Rochdale’s MP Paul Waugh has welcomed the town’s first ever Music Summit as part of a wider bid to boost grassroots rock, pop and folk venues.

The inaugural event at Rochdale Town Hall on Monday November 25 will bring together the borough’s musicians, bands, venue owners, and promoters for a day of inspiration and development.

The gathering comes as the Government backed a new voluntary levy on big concerts and arenas to help smaller venues which have struggled to survive since the Covid pandemic.

Mr Waugh, who is a member of the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, said it was vital to support grassroots music to protect jobs and to grow Rochdale’s cultural attractions.

The Rochdale Music Summit will include panels, networking, and practical advice aimed at empowering the local music scene.

It will feature guests including former Inspiral Carpets band member Clint Boon, representatives from Factory International, Band on the Wall, and Independent Venue Week, as well as rising artist OneDa.

Each will share career insights and offer guidance on building audiences and sustaining growth. Arts Council England representatives and other cultural organisations will be present to discuss support options for Rochdale’s music industry. Free tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Organisers see the summit as a step towards creating a Music Development Plan for Rochdale, aiming to build new audiences, support diverse talent, and solidify Rochdale’s place as a music hub within Greater Manchester.

Mr. Waugh last week joined Rochdale Council bosses to host Arts Council England Chief Executive Darren Henley during his visit to discuss the town’s cultural vision.

The Arts Council England visit also included meetings with Rochdale Council Leader Cllr Neil Emmott, Cabinet Member for Culture Cllr Sue Smith, and local cultural leaders, including local music charity Sound Roots. The delegation visited the Town Hall and Voltalab Studios where they met with owners Laura and Jamie Howkins.

“This summit is an exciting moment for Rochdale,” said Mr. Waugh. “Our music scene has deep roots, not least our folk traditions, and it’s essential that we invest in it for the future.

“The music summit gives our artists, venues, and promoters a platform to connect with industry leaders. I’m committed to supporting Rochdale’s music industry because I know its impact on our community, economy, and young people.”

The event’s organisers hope to show that Rochdale is taking bold steps to establish itself as a cultural powerhouse in Greater Manchester, unlocking new opportunities for economic, social, and cultural growth.

The Commons Culture Committee this week welcomed the Government levy plan, a French-style scheme which would see £1 added to tickets for big gigs and the money raised shared among small venues.

And it warned the big concert arenas that it would seek tougher action if they failed to implement the proposal by next summer.