A massive Medieval fair, with music, activities, combat displays and more, is set to take over Rochdale town centre this June.
Located in Rochdale Town Hall, Town Hall Square and the newly restored Broadfield Park Slopes, Rochdale Medieval Fayre, named in a nod to the historic word for fair, will transport visitors back in time to the Medieval period where they will see history burst into colourful life.
Taking place over the weekend of Saturday, 6–Sunday, 7 June 2026, visitors can expect combat displays, live cookery demonstrations and reenactments of daily life from the period, which was from 1066 to around 1485.
Around 80 actors from 12th century living history group, Historia Normannis, will be showcasing life as it was hundreds of years ago, including re-enactments of Medieval law courts.
A full Medieval encampment will be set up with Medieval fashion shows and music from the period, while visitors can try their hand at coin striking and archery sessions.
The event, which is being funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Broadfield Park Slopes restoration project, will shine a spotlight on Rochdale town centre’s rich historic roots.
The slopes themselves, just behind Rochdale Town Hall, are part of the Medieval heart of Rochdale. The fresh water springs on the slopes and the River Roch were a key part of why Rochdale was settled in this spot and St Chad’s Church, at the top of the slopes, has Saxon origins.
Around 80 actors from 12th century living history group, Historia Normannis, will be showcasing life as it was hundreds of years ago, including re-enactments of Medieval law courts.
In addition, a castle was built in Rochdale town centre after the Norman conquest in 1066. Built on Castle Hill near Manchester Road and close to the current Sparth Bottoms site, the castle was abandoned by the early 13th century and no longer exists. At the Medieval fair, youngsters can have a go at building a huge cardboard version of this castle, before diving into the medieval dress up box. Visitors can also drop into print making and Medieval manuscript workshops.
Medieval inspired foods will be on offer at the town hall’s Martlet Kitchen restaurant, which will be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, 6 June 2026 and from 12noon to 4pm on Sunday, 7 June 2026.
In addition, a more relaxed café experience will be available in the Zodiac bar, also inside the town hall. The Zodiac bar will be open from 10am to 4pm throughout the event serving sandwiches, drinks and cakes.
All activities, apart from the food and drink, are free of charge and there is 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 2 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.”
- More on Rochdale Town Hall – information about Rochdale Town Hall and the Broadfield Park Slopes, including how to get there and booking The Martlet Kitchen restaurant.