Town Centre ready for Christmas lights switch-on

Rochdale Christmas Lights

This year Rochdale's Spanish friend “Dora the Explorer” and Big Al from 96.2 the Revolution will be kicking off the late night Thursday shopping on 13 November and putting Rochdale Town Centre in the festive mood.

The fun will begin with an enlightening Lantern Parade which will begin at 5.45pm from the top of Yorkshire Street.

A brass band, choir, street performers, Rochdale Hornets stars and children from local primary schools will all be helping to create the winter wonderland. The parade will wind its way down the main shopping street and will culminate with the lights officially being switched on by Dora at 6.30pm on the stage on the Butts.

Debbie O’Brien, Town Centre Manager, said: “This years fantastic Christmas celebrations will be better than ever with a real mixture to excite any family member. It will really signify the beginning of the traditional Christmas Shopping period and in this current climate your local shops need your loyalty more than ever.

"Why not make a pact like the staff here at the town centre management office and promise to buy all your Christmas presents from Rochdale Town Centre this year? Every little helps!”

Dora will also be appearing in the shopping centres for meet and greet at the following times:

2pm Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre
3pm The Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre
4pm The Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre
5pm Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre

Many shops in the Town Centre are open until 8pm every Thursday from Thursday 13 November until Thursday 18 December. Shoppers can also park free until 9pm in the Exchange, Wheatsheaf and Bus Station Car Parks when entering after 4.30pm.

On 7 December real-life reindeers and Father Christmas will be visiting the town centre.