Rochdale Riverside Brick Show is huge success

Date published: 17 February 2023

The very best fan-built LEGO® models were on display in Rochdale town centre on Saturday (11 February) for Rochdale Riverside Brick Show.

Over 1,000 people came to view an array of models, designed and created by Northern Brickworks’ members, at Riverside Walk.

Some of the exciting models on display included Rochdale Town Hall, the UK’s largest travelling brick fairground, characters from Pokémon, Sonic and Minions, Star Wars, the Rovers Return from Coronation Street, Blackpool Tower and the UK’s largest Minecraft display.

Various NASA rockets, a Gameboy, the Muppets and a miniature Marvel set, including The Daily Bugle building from Spiderman, completed the line up.

Built by Robert Clarkson, the miniature Rochdale Town Hall features over 20,000 LEGO® bricks, whilst each Pokémon character – Pikachu, Charmander and Piplup – comprised over 3,000 bricks.

The amazing funfair display from Hull-based builders Mark and Judi Kraska featured all the fun of the fair in miniature. All the rides – waltzers to a big wheel, plus various supporting attractions – are fully motorised and work just like their real-life counterparts. Each ride comprises around 3,500 bricks and some even feature working lights.

Steve Scrivens, of Northern Brickworks, said: “We had a fabulous time and hope to be back in future at a bigger venue. We don’t think anyone in Rochdale expected our work to be so popular.

“Throughout the day we had over 1,000 people through the door.

“Everybody we spoke to had a great time and loved the models despite the queues. Thank you to everybody who came along.”

Fellow LEGO® lovers even had the chance to buy new and retired LEGO® sets – including some imported sets from America – as well as having the chance to have their name engraved into a LEGO® brick.

Paul Ambrose, BID Manager said: "One way to drive the ongoing transformation of the town is to continue to offer a wide variety of events which help to drive footfall, change perceptions and enhance the visitor experience.

"This fantastic event achieved these aims and it was great to see so many families in the town centre."

The Rochdale Brickshow was organised by Northern Brickworks and Rochdale BID.

The Rochdale Riverside Brickshow by Northern Brickworks and Rochdale BID - a LEGO® exhibition enjoyed by over 1,000 people on Saturday 11 February 2023.
©Mike Brooks