It’s December-fest after beer event is postponed
THIS year’s Rochdale Oktoberfest has been postponed due to the pandemic.
The event, which was a massive success in its first year in 2019 at Rochdale Town Hall, will now be held on December 11 and 12 at Milnrow Cricket Club, from to 11am to 11pm.
Organisers have hired a 18m x 24m big-top style Marquee to be placed on Milnrow Cricket Pitch.
The marquee will be heated with space to meet social distancing guidelines, and the event will be Christmas-themed.
However, as a result of uncertainty dates in April have been secured in case the event has to be postponed again.
A spokesman said: “Last year we held the inaugural Oktoberfest Rochdale in the splendid Town Hall.
“The event was a massive success and we couldn’t wait for this year, however in the current climate we have had to postpone the event.
“Furthermore, the town hall closes its doors now for a number of years for a refurbishment, so we have had to find a suitable replacement venue.
“Our exciting new plan involves a Christmas Party themed Oompah night in a huge ‘Big Top’ Marquee to be held on Milnrow Cricket Pitch, chosen with its good tram links into the town centre.
“Additionally, transport from the town centre to the event is also being looked into.
“The people of Rochdale have worked incredibly hard throughout these continued lockdown measures and we want to provide them a place to celebrate with loved ones in a safe, COVID secure, location.
“However we are fully aware COVID and the government restrictions are not quickly disappearing and so the event may be untenable closer to the time.
“Therefore, if this date fails due to COVID restrictions we have a reserve date in April where tickets would once again be rolled over.
“We would like to thank current ticket holders for all their support and we cannot wait until we can all party together whilst keeping ourselves and our community safe.”