Festive market returns for Rochdale’s Christmas switch-on

Rochdale Christmas Lights switch on

The countdown to Christmas begins in Rochdale next month as Rochdale Borough Council confirms the return of a festive market at the town hall, a big Christmas lights switch-on and dazzling firework display on Saturday 24 November.

Thousands are expected to attend the popular event that will include a festive indoor market and family activities inside Rochdale Town Hall.  There will also be Christmas storytelling, music, theatre workshops and craft sessions for children. 

The market opens at 1pm, with a wide range of stalls in the magnificent setting of the Great Hall. Seasonal food and drink will be served in a Christmas Cafe while Wardle Community Brass Band get you in a festive mood with yuletide favourites!

Outside the town hall from 1pm there will be hot food, mulled wine and other festive drinks.

Characters Ben and Holly will be making a special trip to the event to help Father Christmas and a host of other guests officially switch-on the lights.  The children’s favourites princess Holly and Ben elf will arrive at 4pm to meet and greet families ahead of the big switch on and a firework display.

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture, said: “This event always gets our festive season off to a great start. With a local festive market, food and drink, activities for the children and our spectacular firework display, there will be something for everyone. Our stunning town hall is the perfect destination for this magical day.”

Christmas switch on events are also taking in place in:

• Middleton town centre on Saturday 17 November – 12 noon to 6.30pm.
• Heywood town centre on Saturday 17 November – 2pm to 6pm.
• Littleborough town centre on Saturday 1 December – 12 noon to 6pm.