Feel Good Festival is returning for 2026!

The countdown is officially on - Rochdale Feel Good Festival is coming back on Saturday 8 August 2026, and it’s set to be another huge celebration of music, food, and entertainment right in the heart of the town centre.

Organised by Rochdale Borough Council, the festival will once again take over Rochdale Town Hall Square with a packed programme of live music, indoor venue performances, a top-tier food and drink village, and plenty more. Details about main stage tickets will be announced soon, so keep an eye out! 

Since its debut in 2008, the festival has welcomed some big names to its main stage - think Ocean Colour Scene, Razorlight, The Coral, Feeder, Lottery Winners, The Fratellis, Heather Small of M People, and many more. It’s become a staple of the town’s cultural calendar, drawing crowds from across the borough and beyond.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation, shared her excitement: 
“Rochdale Feel Good Festival is such a well-loved fixture on our calendar and it’s always exciting to announce its return, with the main stage on our fabulous town hall square. It’s always an unmissable festival for friends and family to enjoy, and a good opportunity for local businesses.” 

Local talent will once again get a chance to shine, with the Battle of the Bands competition returning in April. Last year, Rochdale five-piece rock band Atlas played the biggest gig of their career after winning the coveted opening slot. If you're a local act, this is your moment - keep an eye out when applications open in the new year!

This will be the 15th edition of the festival, which is funded by the council together with ticket sales and sponsorship from local businesses. If you’re interested in getting involved, you can reach out via FeelGoodFestival@rochdale.gov.uk.

The festival now alternates every other year with the Feel Good Family Picnic, a free event packed with performances, music, sports, dance, theatre, and activities for children of all ages, which will return in 2027.

And don’t forget, Rochdale is Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025–26, a title awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to celebrate the town’s rich history, creativity, and diverse arts scene. 

For updates and announcements, visit rochdale.gov.uk/FeelGoodFestival, follow Feel Good Festival on Facebook at facebook.com/feelgoodfestival, and connect with @FeelGoodFest on X.