With an exciting line-up already confirmed and more announcements to come, 2020 is shaping up to be the best yet in Rochdale town centre.
Dippy the world famous Diplodocus dinosaur cast from London’s Natural History Museum is at Number One Riverside until 28 June as well as a show stopping prehistoric interactive exhibition at Touchstones.
Rochdale Food & Drink Festival returns on Saturday 4 April with a tasty menu of mouth-watering fare and top local chefs, hosted by cookery author and television presenter Chris Bavin from BBC1s ‘Eat Well For Less?’ You can also expect lots of family entertainment including Gastronaut Stefan Gates (CBBC) Food and Science Stunt Show, live music, street food and a festival market.
That’s followed on Good Friday (10 April) with the official launch of Rochdale Riverside, the major new retail and leisure development in Rochdale town centre.
Throughout July the borough will be bursting with dazzling colour as Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton and the Pennines take part in North West In Bloom.
On Saturday 25 July a big new event will be taking place in the beautiful Broadfield Park. The Feel Good Family Picnic promises an amazing summer day out with a host of exciting activities and shows.
One of the events thousands can’t wait to get in their calendar - Rochdale Feel Good Festival is back on Saturday 22 August for a day of live music, top class entertainment, food, drink and feel good vibes. There will be live music across indoor venues, a main stage sponsored by The Flying Horse Hotel and much more.
On Sunday 20 September Rochdale Wedding Show moves to a new venue, with hundreds of couples planning to tie the knot heading to the Mercure Norton Grange Hotel and Spa alongside over 35 stylish and inspiring suppliers plus breath-taking catwalk shows. Outside there’ll be a beautiful collection of wedding cars as well as a few surprises.
Williams BMW Rochdale Half Marathon, 10K and Fun Run will be staged on Sunday 4 October. Since 2015 over 5,800 people have taken part in the event, which takes in town and picturesque countryside scenes like Hollingworth Lake. The courses are relatively flat too so great for personal bests.
Remembrance Sunday Services and parades will be held boroughwide on Sunday 8 November.
Other major events are due to be added to the calendar in the next couple of months aimed at making the town centre a ‘must visit’ destination in 2020 and keeping residents and businesses happy.
Councillor Janet Emsley, Cabinet Member for neighbourhoods, community and culture said:
“Having Dippy the dinosaur here until the end of June is a massive opportunity to attract even more people and enhances what is looking like our biggest and best year yet. These events will bring significant benefits across the borough, promoting our destinations and increasing footfall. With stand out favourites and emerging new arrivals plus more to be announced soon, this is Rochdale’s biggest year in decades. Once again the council will also be supporting numerous other events organised by community groups and individuals. Our calendar is always being updated.”
Events are being supported by Rochdale Borough Council to provide a boost to residents and businesses as well as attracting thousands of visitors from across the region.
18 Feb 2020