The borough will come together at Rochdale Town Hall on Friday, 16 October 2026 for a Festival of Remembrance to pay tribute to members of the armed forces community.
The evening, organised by Rochdale Borough Council in partnership with the local veterans’ community, will recognise the service and sacrifice of armed forces personnel past and present.
There will be music performed by military bands, an act of remembrance, historic war stories, and the chance for people to come together to reflect and reminisce.
Guests will include the Mayor of Rochdale, Members of Parliament, councillors and dignitaries from across the Armed Forces.
Any money raised at the event will go towards the Mayor of Rochdale’s charities for 2026/27. The charities are:
- The Rochdale Veterans Breakfast Club
- Rochdale Women’s Welfare Association
- SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society)
- Springhill Hospice
- The Christie
Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Faisal Rana, said:
“This will be a special evening as the Armed Forces community unites to pay its respect to the brave women and men for their service and sacrifice. It is sure to be a moving and memorable night in the stunning setting of the Great Hall at Rochdale Town Hall.
“We last held a Festival of Remembrance in 2019, so this will be a poignant occasion as we bring together the Armed Forces family under one roof. As a veteran, I understand the importance of recognising the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, as well as the council’s ongoing support for our military personnel.”
Tickets for the Festival of Remembrance are £15 plus commission, which includes a pie and pea supper.