13th Century fun at 'Racchedal' Market

13th Century fun at Racchedal Market

This Saturday (31 January) Rochdale Market will be celebrating the launch of their new-look facilities by taking shoppers back to where it all began, 1251, the year that the charter was signed by King Henry III and given to Edmund De Lacy with rights to hold fairs and markets in the Manor of Racchedal, as the town was then called.

All the market traders will be in 13th century attire and there will be food tasting, games, a free prize draw and special performances from World Street Dance Champions from The Academy and local actor Colin Meredith, who will play Lord Edmund De Lacy for the day.

Although the Markets may look and feel modern with the newly designed logo and colour co-ordinated walls, the people, smells and atmosphere will be that of the 13th century.

A spokesperson for the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre said: "Over the years the face of Rochdale Markets has changed as shopping trends have altered, but what has not changed is the personal service that customers receive from the market traders and this is exactly what we want to show from the fun filled day, celebrating the new look Markets.

"With the current financial climate as it is we really want to show what great value for money the Markets can offer the people of Rochdale."