The countdown to Christmas begins in the borough of Rochdale on Sunday, 24 November at the town hall. There will be a festive market, a big Christmas lights switch-on and lots of extra special magical family entertainment.
Thousands from all parts of the borough are expected to attend the popular event that will include a festive indoor market and family activities inside Rochdale Town Hall.
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 get you in a festive mood with yuletide favourites
A wide variety of local stalls will include cards, hampers, decorations, children’s gifts, food, toys, clothing, fashion accessories and much more.
Children will be able to create crafty gifts, have their face painted and make some musical sounds with The Melody Hub. Little ones will also be able to create a polar animal bauble or figure using coloured clay and an array of craft materials with help from The Star Tree Studio. They will be able to take this home as a keepsake from the event to display or decorate their tree.
Children of all ages welcome, although under 4s will need parent or carer assistance. Want to learn some circus tricks? You can have a try under the guidance of Skylight Circus.
From 1pm outside the town hall there will also be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks.
From 4pm the build up to the lights switch on really begins with live music from Fat Cat Brass – performing classic pop tunes through an Afro-Latin and ska filter. A beautiful winter fairy will be bringing a touch of magic to the event, along with colourful ‘Two Calling Birds’ from the 12 Days of Christmas song, accompanied by lots more street theatre performances providing a sparkling festive treat.
Father Christmas, the Mayor and special guests including some of the cast from Cinderella from Middleton Arena’s pantomime will switch-on the lights at 5pm.
