Rochdale town centre Christmas lights switch-on cancelled

The family event, normally staged in late November is the latest big event to fall victim to the pandemic

Rochdale’s big Christmas lights switch-on show and festive market at the town hall will not take place this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Christmas lights in the town centre will still be installed and lit up but the switch-on event normally staged in late November that attracts visitors to the town centre has become the latest big event to fall victim to the pandemic.

Rochdale Council is planning an online virtual celebration as the lights and displays go on to mark the start of the festive season in Rochdale, featuring Father Christmas, The Mayor Councillor Billy Sheerin and special guests. 

“We will still be doing all we can to bring some much needed festive cheer and encouraging everyone to shop locally and support our wonderful businesses during these very difficult times,” said Councillor Janet Emsley.

She added: “It won’t be a surprise we’ve had to cancel this event in light of the current situation. We would love to keep things as they are but the reality is we are having to make significant changes to ensure we aren’t encouraging people to break the rules. Our festive market at the town hall and switch-on attracts big crowds so what we don’t want to do is encourage large numbers of people to gather in town in the current circumstances. But what I can promise you is Rochdale will look as Christmassy as ever and there will be more for all the family to enjoy as part of your visit. With the new Rochdale Riverside retail and leisure development open and new shops and restaurants, the borough is going to be an even more magical place to be under the Christmas lights.”

Switch-on events in Middleton, Heywood and Littleborough will also not be going ahead due to coronavirus restrictions limiting public gatherings.