Feel Good Festival officially opened

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Opening of the Feel Good Festival
Mark Widdup, Andrew-Nutter, Mayor Carol Wardle and Mayoress Beverley Place

The Mayor of Rochdale Carol Wardle officially opened the Feel Good Festival this morning (Friday 29 August) by welcoming those in attendance and thanking those who had arranged the festival.

Mayor Wardle, who was introduced to the crowd watching by Chef Andrew Nutter, said: “I would like to welcome you all to this years Feel Good Festival. I have to thank the businesses who are not only supporting the festival but who are in attendance today putting on demonstrations and displays. Not only have they supported the festival by coming along but they have helped spread the message about the festival far and wide.

“I have to thank the people who you won’t see mentioned in the programme and that is the staff behind the festival. Many months of hard work have gone into this event by the team from the Town Centre Management and the council. This event doesn’t happen without hard work and late nights and it is certainly a big team effort.

“I would like to thank our sponsors - Rochdale Online, RRG Toyota, Rochdale Observer, Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre, Carillion, Balfour Beatty Living, Rochdale 6th Form College, 96.2 The Revolution, The Flying Horse Hotel, Hopwood Hall College, Mango Bar, Rochdale Exchange, Link4Life, Public Health and the Maskew Fund. This support ensures that this event can continue to go on.”

Chef Andrew Nutter also spoke at the opening and encouraged people to support local businesses by asking them to shop locally.

He said: “This event is not only about the festival but it is about showing people what we have to offer here in Rochdale so I encourage you all to shop locally whilst you are here and support our local businesses.”

Mark Widdup, Director of Economy and Environment at Rochdale Council described this year's festival as “bigger and better” and spoke about the events happening today and tomorrow.

The festival kicked off this morning on the celebrity food stage at 11am. Activities have been ongoing throughout the day including regular cookery demonstrations on the food stage, activities in various tents and performances on the community stage.

For a full programme of events see:

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/128/advertorials/89113/rochdale-feel-good-festival-2014-programme