The Hotspur Press awarded main stage spot at Rochdale Feel Good Festival

Rochdale band The Hotspur Press will play the main stage at Rochdale Feel Good Festival in September

Rochdale alternative rock band ‘The Hotspur Press’ complete the main stage line up at Rochdale Feel Good Festival, after winning first prize in this year's ‘Feel Good – Battle of the Bands’ competition.

The band, who have already been featured on BBC Introducing and release their second EP next month, were the unanimous choice of the judges.

Music PR specialist and judge Rob Kerford, owner of Sonic PR and promoter of some of Europe’s biggest musicians said the judges were impressed by all the acts: “All six finalists would be more than capable of putting on a real show on the main stage, but after carefully considering them all, The Hotspur Press came out on top with us and we agreed they would fit the main stage perfectly and be a fantastic show opener. I am looking forward to see them perform a full set at the festival.”

All four band members - Dan Manchester, his brother Tomas Manchester, George Webster and Chris Nutter are former pupils of Wardle Academy in Rochdale.

‘The Hotspur Press’ who were featured on Tom Robinson's Introducing mixtape for BBC 6 Music, will open the main stage against the backdrop of Rochdale Town Hall on the second day of the festival – Saturday 5 September.

Guitarist and vocalist Dan, who was born in Spain, said: “Rochdale Feel Good Festival is a great event and we've been eager to play it for a few years now.

"It's also been great to observe the recent swell of interest in the local music scene from the public. We hope this level of enthusiasm can be sustained for the festival and beyond.”

The Hotspur Press join previously announced bands The South, Toploader, singer/songwriter Kirsty Almeida, ska stars The Uplifters, new indie rock band Shakedown Stockholm and girl band The Renegade Girls.

Rochdale Feel Good Festival returns on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September, for its eighth year, for another incredible showcase of entertainment, food and culture. There will be live music across indoor venues a main stage sponsored by The Flying Horse Hotel and a second outdoor stage showcasing local acts.

The summer festival is funded by Rochdale Borough Council with sponsorship from local businesses including Hopwood Hall College, The Flying Horse Hotel, Rochdale Football Club, o2 Rochdale, Balfour Beatty Living, Link4Life and The Royal Toby.