Gracie Fields statue: solid granite plinth in place

Gracie Fields statue: solid granite plinth in place

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The solid granite plinth which the 7.5 foot bronze statue of Rochdale's most famous daughter, Dame Gracie Fields, will sit on is now in place.

The statue will be erected the day before the official unveiling by lifelong friend of Gracie, Roy Hudd at 1pm outside the Town Hall on Sunday.

Councillor Richard Farnell, Leader of the Council, said: "It's been a long time coming but It's going to be great Gracie weekend.

"Rochdale has always been a bit shy at celebrating our successes. And there was no greater international success story in the 1930s and 1940s than Our Gracie.

"It is 35 years since her death, but we are making up for lost time with this fantastic tribute.

"It will also be a reminder to younger generations who may never have heard of her just what a world-class superstar she was. Dame Gracie was at the height of her fame the highest paid entertainer in the world. She was the Madonna of her day."

Gracie's statue has been sculpted by Sean Hedges-Quinn and was paid for by donations and commercial sponsorship.