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Fair to celebrate Rochdale as birthplace of co-operative movement

Tuesday, 5 May 2026 21:36

By David Murphy

A shop on Toad Lane, which is now home to the Pioneers Museum, is the place where the worldwide co-operative movement began - image courtesy of the Co-operative Heritage Trust

A free fair celebrating Rochdale’s co-operative history will take place in the town centre on Saturday 23 May.

The Rochdale Co-operative Fair will run from 10am to 4pm around Broadfield Park Slopes and inside Rochdale Town Hall.

The event will include co-operatives and social enterprises from across the North West, children’s craft activities, stalls, music and a parade.

Rochdale Pioneers Museum will host a stall about the history of co-operatives with local studies, games and activities.

A new Rochdale community banner will be unveiled during a parade down Broadfield Park Slopes, which starts at 12.30pm.

Children can make mini banners between 10am and 12noon before joining the parade.

Inside the town hall, visitors will be able to see a recreation of a Victorian street inspired by The Gank, once among the poorest parts of Rochdale.

A denim mending workshop will also be held by Manchester based textile co-operative Stitched Up.

Pete Courtie, head of culture and placemaking at Rochdale Development Agency, said: “Rochdale’s role as the birthplace of the co-operative movement is not just about a historic idea which changed society for the better; the principles of cooperation are all around us to this day and are embodied in the many fantastic modern-day co-operatives which will be at the heart of this event and letting people know how they can get involved.

“As well as showcasing important ideas, this event will more than anything be a celebration, with arts and craft activities for children, a fantastic banner parade down the Broadfield Park Slopes and stalls where people can pick up unusual treats.”

The fair is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and supported by the Co-operative Heritage Trust.

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