Festival programme unveiled

Festival programme unveiled

With less than two months to go, the official programme for the Rochdale Feel Good Festival has been released.

Now in its fourth year, 2011 see’s the biggest line up to date, comprising over 30 shows. There’ll also be more than 12 warm up events during the run up to the festival, which includes a wide range of music, arts, food, theatre, fashion, film, dance and sport.

Councillor Farooq Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Finance said he is delighted with the 2011 festival programme: “This year we have over 30 events taking place, featuring well over 50 performers.

"I know there will be people from all across the borough and the North West getting excited about coming to Rochdale this summer to see some of the most talented artists in the business. It is a formidable line up of entertainment, and the majority of shows are completely free. I am sure the line up will tempt our residents, as well as attract people from around the region.

"Events like this are good for local businesses too, so I hope people come and support it. I will be very proud to welcome all the performers and audiences to Rochdale.”

Event Manager Debbie O’Brien, from Rochdale Town Centre Management added: “The Rochdale Feel Good Festival has grown to become one of the biggest events in the borough, and I would like to thank the council and our sponsors for their support.” 

Six indoor venues will be staging live music during the festival in September. On the Saturday afternoon, the main stage by the town hall starts at 3pm, with performances by The Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Badly Drawn Boy, Frankie & the Heartstrings, Ellen and the Escapades, Doyle and the Fourfathers, plus special guests.

The ever popular television chef Ainsley Harriott will appear in the festivals celebrity food kitchen, alongside Aazam Ahmad, Alison Seagrave and Andrew Nutter who’ll be demonstrating their cooking skills, sharing favourite recipes and generally showing how cooking can be enjoyable as well as good for you.

As well as the venues and main stage, street theatre is going to be taking over the town, with lots of impromptu live performances from a range of characters, and breathtaking shows from Skylight Circus Arts.