Your memories of Rochdale Town Hall are wanted for a new exhibit

Bride Zhara Khan Zahid celebrates her wedding

Rochdale Borough Council is appealing for residents’ reminders of Rochdale Town Hall to form part of a new exhibition.

When Rochdale Town Hall reopens next year, in late summer 2023, there will be a new ‘Welcome Gallery’. It will tell the story of the building and how it has been used in recent decades for a variety of events from weddings to celebrations, festivals and a whole host of other public events.

As part of this gallery, the council would like to include your photos and objects, anything you think tells a story from the recent past that is reflective of your experience or of the community in their use of the town hall.

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for equalities, safety and reform, said: “The new ‘Welcome Gallery’ will be the focal attraction for visitors to Rochdale Town Hall when it reopens. We want to make it as inclusive and embracing as possible which is where we need the help of our residents to send us their memories to form part of the exhibition.

“Whenever we think of the past, unforgettable memories spring to mind and so many residents across the borough will have fond memories of our splendid town hall, so please send in your pictures and objects and contribute to a living celebration.”

Any objects that do become part of the exhibition will be looked after to the very highest of museum collection standards by town hall staff. It is not expected that they be donated but rather that they are loaned on a long-term basis.

The town hall has played host to many events over the years, everything from gin festivals to organ recitals and high school proms, even at one point being a nightclub.

If you have any objects or pictures on these events or any others, or you have an interesting story to tell please contact the town hall team via townhall@rochdale.gov.uk or call 01706 927 091.