The Platinum bank holiday saw the return of the Street Eat festival for the first time since 2019, as large crowds were brought to Rochdale city centre to enjoy food, drink, live music, and a party atmosphere.
Organised by Rochdale Business Improvement District (BID) and supported by Rochdale Borough Council, the event included activities and rides for the children, including Punch & Judy shows every hour. As well as this, Diana Lynham from Happy Radio UK hosted the sound stage, with a line-up of live music featuring local favourites Noel Fraser, Shenanigans, Jackson Kay and Turners Dance Studios.
BID manager Paul Ambrose said: “It was a superb day, the biggest street party in town! So many visitors have been saying how much they enjoyed it and it was great to see the event return for the jubilee.
“The event provided a great boost to our town centre food and drinks venues and certainly helped to raise their profile. I’m sure they’ll have gained many new return visitors after so many customers were impressed with the tasty dishes.
“It was a great team effort and I’d like to thank the council for their support and the amazing town centre food and drink businesses as without them the day couldn’t happen. Thank you to the thousands of visitors who created such a celebratory and party atmosphere.”
Councillor Janet Emsley, deputy leader and cabinet member for events said: “It was great to see the town centre so busy, the sun shining and the union jack bunting flying!”
Some of the town’s best food and drink establishments made an appearance, with dozens of dishes including Italian, Indian, English, German, American, Mexican and more. Traders included Bombay Brew, Vicolo Del Vino, The Medicine Tap, The Flying Horse, The Baum, Uno Burrito, The Treehouse Bar, Bean, Bank Top Farm and Keep It Sweet.
“It was a very memorable day and the food from all corners of the globe was fabulous. You don’t need to wait until Street Eat returns … these fantastic restaurants and bars are open every week, so do support your local businesses and get a table booked!”
Due to major restoration work underway around Rochdale Town Hall Square, Street Eat moved from its usual location to The Butts.