Chance to join carnival at Feel Good Family events

Date published: 05 June 2023

The Feel Good Family Picnic – a brand new free event for families, launches next month in Rochdale, Heywood, Littleborough and Middleton and you could be part of it!

International carnival arts company Global Grooves is developing a procession for each date that will feature giant puppets, costumes, funky drumbeats, flags and high energy dance. Residents, artists and local community groups are now being invited to take part and no experience is necessary.

In the coming weeks, Global Grooves will run free sessions in dance, drumming and flag bearing as well as a masterclass in largescale puppetry to teach the skills needed to be able to perform alongside professional artists in the carnival at one of the Feel Good family Picnics in late July.

The new free Feel Good Family Picnic is organised by the council team behind Rochdale Feel Good Festival and will offer fun activities, performances, music, sports and shows for children of all ages. It will be staged in four local parks during the school holidays and visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic.

The Feel Good Family Picnic will take place in Falinge Park, Rochdale on Tuesday 25 July, and then Limefield Playing Fields, Middleton on Wednesday 26 July before moving to Hare Hill Park, Littleborough on Thursday 27 July. Its final stop will be Queen’s Park, Heywood on Friday 28 July.

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for events at Rochdale Borough Council said: “The carnival at each Feel Good Family Picnic will be a stunning visual experience in our beautiful parks and a celebration of different cultures from around the world. This is a great opportunity to be involved, have fun and learn some new skills. Free training will be provided.”

The dance and drumming groups are more suited for those aged 14+ due to costume sizes, although groups of all levels and abilities are welcome. Puppeteers and backpack roles are best suited to those aged 18+ who must have good fitness levels, mobility and core strength. Flag bearers should be 11+, and younger members should be accompanied by their group leads, parents or carers. Crew places are suitable for 18+ but opportunities may be available for younger people if they wish to pursue a career in arts and events management and production.

To find out more about taking part in the carnival at a Feel Good Family Picnic register your interest by visiting the council web site. Global Grooves are looking for applicants who live in the area where the event is being held, so while you can request to take part in any of the carnivals, priority will be given to local participants first.

The Feel Good Family Picnic will be staged by the council in partnership with Without Walls, a consortium of festivals and arts organisations bringing fantastic outdoor arts to people in towns and cities across England. It has received funding from UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

All events run from 11am to 4pm and more details will be announced later in June.