Set to take place on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September, Rochdale Feel Good Festival is expected to welcome tens of thousands from across the region and the UK, all keen to catch chart-topping artists and esteemed epicures, and experience exceptional side-shows and other attractions.
This time round THE SOUTH head up the main stage outside the atmospheric Town Hall. Comprising members of The Beautiful South, one of the most successful British bands of all time, this is one nine-piece of exceptional talent, who bring with them classics from their original oeuvre- such as Rotterdam, Perfect 10 and Don’t Marry Her– plus work from their post-Beautiful long form offering, Sweet Refrains, which arrived to critical acclaim in 2012, cementing their status as far more than a mere reprisal outfit.
Joining them on Saturday will be TOPLOADER, capping off a day of performances guaranteed to pull in big crowds. With more than 15 years of music behind them, including a string of Top 20 singles such as Dancing In The Moonlight, Achilles Heel, and Time of My Life, the English alt-rock ensemble have plenty to play, and a strong reputation in the live arena.
KIRSTY ALMEIDA will be bringing the glamour to the main stage on Saturday night as the Gibraltar-born songstress prepares to enchant and delight the Rochdale crowds with her unique blend of sultry blues and jazzy pop and a selection of wonders of her last album ‘DejaVoodoo’. Meanwhile, local ska troupe THE UPLIFTERS, who have supported scene legends such as Neville Staple, The Beat and Bad Manners, will also be on hand. This is all in addition to the recently announced Rochdale Feel Food Festival Battle of the Bands 2015 winners THE HOTSPUR PRESS – plus Manchester’s own SHAKEDOWN STOCKHOLM who will be looking to impress the festivals crowds with the same seismic live energy that had Johnny Marr singing their praises.
Far more than just another major concert, the event retains a heavy focus on cuisine again. Celebrity chefs scheduled to offer cookery masterclasses and workshops include the revered RACHEL ALLEN (who replaces Rachel Khoo) – known for her TV shows including Rachel’s Everyday Kitchen – long-time friend of the festival and BBC Fusion man, AAZAM AHMAD, and KEVIN WOODFORD, whose CV includes Best Daytime Presenter for Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook, not to mention Ready Steady Cook and The Reluctant Cook. With so many selling points, it’s no surprise Rochdale Feel Good is one of the North West’s biggest free parties, and a treasured institution.
Take a look at the full line-up and timings.
