Christmas fair in Rochdale Exchange

A Christmas fair in aid of a small cat rescue will be held in the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre on Saturday 20 November.

The fair has been organised by Karen Jenkins, who runs a small independent business, Crafty Cards & Invites, as there will be no council-organised Christmas market again this year due to Covid-19.

Around 30 small independent businesses offering a variety of products like jewellery, silk flowers, chocolate bouquets, wax melts and scents, sweets, wooden crafts, cards, beauty products and children’s clothing will be scattered throughout the shopping centre.

Confirmed stalls include Forever Ted Party Store, Frappe Fun, Bella’s Glitzy Bows, Fancy Little Cupcakes, Paprika-Designs, Sewing Bee & Co, Candy Creations and Handmade with Love by MaryBou.

 

 

Karen’s Christmas fair will also be supporting a small cat rescue, Little Tinkers, which is based in Blackburn. Little Tinkers helps stray and abandoned cats, including ferals, and will benefit from a portion of the stall fees.

Karen said: “I thought it wasn’t fair on both residents and the small independent businesses that the annual festive market [which usually takes place in the town hall, currently closed for renovations] isn't taking place. After the 18 months we’ve had, everyone needs something to look forward to.”

 

 

The Christmas fair will be held throughout the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre from 9am-5pm on Saturday 20 November 2021 with the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale attending at around 11am.

Karen is also hosting a similar event the following week in Tameside at the Stanley House Functions Rooms in Audenshaw from 12noon-5pm on 27 November and also hopes for Santa Claus and an elf to visit the market.

Any local businesses interested in a spot at the Audenshaw market can contact Karen via Facebook or email.