To create a vibrant town centre which has a strong sense of identity and a positive awareness locally, regionally and nationally
What we have delivered:
Social Media. In the last 12 months we have continued to increase our social media followers, for instance the number Facebook followers have increased by over 30%. In total we have over 20,000, followers. Campaigns on social media channel have supported businesses and pushed the message the centre is safe and welcoming. Contact paul@rochdalebid.co.uk is you would like us to share something on our social media channels for you.
Virtual Tours. Continue to develop free virtual tours as part of Rochdale360.co.uk. These immersive, virtual experiences inspire greater confidence among prospective shoppers and visitors. Over 60 town centre businesses benefit from virtual tours and it total there has been over 2 million visits to them.
Town Centre Map. The BID recently launched a new town centre map showing the locations of key points of interest and character areas. It is now much easier for people to see where key attractions are located and also discover new ones thanks to the in-depth categorisation which has been included.
Ale Trail. Ten town centre venues participate in the twice Ale Trail which was is set over five days and features over 100 ales and ciders. The event proves to be successful with participating businesses reporting that many ale trailers were new to the town or hadn’t been in the centre for a while.
Halloween. The BID organises the Halloween themed events and creates the Halloween Guide which promotes ghoulish business promotions.
Artisan Market at Rochdale Riverside. The successful twice monthly Artisan Market continues to support micro businesses and increase footfall throughout the town centre. This year the markets have really popular with over 40 talented traders taking part. The markets take place the first Saturday of the month and the last Saturday of the month.
Sporting festival – During summer holidays this multi sport and wellbeing event brought hundreds of children to Tonw Hall Square to enjoy 3v3 football, pickleball, netball and cornhole
This year the BID submitted its own In Bloom entry for the Baillie Street Quarter. The In Bloom judges visited the area, and they were immediately captivated by the vibrant and colourful floral displays which are funded and maintained by the BID. This awards ceremony is due to take place this October.
The BID has successfully attained ‘Coach Friendly’ accreditation from the Confederation of passenger Transport (CPT). The accreditation will increase the number of coach operators and visitors to the town centre
1,000s of people flocked to the BIDs Street Eat festival when it returned to Town Hall Square in June. This event showcases the growing town centre food and drink offer which is helping to change perceptions. This year’s event was the best one yet with live music, free rides for the children and an amazing variety of street food. Street Eat will return in 2026.
The exciting and expanding Hidden Heritage Stories project has introduced an outdoor gallery within the Baillie Street Quarter.
We can reveal that this years Christmas plans are bigger than ever. We can reveal that Santa’s Grotto will be returning to Riverside together with the Artisan Christmas Market. Plus we have something magical planned for Town Hall Square!
Summer Saturdays. During the Summer od 2022, The BID launched its Summer Saturdays event at Rochdale Riverside. The event brings together music, face painting, giant children’s toys and super hero characters.
As part of the Rochdale Town of Culture celebrations, the BID has worked with partners to deliver the Rochdale Comedy Festival. It’s ten days of wall-to-wall chuckles, with an electric mix of stand-up talent: from household names to daring newcomers, plus performances for families, late-night comedy lovers, and everyone in between.
As part of getting to know the individuals behind some of our amazing town centre businesses we have started a collection of Q&As. We hope you enjoy reading them!
Event Sponsorship and Support
Each year Rochdale BID runs and provides support for events taking place within the town centre. These are events that we feel will:
• increase visitor numbers, dwell time and spend
• assist in creating a superb destination for our residents and visitors
Our mission is to help make Rochdale a vibrant, exciting, well connected and successful business community; an attractive, clean, green, safe and enjoyable destination for customers and clients, shoppers and staff, residents, students and visitors; and a profitable place in which to do business.
If you have an event which you would like the BID to consider supporting within the town centre, please get in touch.
In 2025 the BID is proud to facilitate or support: –
Ale Trial • Street Eat • Halloween Festival • Artisan Market • Rochdale In Bloom • Town • Summer Saturdays • Sporting Festival • Dino Day • Common Walls Festival • Rochdale Comedy Festival • Festive Artian Market & Santas Grotto • Rochdale Town of Culture