Street Eat festival returns for celebratory Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend

Date published: 20 May 2022

A special Jubilee edition of Rochdale’s iconic Street Eat food, drink and music festival is taking place on the June Bank Holiday weekend to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee of 70 years on the throne.

The Bank Holiday extravaganza on Friday 3 June has been organised by the Rochdale Business Improvement District to celebrate the Queen’s historic 70-year reign, whilst bringing together the town’s best food and drink establishments.

Local restaurant chefs will serve tasty cuisines from around the world – hearty Italian, delicious Indian, traditional English, authentic German, American favourites, flavour-filled Mexican and so much more – with dozens of mouth-watering dishes all at £4.50 or less.

Traders will include Indian street food and craft ale restaurant Bombay Brew; Rochdale’s favourite candlelit wine cellar Vicolo Del Vino; The Medicine Tap bar and restaurant; the multi-award-winning Flying Horse; popular pub The Baum, independent coffee house Bean and the town centre’s best burritos from Uno Burrito.

BID Manager Paul Ambrose said the event will “showcase the town’s diverse food and drink offer.”

He explained: “It’s great that we can finally bring this popular event back to get people together with food and drink and celebrate our town centre eateries in a fun festival setting.

“With all the new establishments that have opened in the last couple of years it’s going to be better than ever. It’s family-friendly – you’ll be able to buy and try as many small dishes as you like.

“Due to all the work underway around the town hall, we’re moving across to The Butts, another great location – and very handy for public transport.”

Revellers will also be able to enjoy live music and entertainment, as the sound stage will feature a full line-up of live music featuring local favourites, plus performances from the talented dancers of Turners Dance Studios.

Caroline Norton, of The Medicine Tap, said: “Street Eat is a great family event that allows the locals to sample some of the food and drink delights from the many Rochdale independents. We have a phenomenal food and drink offering in Rochdale and it’s a superb asset to the town.

“We’re delighted to be a part of the day and I’d really urge everyone to come down and support the event with friends and family over the platinum jubilee weekend.”

Fun activities and rides for the children will also be on offer, including the British classic Punch and Judy show. 

Finally, to mark this momentous occasion, the Baillie Street Quarter will be appropriately decorated with patriotic Union Jack flag bunting.

Ben Boothman, landlord of the Flying Horse, said the beauty of Street Eat is that it’s hosted by the town centre venues – unlike many food festivals which often have businesses travelling in from outside.

He said: “Street Eat means that you can sample many amazing dishes on your doorstep – and if you find something you really like, it’s always here for you.

“This is a fantastic way to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee as Street Eat is a family-friendly event with live music and activities for all the family. We’re really pulling out all the stops to make this year’s event as memorable as possible – and ensure you remember us next time you want a bite to eat.”

Paul added: “We’d love to know if town centre businesses are joining in on the opportunity to join the celebrations.

“We are keen to know if businesses are intending to close across the extended weekend, please do let us know if your plans of opening are going to change over that period or let us know what you have going on so we can promote it.

“You don’t need to wait until Street Eat: the town centre’s fantastic restaurants and bars are open every week, so do support them and get a table booked!”

Admission to Street Eat is free and the event runs from 11am to 7pm on Friday 3 June.