The Street Eat food and drink festival returned to Rochdale Town Hall Square on Saturday, 30 May 2026 as visitors tucked into another tasty line-up of food, drink, free family fun and live music.
Everyone basked in summer sunshine, with over 3,000 people attending, trying a range of cuisine from around the world.
Business Improvement District (BID) manager Paul Ambrose said:
“It was such a busy day, showcasing Rochdale’s growing food and drink scene on our beautiful town hall square. It was heart-warming to see so many families and friends enjoying time together and the feedback about our traders and performers was fantastic. Big thanks go to the amazing town centre food and drink businesses and everyone who came along to support the event. Rochdale town centre has so much to offer in terms of food and drink. Street Eat is about supporting those local businesses and creating a hub where people can come together to enjoy great food, music and company.”
Rochdale Town Hall Square was the location for the Street Eat food and drink festival which attracted thousands of visitors.
‘Another fantastic day’
The crowds were entertained with activities and rides for children, including a selfie booth, face painting and a caricaturist sketching portraits. Di Lynham from Happy Radio UK hosted the sound stage introducing popular duo Shenanigans, soloist Saskia Starkie, Suzanne Hassett with singalong crowd-pleasing classics and Turners Dance School. In addition, Rochdale Music Service performed with a brass band, youth choir, pop choir and rock band.
The event was organised by Rochdale’s Business Improvement District and supported by Rochdale Borough Council. Traders included prosecco bar Sip and Sparkle, The Flying Horse Hotel, Bank Top Farm, Vicolo del Vino, La Mancha, Moody Blue, Bombay Brew, Daniela’s Ice Cream, The Empire, Betty and Co Hot Dogs, Issan Friends, The Traditional Tuck Shop, Sugar Chic (fudge), Masons Creations, Cake Loves Cake (cake and Caribbean food), Brew Box (waffles and crepes), the Martlet Kitchen restaurant and multi-award winning independent brewery Wakey Wakey.
Business Improvement District (BID) manager Paul Ambrose said councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation.
Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Faisal Rana, and mayoress Iram Faisal, were among the visitors enjoying the day. Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, also attended. She said:
“From the variety of local businesses to the fantastic atmosphere, this year’s Street Eat was another fantastic day and the weather was very kind to us. It was wonderful to see so many residents and visitors coming together, supporting local businesses. It’s a great celebration of the incredible food and drink offer we have here in our town.”
Families enjoyed food and drink from across the globe.
Many visitors took to social media to praise the event with comments including: “Great day,” “a fab event and really well attended”, “the town hall got lots of visitors as well and not just locals,” “great to see the square so busy” and “brilliant day, well done to everyone involved.”