Street Eat and sunshine: Food festival dishes up recipe for success

Date published: 31 May 2023

The Street Eat festival brought big crowds to Rochdale town centre for the May bank holiday weekend, as over 2,000 people tucked into a diverse line up of food, drink, free family entertainment and live music in the sunshine.

The event on The Butts was basked in glorious weather all day as cooking aromas swirled through the town and large crowds enjoyed a party atmosphere.

BID manager Paul Ambrose hailed the event the best Street Eat ever: “It was another brilliant day and the weather was perfect. All of our traders were very busy, with most selling out and we had lots of happy visitors. It was a great team effort and I’d like to thank the council and numerous suppliers for their support. Special thanks must go to our amazing town centre food and drink businesses as without them the day couldn’t happen. Thank you to the thousands of visitors who came along, we’re already looking forward to the next edition of Street Eat.”

The crowds were entertained with fun activities and rides for the children, including Punch & Judy shows. Di Lynham from Happy Radio UK hosted the sound stage introducing a line-up of music featuring Rochdale Music Service, local favourites Noel Fraser, Shenanigans, Gemma Fox and Turners Dance Studios.

The event was organised by Rochdale Business Improvement District (BID) and supported by Rochdale Borough Council and showcased the town’s best food and drink establishments. Traders included Bombay Brew, Vicolo Del Vino, Achilles, The Medicine Tap, The Flying Horse, The Baum, new bar and restaurant Vinesteins, D’Ale House, Bank Top Farm, Tree House Bar, Wacko Nacho, BonCru Wines, Cakes Loves Cakes and Keep It Sweet.

Councillor Janet Emsley, deputy leader of Rochdale Council and cabinet member for events, said: “It was an incredible day and I want to say a huge thank you to all the traders, performers and Rochdale BID for making it happen. The range of locally sourced food with flavours from all corners of the globe was fabulous. You don’t need to wait until Street Eat returns; these fantastic restaurants and bars are open every week, so get a table booked.”