Town Hall bells to replace recorded Big Ben bells

Rochdale Town Hall clock

BBC Radio 4 has confirmed that the bells of Rochdale Town Hall will replace recorded Big Ben bells ahead of the 6.00pm news bulletin on 24 December.

The chimes will be broadcast on Christmas Eve as a festive special replacement for the recorded bells that have sounded whilst Big Ben has been undergoing maintenance.

Gwyneth Williams, Controller of Radio 4, said: “We’re delighted to be able to have the chimes of Rochdale bells ring out for everyone across the UK to hear on Christmas Eve.”

Councillor Allen Brett, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This is a huge boost for Rochdale and I am delighted that our town has been recognised in this way. Rochdale Town Hall is one of the country’s most iconic buildings and we are proud its famous gongs will ring out across the land over the festive period. Well done to the BBC for backing our campaign and for striking a chord with public opinion. Let the bells ring out for Christmas.”

Former Mayor Ian Duckworth and Jake Berry, the Northern Powerhouse minister, had urged the BBC and ITV to broadcast the chimes from the clock above Rochdale Town Hall until Big Ben is back in full working order in December 2017.

Ian Duckworth said: “I wanted to put Rochdale on the map for good reasons.

“Rochdale Town Hall is such a magnificent building and brings people to Rochdale.

“I’m so pleased it’s gone through and it’s a good news story for the town.”

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/115060/mayor-backs-call-for-rochdale-town-hall-bells-to-be-used-whilst-big-ben-is-silent