Rochdale News | News headlines | Spooky silent film screening outside Rochdale Town Hall

The Gothic splendor of Rochdale Town Hall will provide the backdrop for a special screening of a famous silent film this Halloween.

The 1922 silent classic ‘Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror’, a German vampire film based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula, will be shown with musical accompaniment by international multi-award winning organist Aaron Hawthorne.

Aaron will play the film’s soundtrack on City Hall’s magnificent JJ ​​Binns Organ to create the perfect spooky night out this fall.

Aaron Hawthorne is a sought-after silent film and concert organist from North Lanarkshire, Scotland, with a Master of Arts degree in music from the University of Glasgow. He is known for his accessible and fascinating organ recitals, concerts and silent film accompaniments. He performs in the United Kingdom, mainland Europe and the United States.

Councilor Sue Smith, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “With its imposing Gothic architecture, you can’t find a better setting for the screening of this cult classic than Rochdale Town Hall.

“Additionally, our newly restored organ will be the perfect instrument to showcase the talents of Aaron Hawthorne, who has received numerous accolades throughout his musical career.”

The screening will take place on Saturday, November 2 at 8:00 PM, doors open at 7:30 PM. Tickets, priced at just €5 per person, are available now.

The Halloween display is part of the town hall’s events programme, with thousands of visitors enjoying the spectacular space since it reopened in March this year following a council and lottery-funded restoration.

Regular tea dances take place every first Wednesday of the month, while music lovers can enjoy a Christmas organ concert on December 18. The Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas lights will transform the gardens opposite Rochdale Town Hall from November 22 to 24.

Visitors can reserve their tickets for the screening via: rochdaletownhall.co.uk