Events this month in Rochdale

Based on the 1973 French play of the same name by Jean Poiret, it focuses on a gay couple: Georges, the manager of a Saint-Tropez nightclub featuring drag entertainment, and Albin, his romantic partner and star attraction, and the farcical adventures that ensue when Georges's son, Jean-Michel, brings home his fiancée's ultra-conservative parents to meet them.

Featuring well known songs such as "We are what we are." and "The best of times". This heart warming, hilarious musical comedy will definitely provide you with a night of laughter and glamour.

So please join us for a night at "La Cage Aux Folles" Visit our website or phone Aileen on 01706 368904 for tickets.

Saturday the 18 May is the 5th annual 2013 Rochdale International Mixed Tag Rugby League Festival.

The festival is hosted by Hornets supporters team the Rochdale Swarm and kicks off with a Friday evening party at the Flying Horse, followed by the main event from 1pm on Saturday. Live bands will take to the stage on Saturday evening and camping is available free of charge all weekend at Rochdale RUFC, Moorgate Ave, Rochdale.

With teams again coming from far and wide including Loch Lomond in Scotland it promises to be another fun event with a superb atmosphere.

The Rochdale Cobras will be defending their crown, with teams from Wakefield and Batley being amongst the other favourites for silverware.

Debuting at the Festival will be the Manchester Canalsiders in their first competitive outing.
The post festival party has become a thing of legend and this year promises to be no different.

There are still places available if players want to come down and get involved. They just need to turn up on the day.

Children's Tombola, Chocolate Stall, Raffle, Nails/Hair/Tattoos, Home Bake, Lucky Dip, Cafe, Bottle Stall.

BGS Girls invite everyone to their annual May Gala on Saturday 18 May.

The theme this year is "Out of Africa" and we are anticipating a fun-filled, action packed day with lots to do including Giant inflatables, drumming workshops, hook-a-duck, plant stall, penalty shoot out and various competitions throughout the afternoon.

There will also be the opportunity to relax and enjoy delicious tea and cakes or try a burger from the barbecue. We look forward to seeing you there.

Cartwheel Arts and newly developed Northern Lights enterprise team presents the first Northern Lights event, beautiful craft stalls from the Art Cart project, atmospheric performances and handpicked creative stalls all come together for this 1 day, free event on Saturday 18th May, 11-3pm at the Rochdale Pioneers Museum.

Come along and join in with creative workshops, watch shadow and light performances and purchase exquisite crafts from our makers. The event has been designed and will be delivered by adults taking part in Cartwheel Arts wellbeing courses funded by Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities, supported by Dandelion Create and Bubble Enterprise.

A community clean up has been organized for Saturday 18 May 2013 on the open land adjacent to Hollingworth High School between 10 am and 1pm.

Milnrow & Newhey Cllr Andy Kelly said “I have had more complaints about bottles, cans and general litter here than anywhere else in the ward, and although the Council’s Clean and Green team have cleared some of the worst hotspots, this wider area needs many hands.”

The open public land in question stretches from side of Hollingworth High School, to Newfield View and as far back as Tunshill Golf Club and is a popular dog walking and recreational area.

The Pennines township office will provide the litter pickers, some gloves and bags and arrangements have been made to collect all the recycling and waste. Volunteers are encouraged to wear suitable clothing due to brambles and if possible bring gardening gloves.

“I am calling upon people’s generosity and community spirit to help out. Even if people can give up just half an hour to help out it will make all the difference. Eventually it would be great to see this area cultivated with wildflowers to encourage bees and other wildlife.”

The meeting point is at the side of Hollingworth High School on Pennine Drive at 10am

For further details contact Cllr Andy Kelly on 07947 609277 or Andy.Kelly@Rochdale.Gov.UK

This weekend The Flying Horse Hotel hosts their 1st Strawberry festival!

Thursday morning to the close of day on Sunday will see the town centre pub and restaurant go strawberry mad!

Strawberry – Draught Cider, Cask Ale, Phoenix; Draught Lager (brewed in Rochdale) and Bottled Cider.

Strawberry – Cocktails, Wine, Food, spirits/shooters/liqueurs and surprises;

Live free entertainment:

• Thursday – ‘Strawberry Jam Night’ with Idol-frets 9pm
• Friday – ‘One Eyed Pete’ 10.30pm
• Saturday – ‘The Fallout’ 10.30pm
• Sunday – ‘Karaoke’ - 8.30pm

Family run, open all day every day,

Food served 11.30am to 9pm Thurs & Fri, to 7pm Sat and to 4pm Sunday

Free WIFI, Good beer guide, LocALE scheme, 7 cask ales, wine menu, home cooked food, B&B, Function room.

We are very happy to inform you all that The Rochdale Swarm Tag Festival that has been so successful and enjoyable over the last four years is back and is due to take place Friday 17 May to Sunday 19 May with the main rugby tournament slap bang in the middle on Saturday 18 May.

The festival will be held at Rochdale Rugby Union and each squad that enters should consist of 10 players that can consist of both males and females.

The festival starts on Friday 17 May for those who wish to camp, there will be a BBQ, disco and kareoke to help you all get into the spirit before the main event of the tag rugby tournament at 1pm on Saturday 18h May, which is followed by live bands in the evening and the facility to camp again which all add to the experience of a fun filled exciting weekend of tag rugby.

All teams should be entered by Friday 5 April 2013 For further information about the festival about cost of entry etc and any enquiries please email rochdaleswarm@hotmail.co.uk