Unveiling the story of Gracie Fields

Mayor Surinder Biant and Mayoress Cecile Biant, Councillor Janet Elmsley and Council Leader Richard Farnell

The latest of a series of eight plaques being formed telling the story of Dame Gracie Fields has been unveiled by the Mayor Surinder Biant as part of a project which will be completed by the summer.

The recent unveiling took place at Newgate House last Wednesday (10 February), which was the site of The Old Circus, where Gracie first performed on stage at the age of seven. Visitors can view the plaque from the memorial gardens.

The first plaque was unveiled last month in Molesworth Street, where Gracie was born 118 years ago. The building has now been demolished, but visitors can see the plaque nearby.

The completion of the new trail will coincide with the erection of a bronze statue of the late singer, actress and comedienne close to the town hall, which was the focal point of her many return visits to Rochdale.

The creation of the trail comes at a time of heightened interest in the late star, who was rumoured to be the highest paid actress in the world in the 1930s.

Council Leader Richard Farnell, said: “Gracie Fields was a real Rochdale success story who enjoyed worldwide success at the height of her career. Although, she was made a freeman of our borough in 1937 and she opened the Gracie Fields theatre in 1979, we feel it’s only fitting that we recognise her contribution with a permanent tribute. She’s an important part of our heritage and I want all our residents and visitors to be able to celebrate that.”