RECOMMENDED

●●VISIT Fireground Museum (December 7 - 9)

Join us at Fireground this week to discover Greater Manchester’s firefighting story. Fire museum attractions are on show inside the museum including our collection of historic firefighting artefacts from the 18th century to present day, plus home-made refreshments in the new Fireground Cafe, and souvenirs from our fantastic new gift shop. We have a wide choice ranging from toddler to collector.

Age: Under 4s are free, Children (aged 4-15) and Concessions £5, Adults £7, and Family (4 people) £20. Time: Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am - 4pm. Phone: 01706 341219.

Address:, Maclure Road, Rochdale

●●CASTLETON Literary and Scientific Society (December 8)

Talk by Mark Llewellin, author, and broadcaster “It’s behind you”

- A History of Pantomime.

Cost: Annual Membership £25; Visitors welcome £3 per meeting. Phone: Barry Hobson 07724 135099. Time: 7pm. Address: Castleton Community Centre, Manchester Road, Castleton OL11 3AF.

●●RIVERSIDE Artisan Market (December 9)

Running on the second Saturday of every month, the successful Riverside Artisan Market returns again to Rochdale Riverside this weekend. A big thank you to all our customers for helping us to grow this market every month.

A warm welcome is waiting from over 20 small independent businesses who grow, rear, make or bake what you see. All different, all quality and made by the people you speak to. From artisan meats to hand made fudge and glass creations.

From room sprays, wax melts, handmade soaps, and quirky gift ideas. From preserves, chutneys, oils and vinegars to delicious savoury pies, sweet treats and fresh fruit and veg and so much more.

Come say hi, let us know what you think and while you’re here check out the great Rochdale Riverside.

Cost: Free. Time: 10am - 4pm. Address: Riverside Retail and Leisure Complex, Riverside Walk, Rochdale OL16 1TR.

●●ROCHDALE Phoenix Opera Society Present “Christmas Spectacular” (December 9)

An afternoon of festive merriment with a line-up of exceptional songs to get you in the mood for the Christmas period. Featuring a selection of choral songs, solo pieces, and jolly Christmas tunes, presented to you by the talented vocalists of the Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society, winners of the NODA District 7 Best Concert/revue for last year’s Christmas Show.

With mince pies and mulled wine this is set to be another spectacular event. Cost: £7.50. Time: 2.30pm. Phone: Penny 01706 344773. Address: Bamford Chapel, Norden Road, Rochdale OL11 5PQ.

Visit:www.ticketsource. co.uk/rochdale-phoenixopera-society

●●CAROLS, Christingle, and a Christmas Fair (December 10)

Share the light of Christ at St Thomas’ Church Christingle service. Followed by their mini-christmas fair and refreshments.

Stalls will include Chocolate Tombola, Bottle Tombola, Regifted Gifts Cake stall, Local crafts, Children’s tattoos and face painting, Refreshments available (including mulled wine and mince pies).

Time: 2.30pm. Phone: Judith Jones 07795 818047. Address: St Thomas CE Church, Newhey, Church Street, Newhey, Rochdale OL16 3QS.

All Across the Arts AATA - celebrates creative arts and artists. An oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.