A grand Medieval fair, brimming with music, activities, combat displays and more, is set to take over Rochdale town centre this June. Located at Rochdale Town Hall, Town Hall Square and the newly restored Broadfield Park Slopes, the Rochdale Medieval Fayre — a nod to the historic word for fair — will transport visitors back in time to the Medieval period, where history will burst into colourful life.
Event Details
Taking place over the weekend of June 6 to 7, visitors can expect combat displays, live cookery demonstrations and re-enactments of daily life from the period spanning 1066 to around 1485. Around 80 actors from the 12th century living history group, Historia Normannis, will showcase life as it was hundreds of years ago, including re-enactments of Medieval law courts.
Activities and Attractions
A full Medieval encampment will be set up on Rochdale Town Hall Square, featuring Medieval fashion shows and music from the period. Visitors can try their hand at coin striking and archery sessions. Youngsters can participate in building a huge cardboard version of the castle that once stood in Rochdale after the Norman conquest, before diving into the medieval dress up box. Print-making and Medieval manuscript workshops will also be available.
Historical Significance
The event, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Broadfield Park Slopes restoration project, will highlight Rochdale town centre’s rich historic roots. The slopes, behind Rochdale Town Hall, are part of the Medieval heart of Rochdale. Fresh water springs on the slopes and the River Roch were key to why Rochdale was settled here, and St Chad’s Church, at the top of the slopes, has Saxon origins. A castle built on Castle Hill after the Norman conquest in 1066 was abandoned by the early 13th century and no longer exists.
Food and Refreshments
Medieval-inspired foods will be on offer at the town hall’s Martlet restaurant, open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and 12 noon to 4pm on Sunday. A relaxed café experience in the Zodiac bar will serve sandwiches, drinks and cakes from 10am to 4pm throughout the event.
Admission
All activities, apart from food and drink, are free of charge with no need to book in advance. Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for culture, communities and cooperation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This event will offer a unique experience for our residents and visitors. 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. With archery, coin striking, castle building and more on offer, it promises to be a great experience for families and history enthusiasts, and best of all, it’s all free of charge.”
For more information about Rochdale Town Hall and the Broadfield Park Slopes, including how to get there and booking the Martlet restaurant, visit rochdaletownhall.co.uk. Location: Rochdale, Greater Manchester.
