On Air Now

70s Sounds

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Now Playing

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Simple Man

Huge Medieval fair to bring Rochdale’s history to life this summer

Rochdale town centre will be transformed into a Medieval village this June as a large scale event featuring combat displays, music, activities and historical reenactments takes over the area.

Rochdale Medieval Fayre will run across Rochdale Town Hall, Town Hall Square and the newly restored Broadfield Park Slopes over the weekend of 6 and 7 June.

The free event aims to celebrate Rochdale’s historic roots by transporting visitors back to the Medieval period, with activities designed for families and history enthusiasts.

Around 80 actors from the 12th century living history group Historia Normannis will recreate daily life from the period, including combat displays, Medieval law courts and demonstrations showing life between 1066 and around 1485.

A full Medieval encampment will also be created with fashion displays, music and hands on activities including archery and coin striking.

The event forms part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund backed Broadfield Park Slopes restoration project and organisers say it also reflects Rochdale’s own Medieval story.

The Broadfield Park Slopes area, behind Rochdale Town Hall, formed part of the borough’s Medieval centre, while nearby St Chad’s Church has Saxon origins.

Rochdale was also home to a castle built following the Norman conquest in 1066 near Castle Hill close to the present day Sparth Bottoms area. Although the castle no longer survives, younger visitors will be able to help build a large cardboard version during the event.

Visitors can also take part in print making workshops, Medieval manuscript activities and dressing up experiences.

Food inspired by the period will be available at the Martlet restaurant inside Rochdale Town Hall, while refreshments including drinks, cakes and sandwiches will also be served from the Zodiac bar during the weekend.

Sue Smith said, “This event will offer a unique experience for our residents and visitors.”

She added, “The historic heart of Rochdale town centre will be transformed into a Medieval village and people will be totally immersed with music and live demonstrations set to bring this fascinating period into glorious life and create a living museum for two days.”

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Recently Played

Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

   

Coming up next On Air

  • 70s Sounds

    6:00pm - 8:00pm

    with Helena Hart playing two hours of the greatest hits from the decade that gave us glam rock, disco & unforgettable classics.

  • Mill About Mix

    8:00pm - 10:00pm

    with Alison and the team from Mill About playing all of their favourite hits.

  • The Graveyard Shift

    10:00pm - Midnight

    with Gemma Johnson, as she explores the strange, unusual and down right spooky. Featuring a midnight ghost story from the darkest depths of the graveyard.

  • After Hours

    Midnight - 2:00am

    For the night owls, night workers and everyone still going while the rest of the town sleeps. Music, chat and company after dark.

  • Wide Awake Club

    2:00am - 5:00am

    For those who find themselves awake at 3am more often than they’d like. Calm music, understanding voices and quiet company.

  • Up Before the Alarm

    5:00am - 7:00am

    for early starters, commuters and anyone already on their second brew. Livelier music and new voices warming things up before breakfast.