Rochdale Town Hall Square will be transformed into a dazzling display of colour and carnival in April 2025 when a spectacular parade rolls into town.
Taking place on Thursday, 10 April 2025, ‘Flight of Fancy’ will feature giant puppets, drumming, dancing, stilt walkers, theatre and lanterns, all set against the magnificent backdrop of Rochdale Town Hall.
The focal point of this free event will be a stunning display of handmade lanterns, which local schoolchildren and community groups have been busy creating. Many have taken inspiration for their designs from the imagery inside Rochdale Town Hall, with birds and plants and other scenes from nature adorning many of its historic rooms.
Live musical performances from 40-piece Brazilian Samba band, Batala Manchester, will also be taking place, while Handmade Productions will be bringing some of their large scale puppets and light art along for all to see. Thingumajig theatre will also be joining in the fun.
The free event, which is being funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will take place on Thursday, 10 April 2025 in Town Hall Square. It will begin at 7pm, with the parade starting at 8pm, before the event finishes at 9pm, People can just pop down and there’s no need to book.
‘Flight of Fancy’ is one of a host of events and activities taking place during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. Rochdale’s year will build on the town’s rich cultural history and international reputation as the home of the co-operative movement with more than 35 arts organisations bringing together an ambitious programme of festivals, exhibitions, events and performances.
