Foodies rejoice! Whet your appetite for the finest local produce with the new Rochdale Food and Artisans’ Fayre

Date published: 29 August 2020

The very best local cheeses, farm-reared meat, roasted coffee, delicious preserves and so much more will all be hosted under one roof on Saturday 5 September, with the launch of the new Rochdale Food and Artisans’ Fayre.

With a wide range of traders and attractions, the new monthly event will bring the best crafted food products and goods in the North West to the upper mall of the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre.

Confirmed traders include Pextenemeknt Cheese, organic cheeses made by Carl and Sandra on their own farm in Todmorden; Porcus, farm-reared sausages, bacon and charcuterie from Nat and SJ’s farm in the hills of Todmorden; Bee Local, delicious local honey from Bolton beekeepers, plus wonderous savoury pies from Cake Loves Cake.

Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy the delights of Tiffany’s Bakery Company, a selection of cakes, bakes and cookies from Rochdale; Sugar Chic, which creates toffee and fudge (including vegan options) or delectable cheesecakes by chef Pietro of the Manchester Cheesecake Company.

Enjoy a cup of the finest coffee, own roasted by the Exchange Coffee Company’s barista van – or a gin from Dipple Tipple, if you’re after something stronger! - and stock up the cupboard with Reedy’s Naturally preserves, relish, chutney, vinegars, oils and salad dressings.

Other treasures to be found at the bustling event will include handmade glass art by Kinza Creations, baskets and garden ornaments handwoven from willow (EcoArts WillowCraft) and Heights Farm Petfoods quality natural dog and cat food.

The Fayre is being brought to Rochdale by Lisa Reedy, who has been running local artisan markets for the last two years, including Rawtenstall, and has been a market trader for over 10 years.

She said: “Really excited to have this opportunity of working with The Wheatsheaf Centre and Rochdale BID to bring you a selection of very special local businesses who grow, rear, bake and bake what you see.

“All the traders are really looking forward to coming to Rochdale and I’m sure the fayre will grow.”

Mark Foxley, manager of the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre, said: “It’s looking like it will be a great day, come along 10-4pm and remember your mask. 

“We’re so looking forward to welcoming great regional traders offering a fantastic range of products with a wealth of experience. This is the first with more fayres to follow on the first Saturday of October, November and December.”

Paul Ambrose, Rochdale Town Centre BID Manager, said: “We are really excited to support this this fresh and uplifting concept to the town centre.

“There’s no doubt that it’s been a tough few months for everyone during lockdown – we’re delighted that this new offer will provide a vibrant platform for people to socialise safely once again, all while enjoying some of the region’s finest food and drink offerings.”

Paul added: “I’m sure the market will be a huge success, which is great news for our resurgent town centre.”

Covid-secure measures include one-way systems, multiple hand-sanitising stations, social distancing, and traders will operate within the government guidelines.

The Rochdale Food and Artisans’ Fayre runs from 10am until 4pm, Saturday 5 September, and will return on the first Saturday of each month: 3 October, 7 November, 5 December.