00 pm each day), local artist Natalie Sharp will activate the canal-side near the summit in Littleborough with an evocative sound walk along the Rochdale Canal.

The route runs up to Sladen Wood Mill (Todmorden Road, OL15 9EW) where a live performance (12:00–4:00 pm) will combine sound, spoken word and ambient textures inspired by the waterways, industry and community life.

Visitors can join at any time during the walking windows - sturdy shoes are recommended, as the route follows the towpath and canal-side trails.

Textiles & Puppetry Theatre | 22 November

Saturday 22 November brings a more intimate event to the trail: a knitted-puppet theatre piece created by textile artist Helen Davies.

The performance celebrates two local peace-campaigning women, Rae and Pat, who protested at Greenham Common and other peace movements in the 1980s. The show takes place in Littleborough at 37 Church Street (11:00–12:00 on 22 November).

This mobile performance - delivered from the back of a car boot - blends humour, craft and activism in a unique, family-friendly format.

Outdoor Photography Exhibition | 28 November – End of December

From Friday 28 November until the end of December, a self-guided outdoor exhibition by photographer Stefan Byrom will be on display along the canal-side in Littleborough (Canal Street, OL15 0HA, under the road bridge toward Smithy Bridge).

The installation features striking photographic portraits and local quotes exploring how people connect with the canal - capturing moments of labour, leisure and reflection in this historic landscape.

The exhibition is open-air, free to visit, and viewable at all hours.