Celebrating Rochdale’s role as the birthplace of the modern-day co-operative movement

Taking place in and around the newly restored Broadfield Park Slopes and inside Rochdale Town Hall, the Rochdale Co-operative Fair will bring together co-operatives and social enterprises from across the North West, alongside arts and crafts activities, market stalls, music and a special parade.

The team from Rochdale Pioneers Museum, which celebrates the town’s role in the co-operative movement, will be hosting a stall on the history of co-operatives with local studies, including games, activities and more.

A new Rochdale community banner, inspired by the protest banners used as part of Rochdale’s history of revolutionary progressive action, will also be unveiled as part of a special parade down the Broadfield Park Slopes. Youngsters can have a go at making their own mini banners, as part of an arts and craft session, before carrying them in the parade.

Inside the town hall, visitors can find out more about the Rochdale’s past with the recreation of a Victorian street. Inspired by ‘The Gank’, the worst slum in Rochdale at the time, which was centred on the area around church steps on the Broadfield Park Slopes. It will give visitors an insight into the harsh conditions which gave rise to the drive for fairness and brought about the co-operative movement.

A special visible denim-mending workshop, inspired by the Japanese art of Sashiko, will also take place, with people encouraged to bring in their own denim items to customise on the day.

A host of modern-day co-operatives and social enterprises will be on hand, including Metro Moneywise, which offers affordable lending.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and supported by the Co-operative Heritage Trust, the Co-operative Fair is one of a number of events taking place to celebrate the transformation of the Broadfield Park Slopes behind Rochdale Town Hall.

The free event takes place from 10am to 4pm. The banner-making sessions for children will be from 10am to noon, with the parade down the Broadfield Park Slopes from 12.30pm.