Festive feast - Street Eat returns to Rochdale for Christmas

The tastiest festive food and a day of free seasonal entertainment is on the way very soon when the Street Eat festival returns to Rochdale this month. A mouth-watering Christmas edition of the popular event is being held on Saturday 17 December, with the best of the town’s food and drink establishments on the menu.

The Butts area next to the river in the town centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland with alpine huts and local traders offering festive fayre, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks, music and Santa - it’s going to be one big Christmas party.

Tasty food from local eateries will be served with dozens of dishes all at £5 or less including, Italian, Indian, English, American, German, Mexican and more. 

On the menu at Street Eat from The Medicine Tap will be wild boar bratwurst, mulled wine and a selection of German beers. Fresh Prep Street Food will be serving their Yorkshire Pudding wraps and another special Christmas wrap, while Bombay Brew promise a collection of tasty Indian street food dishes including gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options.

It’s all about the pies from The Baum’s stall – they’ll be dishing up homemade Christmas pies (sausage, turkey, stuffing), pork pies as well as a festive looking cheese and onion option complete with seasonal vegetables.

Look out for warming hot chocolates from the Treehouse Bar, served in limited edition Street Eat Christmas mugs, plus a range of winter cocktails. 

You’ll be able to get your hands on the Street Eat mugs from various traders for free while stocks last, as a souvenir from your visit.  Mugs will be available at the Street Eat bars that will be selling mulled wine and hot chocolate.

Wacko Nacho will be serving overloaded dirty nachos, along with homemade fresh pizzas from Vicolo Del Vino.  Drake Street’s new arrival the D’Ale House Bar will be offering a range of tempting drinks and beers including the Joyous Frivolity Cranberry Porter from the Wilde Child Brewing Company.

There will be free rides for children, including a helter skelter and teacups ride and lots of live music entertainment with a seasonal twist.  From midday until 6pm acts performing include Rochdale Music Service Rock School, local singer/songwriter Joe Dunne, fun duo Shenanigans, rock n’ roll band The Boutiques and the Salvation Army brass band.

BID manager Paul Ambrose, who organises the event with support from Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Anyone who’s been to Street Eat before will know what a great day it is, but we wanted to give people a chance to enjoy some of the food on our fantastic festive menus and bring the Christmas market vibe to town. Rochdale offers wonderful hospitality at this time of year so Street Eat will be a welcome addition with a festive atmosphere and delicious food and drink for you to enjoy. It’s family-friendly, great value and open all day so you can call down for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and it will be a great opportunity to meet up with friends before your night out or earlier in the day for a break during your Christmas shopping.”

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for events added: "Street Eat is always a great socialising opportunity and there will be foods from all over the world to suit everyone’s taste. Events like this bring visitors into town from across the area so it’s a boost for the local economy as well as a fabulous showcase for our restaurants, cafes and bars.”

Traders will include Bombay Brew, Vicolo Del Vino, The Medicine Tap, The Flying Horse, The Baum, The Treehouse Bar, Bean, Bank Top Farm, Keep It Sweet, Tiffany's Bakery, American Sweets, Wacko Nacho (Hoochi Koochi), Bon Crue, D’ale House Bar and Fresh Prep Street Food.

Admission is free and Street Eat runs from 11am to 7pm.  For more on the line-up visit rochdalebid.co.uk and rochdale.gov.uk/christmas or search #StreetEatRoch on social media.