Exhibition to celebrate 160 years of policing in Rochdale at Feel Good Festival

Old Police car

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Greater Manchester Police is joining next month’s Rochdale Feel Good Festival’s tenth anniversary commemorations with a birthday of their own.

During both days of the festival they will be celebrating 160 years of policing in Rochdale with a unique indoor and outdoor exhibition promising something for all the family.

Based in front of the town hall on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 August, look out for a collection of iconic police cars, vintage fire vehicles, police horses, uniforms, archive photography and memorabilia. It will provide an insight into the history and heritage of policing, criminal justice, civic enforcement, crime and punishment in the town.

Guided tours every hour will take visitors to areas of the town hall rarely open to the public including the Victorian cells which formed part of the original police station together with the beautifully preserved Magistrates Court room which was in regular use as a court until 1971.

Councillor Janet Emsley cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture at Rochdale Borough Council said: “This will definitely be one of the more unusual elements of the festival but certainly a very interesting one, providing a fascinating insight into the history of policing in the borough from the inception of Greater Manchester Police to the present day.

"I’m sure the guided tours of the old cells and courtroom will prove popular too and I hope families will drop by and learn more about Rochdale’s fascinating policing past during the festival.”

The 160 Years of Policing in Rochdale Exhibition runs on both days from 11am to 5pm and is free.