2025 is U.N International Year of Co-operation – supported by the International Co-operative Alliance, one of the oldest NGO’s (non-governmental organisations) set up by the co-operative movement in 1895 – it represents over a billion people involved in co-operatives.

Modern co-ops are based on the ‘Rochdale Principles’ of 1844 when a group of ordinary people harnessed the power of their own capital to campaign for change and influence the outside world. The model spread all over the world and today Rochdale is widely recognised by members of co-ops in other countries.

In the UK we celebrate Co-ops Fortnight, culminating in the ‘Co-operative Congress’ – a conference for anyone involved in co-operative.

Date: 4th, 5th July

Location: Rochdale Town Hall

Actor, comedian and producer Steve Coogan features in a stellar case on the opening day, and fashion designer and TV presenter Patrick Grant tops the bill on day two.

This event is all about recognising the power of co-ops for positive change and recognising their impact and potential to provide housing, jobs, healthcare, contribute to sustainable energy, education and social change when the members are making the decisions.

With eclectic speakers from co-operatives, politics, journalism and entertainment, there's a myriad of interesting and exciting speakers to look forward to, from actor and campaigner Julie Hesmondhalgh to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Paul Waugh, Labour and Co‑operative MP for Rochdale.

Book your place here.