Town hall chiefs reveal festive plans
HALLOWEEN may just be over but attention is already turning to Christmas as the council announces its plans for the festive season.
The festive market will return, there will be a big Christmas lights switch-on and a host of other family entertainment at the town hall on Sunday, November 24.
Thousands are expected to attend the popular event that will include a festive indoor market and family activities inside Rochdale Town Hall.
Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture, said: “This event is always the perfect start to the festive season. With a local Christmas market, food and drink, activities for the children and amazing street theatre to entertain the crowds, there will be something for everyone. We’re lighting our stunning town hall in stunning colours for the day too.”
Children will be able to create crafty gifts, have their face painted and make some musical sounds with The Melody Hub. You’ll be able to make a festive keepsake with the team from The Star Tree Studio or learn circus tricks with the experts from Skylight Circus.
The Christmas market opens at 1pm, with 30 stalls in the magnificent setting of the Great Hall. Seasonal food and drink will be served in the Christmas Cafe while Wardle Community Brass Band and Rochdale Music Service will play some yuletide favourites.
From 1pm outside the town hall there will also be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks, and the town hall will be lit up spectacularly for the occasion.
From 4pm the build up really begins with live music from Fat Cat Brass, along with a number of street theatre performances before Father Christmas, the Mayor and a host of special guests officially turn on the lights at 5pm.
A Christmas switch on event will also take in place in Littleborough town centre on Saturday, November 30 from 4pm to 6pm.