A major fair celebrating Rochdale’s role as the birthplace of the worldwide co-operative movement is coming to Rochdale town centre this month.
Taking place in and around the newly restored Broadfield Park Slopes and inside Rochdale Town Hall on Saturday, 23 May 2026, the Rochdale Co-operative fair will bring together co-operatives and social enterprises from across the North West, alongside arts and crafts activities for children, 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 at the event as part of a special parade down the Broadfield Park Slopes.
Youngsters can have a go at making at their own mini banners as part of arts and craft sessions, 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 which 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. Run by Manchester-based textile cooperative, Stitched Up, people can also experiment on denim swatches, which will be provided free of charge.
A host of modern-day co-operatives and social enterprises will be on hand, including Metro Moneywise, which offers affordable lending, and Manchester-based, Partisan Collective, which offers cultural opportunities and hosts regular events and meet ups for its members.
Pete Courtie, head of culture and placemaking at Rochdale Development Agency, said:
“Rochdale’s role as the birthplace of the co-operative movement is not just about a historic idea which changed society for the better; the principles of cooperation are all around us to this day and are embodied in the many fantastic modern-day co-operatives which will be at the heart of this event and letting people know how they can get involved.
“As well as showcasing important ideas, this event will more than anything be a celebration, with arts and craft activities for children, a fantastic banner parade down the Broadfield Park Slopes and stalls where people can pick up unusual treats.”
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 which are taking place to celebrate the transformation of the Broadfield Park Slopes behind Rochdale Town Hall.
The free event is taking place from 10am to 4pm and people can just drop in. The banner making sessions for children will be from 10am to 12noon and the parade down the Broadfield Park Slopes will start at 12.30pm.