The Carnival of Cultures Comes To Town

Date published: 18/05/2004

The Carnival of Cultures and a French Market came to The Butts and Rochdale Town Hall Square, on Friday 14 to Sunday 16 May, with a full events programme on Saturday and the Sheep Parade on Sunday.

Friday to Sunday saw return of The French Market now a popular weekend event and becoming a firm annual Rochdale tradition. Visitors sampled a range of French produce including wine, cheese, bread and many other speciality foods. Also on display were stalls with cookware, crafts and many other products.

The Carnival of Cultures on Saturday included a stage and events programme on the Town Hall car park when local young people displayed their talents in music and dance. They were supported by regional and national acts, reflecting the multicultural values of the Borough.

Skylight Circus put on a stunning display, showing off the skills of the youngest performers through to demonstrating the circus skills of the more experienced adults. Skylight Circus Theatre Performance Company draws upon contemporary and traditional circus and embraces other artforms such as drama, dance, music and visual arts.

The audience also had a chance to take part in different workshops including art, dance, poetry and music classes. There was also and opportunity to create a flag to use in the parade.

On Sunday, The Carnival the Cultures Sheep Parade started off at Rochdale Town Hall Square with more than 250 people, representing more than 20 groups from all over the borough. Combining to show off their skills with colour, music and dance, the parade moved through the streets of Rochdale and arrived back at the Town Hall Square for the grand finale. Groups from all over the Borough were part of the parade and showed off some of their impressive work and skills.