Our guide to what's on in Rochdale borough this weekend

Lots to do in and around the borough this weekend: Riverside Christmas Market, Santa's Grotto, numerous pantos, Springhill Hospice Christmas Cracker, and live music across various venues....

Events happening all weekend 

 

Riverside Christmas Market - Riverside Retail & Leisure Complex, Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 4pm 

The countdown is on to Christmas in Santa's favourite town centre and this year the inaugural Rochdale's Christmas Market is taking place. 

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/76795/events-in-rochdale/riverside-christmas-market 

 

Meet Elsa, Anna and Olaf - Rochdale Riverside, Saturday and Sunday,  
11am - 2pm 

Find Elsa, Anna and Olaf at Rochdale Riverside this winter. Come and say hello to the gang and have your photo taken – dressing up is encouraged. 

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/76889/events-in-rochdale/meet-elsa-anna-and-olaf  

 

Christmas Fair at the Engine House, Lodge Mill - Saturday – Sunday, 
11.00am - 4pm 

Two day Christmas Fair with free Santa's Grotto & Snow Dome, Santa's Elf Village where you can make your own old fashioned decorations for free. 

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/76962/events-in-rochdale/christmas-fair-at-the-engine-house-lodge-mill

 

Dick Whittington - The Curtain Theatre,  Friday – Sunday  

Set out for an adventure with Dick Whittington as he travels to seek his fortune on the glittering streets of London.  

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/75975/events-in-rochdale/dick-whittington  

 

Sleeping Beauty – Middleton's Christmas Panto 2024 - Middleton Arena, Friday - Sunday 

This Christmas, you’re invited to the pantomime of your dreams, Sleeping Beauty at Middleton Arena.  

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/76016/events-in-rochdale/sleeping-beauty-%E2%80%93-middletons-christmas-panto-2024  

 

Santa’s Grotto - Rochdale Riverside, Saturday and Sunday 

Santa will be waiting to greet you and your family in his cosy front room as you step into a small piece of the ‘Santa’s Village’ at Rochdale Riverside this December. 

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/76893/events-in-rochdale/santa%E2%80%99s-grotto  

 

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Friday 13 December 

 

Springhill Hospice Christmas Cracker - Norton Grange Hotel, 11.30am - 4.30pm 

Ladies: Gather your girlfriends and don your best festive outfits for an afternoon of fun, glamour and fundraising. 

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/75095/events-in-rochdale/springhill-hospice-christmas-cracker   

 

Treehouse Live Acoustic Sessions - Treehouse Bar Rochdale, 7pm 

Tonight’s artist - Acoustic Jukebox.  

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/76222/events-in-rochdale/treehouse-live-acoustic-sessions  

 

Amy Winehouse tribute - live music - Vicolo Del Vino, 7pm 

Tonight's live artist is - Amy Winehouse tribute.  

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/76313/events-in-rochdale/amy-winehouse-tribute-live-music  

 

Friendship Group - Rochdale Central Library, 12pm - 2pm 

Are you new to Rochdale? Aged 18+ and want to make new friends or learn new skills?  

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/76603/events-in-rochdale/friendship-group  

 

Castleton Literary and Scientific Society - St. Martin's Church, 7pm. 

The Magic of Musicals. A talk by Marylin Shalks, Author, who will give some insight into the ever popular world of Musical Theatre. 

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/76656/events-in-rochdale/castleton-literary-and-scientific-society  

 

For a full list of Fridays events see the Rochdale Online Events Diary.

 

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Saturday 14 December 

 

Heywood Model Railway Group Open Day - Unit 4 Park Works, 10am - 4pm 

Do you have locos and stock but not enough space to run them? Why not come along to one of our open days where you can stretch the legs of your locos by running them on one of our layouts? 

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/74901/events-in-rochdale/heywood-model-railway-group-open-day  

 

Make Your Own Natural Christmas Decorations - Rochdale Town Hall Square, 11am - 3pm 

Join us at this free event and get in the crafting Christmas spirit!  Make stars and mini Christmas trees from sticks.  

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/76920/events-in-rochdale/make-your-own-natural-christmas-decorations  

 

Winter crafty drop-in - Rochdale Central Library, 11am - 2pm Rochdale Pioneers Museum are collaborating with Rochdale Central Library to bring you a fun and super crafty drop-in session.  

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/76938/events-in-rochdale/winter-crafty-dropin  

 

Wild Hearts Exhibition Preview - Ebor Studios, 2pm 

Join us in our heritage mill for the preview of a new exhibition by local photographer and Ebor Studio member Esther Towler.  

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/76922/events-in-rochdale/wild-hearts-exhibition-preview

 

Christmas Concert by Littleborough Brass Bands Association - St Andrew’s Church, 7:00pm 

Get into the festive spirit and join us for a memorable evening of Xmas music with Littleborough Training Band, Boro' Brass, and Littleborough Brass Band at St. Andrews Church. 

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/76977/events-in-rochdale/christmas-concert-by-littleborough-brass-bands-association  

 

For a full list of Saturday’s events see the Rochdale Online Events Diary.

 

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Sunday 15 December 

 

Xmas Market - Alkrington Village Craft Market - Alkrington Community Centre, 11am - 4pm 

Xmas market. Pop along and support your local small businesses and community. With over 30 stalls we have a fantastic range of brilliant... 

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/74955/events-in-rochdale/xmas-market-alkrington-village-craft-market  

 

M6 Theatre presents A Tiger's Tale - M6 Studio, 11am to 12pm and 2pm to 3pm 

M6 Theatre presents a fantastical production by the award winning playwright Mike Kenny. Based on the extraordinary story of Fenella, the Holmfirth Tiger, A Tiger's Tale is a high spirited balancing act of circus, puppetry, live music and song. 

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/76256/events-in-rochdale/m6-theatre-presents-a-tigers-tale  

 

Breakfast with Santa - Pionero Lounge, 9.30am - 11am 

Have your breakfast in the company of Santa, with carols and gift giving fun. This includes breakfast for the child.  

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/76894/events-in-rochdale/breakfast-with-santa

 

Cantare Ladies Choir - Sounds of Christmas - Rochdale Town Hall, 4pm - 6pm 

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a choir concert. Enjoy mulled wine and a mince pie as the Cantare Ladies Choir perform songs guaranteed to fill you with Christmas cheer. 

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/76918/events-in-rochdale/cantare-ladies-choir-sounds-of-christmas  

 

For a full list of Sunday’s events see the Rochdale Online Events Diary

 

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