Musicians can win a spot on stage at the 2024 Rochdale Feel Good Festival

Local bands or solo artists can win a spot playing at this year’s Feel Good Festival, as the ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition opens for entries.

The lucky winner will be awarded a coveted 20-minute main stage slot in front of thousands of people on Saturday 10 August, playing alongside headliners Ocean Colour Scene and many more.

The competition, which is being run by Rochdale Borough Council, is also offering a runner-up the chance to play in one of the festival’s indoor venues.

All hopefuls need to do is email a link to a YouTube or Vimeo video of them playing live, along with a short biography to FeelGoodFestival@rochdale.gov.uk, with ‘Battle of the Bands’ and your act name in the subject box.

Solo artists must live in the borough of Rochdale and bands must have at least 50 per cent of their members living in the borough. Entrants need to be available on the afternoon of 10 August.

Entries must be received by the closing date of 30 May. Shortly after the closing date, submissions will be added to the festival’s Facebook page, before the top six who get the most ‘likes’ go forward to a panel of judges.

This year for the first time, musicians who make the final six will receive support thanks to funding from Arts Council England.

The last winners were the Sprats. The rock and roll band won the competition in 2022 and got a big crowd and an enthusiastic reception, supporting Glaswegian indie giants The Fratellis.
 

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Ben Boothman, one of the judges and co-owner of main stage sponsor The Flying Horse Hotel said: “This festival has given lots of opportunities for up and coming local talent over the years so it’s great to see it return.

“Giving emerging local artists the chance to play on the big stage alongside our biggest line-up yet is fantastic experience as well as the extra exposure that goes with it. We are proud to support local musicians and it’s a great chance for acts to raise their profile and all types and styles of music can enter, solo artists as well as bands.”

This year’s festival features a host of top-class acts, with Britpop rockers Ocean Colour Scene topping the bill alongside Lottery Winners and Heather Small - the voice of M People, DJ Dave Sweetmore and many more to be revealed. There will also be a full programme of entertainment across indoor venues to be announced plus quality food and drink.

Tickets are available online at www.rochdale.gov.uk/feelgoodfestival or in person at Middleton Arena.

On the day your ticket will be exchanged for a festival wristband and that will allow you unlimited re-entry to and from the main stage area. You don’t need a ticket or a wristband to enter indoor festival venues.

The festival is funded by the council together with ticket sales and sponsorship from The Flying Horse Hotel, Premier Kia, The Royal Toby Hotel and other local businesses.