Hundreds pack out Deeply Vale 2015

Date published: 22 March 2015

Heywood Civic Centre was packed with hundreds of people for Deeply Vale 2015, a celebration of Heywood and Rochdale's Music Scene of the 70s, 80s, 90s and the Deeply Vale festivals, on Friday (20 March) night.

Steve Hillage performed material including a chilled out version of his 1978 album 'Green' - in 1978 20,000 people crammed into Ashworth Valley on a Tuesday night to watch Hillage at the third Deeply Vale Festival.

Steve Hillage

The audience also enjoyed appearances by NotSensibles, Child's Play, Victor Brox, Movement Banned, George Borowski, Andy T, Brian Eastwood, Wilful Damage, Physical Wrecks, Andy Sharrocks and Mike Sweeney.

Andrew Dodman of Rochdale described the event as "utterly brilliant", he said: "I'd just like to say thanks for organising one of the most enjoyable, music filled evenings I've ever been to. It was utterly brilliant. I hope there will be a repeat at some point in the future."

Segs of The Ruts and Nik Turner of Hawkwind

Elsie Whatmough of Heywood added: "I would like to thank the organisers of the Deeply Vale night for a brilliant night. I never went to the festivals even though I lived in Heywood. I used to go to the Seven Stars in 1971 and 1972 so I know I missed great festivals.

"The last two years I have had operations and been ill due to bad car accident. I have left it all behind me now and I feel great. Thank you for giving me back my oomph."

Victor Brox

The event was organised by Mick Spratt, owner of Wigwam Acoustics who provided the PA for the original Deeply Vale festivals, and Chris Hewitt, one of the organisers of the original Deeply Vale Festival.

Mark E Smith from The Fall (attended to watch Steve Hillage)

The Deeply Vale Festival began in 1976 with a few hundred gathered in the Cheesden Valley and ran until 1979 when 20,000 turned up to what was then the largest free festival in England.

Steve Hillage - Deeply Vale 2015
©Kevin Farrow