Well-known actor, comedian, radio host and author Roy Hudd will unveil the statue in Town Hall Square Rochdale at 1pm before a planned choir performance of some of Gracie’s biggest hits.
The bronze statue, which is approximately 7 feet tall and will stand on a 4 feet granite plinth, has been created by well-known Suffolk-based sculptor Sean Hedges-Quinn, who has also immortalised Sir Bobby Robson and Captain Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe), of Dad’s Army fame.

The unveiling will mark the culmination of a weekend of celebrations to honour the late Rochdale star, who was the highest paid actress in the world during the 1930s.

The weekend will start with a 1950s dinner dance at Rochdale Town Hall on Friday 16 September 2016, where local celebrity chef Andrew Nutter will use local ingredients to rustle up a Gracie-themed 3 course meal. On Saturday, residents can join a choir practice at Touchstones Museum in Rochdale from 11am to rehearse 3 Gracie songs, which will be performed at the unveiling on Sunday.

Also on the Saturday, FREE Gracie-inspired children’s activities with a modern twist will be taking place at Touchstones from 11am to 4pm.

Council leader, Councillor Richard Farnell, said: “Following the completion of the Gracie Fields Purple Plaque trail and the new Gracie Fields tram, this fantastic statue is the final piece in the jigsaw. In means that now, almost 40 years after her death, Gracie Fields has come home to Rochdale for good.

“I would love to see our residents turn out in force to honour Rochdale’s favourite daughter and I’m looking forward to this fantastic celebration of our rich cultural heritage.”

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