The initiative, known for its early evening concerts in unique venues, will host performances at the town centre church following the installation of a stage and professional sound and lighting equipment. The venue recently hosted an introductory show featuring Liam Fender, with Rebecca Spooner. The next performance is scheduled for Friday, 23 October, and will feature Nigel Clark, frontman of Britpop band Dodgy, supported by singer-songwriter Grace Rose, aged 19, from Heywood.
Nigel Clark, celebrated for hits such as ‘Good Enough’ and ‘Staying Out for the Summer’, will deliver an intimate performance combining music, atmosphere, and heritage. The show promises the warmth and melody characteristic of Dodgy's music, alongside anecdotes from his career, which includes sharing stages with artists like Oasis and Blur.
a beautiful venue
Delivered by The Snug Coffee House in Atherton, Greater Manchester, The Early Doors Club is a grassroots live music project. St Chad's Church in Rochdale joins a growing network of distinctive venues across Greater Manchester hosting shows. Ben Morgan, event manager for The Early Doors Club, stated that Rochdale is a key area for expansion, building on the local cultural team's efforts to introduce more events and opportunities into communities. He highlighted the Rochdale Development Agency's commitment to improving cultural access as a reason for their presence.
Since its launch in 2023, The Early Doors Club has staged over 160 events, attracting more than 13,500 attendees and supporting over 250 artists. The project aims to make live music more accessible by holding performances in various spaces, including cafés, churches, community halls, and heritage sites on the high street. Events typically start early and conclude by 9pm, facilitating access for those using public transport or preferring earlier evenings. Tickets are offered on a 'pay what you can basis'.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, expressed pleasure at The Early Doors Club's arrival in Rochdale, noting the venue's beauty and the power of live music to unite people and boost the local economy. She anticipates the professionally produced performances will attract visitors to the town centre and support both the church and Rochdale's music scene.
Karen Boardman, music development manager at the Rochdale Development Agency, added her excitement about working with The Early Doors Club, highlighting the achievement of offering paid performance opportunities for local musicians as part of a broader plan for music growth in Rochdale.
This expansion is part of wider plans to introduce The Early Doors Club to more boroughs, supporting grassroots talent, revitalising town centres, and fostering pride and opportunity across Greater Manchester. Further details on upcoming dates and line-ups for Rochdale events will be announced shortly. Grace Rose from Heywood is also scheduled to perform.
The performance by Nigel Clark, supported by Grace Rose, is scheduled for Friday 23 October, from 5pm–8pm at St Chad's Church in Rochdale.
