Sir Cyril goes Back to the Future for his 80th!

8.11.48am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd Jul 2008

It was the biggest celebration held at Rochdale Town Hall ever and rightly so. The event could have sold out an estimated 30 times over but put simply the night was a huge celebration of the ongoing life and inspiration that is Sir Cyril Smith. Comedian Jimmy Cricket, led the entertainment alongside the Rochdale Youth Orchestra, the Debrose Choir, the multi-award-winning Rochdale Brass Band with celebrity life coaches Nick and Eva Speakman. The night also saw a specially commissioned documentary featuring tributes from Jim Bowen, Tracey Dawson, House of Commons Speaker Mick Martin, Nick Clegg, Simon Hughes, Paddy Ashdown, David Steele, John Lee and others.

The night started under a huge banner entitled "Nice one Cyril" at the front of the Town Hall and a special birthday gift of the original Delorean used in the hit film "Back to the Future" from Nick and Eva Speakman. The Rochdale Youth Orchestra entertained in the lobby of the Town Hall followed by entertainment from Rochdale's finest talent in the main hall.

Paul Rowen MP said, "This was probably the best night i've had since being elected in 2005. Guests included Sir David Alton, Chris Davies MEP and the whole Lib Dem Council Group paid tribute to a great man. It was an absolute pleasure and priviledge to organise on behalf of our team and I would to thank all the people behind the scenes for making it happen including Greg Couzens, Sir Peter Ogden and Ann Bradley."

Sir Cyril said, "It was a night full of surprises. I have to admit that I had never heard of the film 'Back to the Future' but Dave from the office assures me that it is now more famous than 'Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang'. The night was brilliant and I am greatful to Derek Wiggett and Dave Hennigan who organised everything with their team. I've never craved the attention and I only work to ensure that Rochdale benefits from anything I do. Thank you to for all the wishes and I will continue to work hard in my remaining years for the town I love"

During his speech on the night, Sir Cyril paid tribute to Rochdale's MP - Paul Rowen. He said, "Paul is doing an excellent job and I am pleased for Rochdale that we have someone so committed as their MP. In life, whoever you are, if you have beliefs then follow them. That is all I have ever done and I am truly gratified at all this recognition. To be honest with you I wasn't planning anything. Paul Rowen talked me into it and I am pleased that we have raised well over £3,000 for Rochdale Childer at the same time."

"Nice one Rochdale!"