Sunshine and smiles: Dreams come true at Rochdale Feel Good Festival

The town centre was filled with a feast of music, food and entertainment for the Rochdale Development Agency organised event, headlined by two-time BRIT Award winner and pop/soul icon Gabrielle, Ash and Starsailor. 

The town centre was busy from early afternoon, with large crowds gathering at the main stage on Rochdale Town Hall Square. 

Councillor Georgina Jacques, assistant cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Following the OMD Summer of Hits concert on Friday night Rochdale Feel Good Festival brought a day of superb live music to town. We had visitors from right across the UK, some visiting Rochdale for the first time, and feedback has been very positive. Gabrielle was amazing and I think her set was a fitting celebration by a much-loved star, with lots of 90s nostalgia and feel good vibes in a stunning setting. Thanks to everyone who came along, the staff and partners who helped deliver it, our wonderful volunteers and the security crew and of course everyone who bought tickets. Thank you all for your support. Rochdale Development Agency are looking at feedback and carrying out a thorough evaluation in the coming weeks.” 

The main stage hosted by DJ Dave Sweetmore was opened by local five-piece metal band Metro, who won this year's Rochdale Music Service Battle of the Bands competition. It was an impressive debut that got a great reception from the crowd for the young band, who only formed last year. 

They were followed by a fun and energetic set by house-pop, funk and indie disco four-piece K-ESTATE. From Middleton, they were chosen for the line-up by London based music agency Free Trade, after Rochdale Development Agency, put forward artists who appeared on the recent ‘Rochdale Music Stories presents: Kenion Street’ album. Released this year, it celebrated the borough’s musical legacy, with local bands playing classic tracks by world renowned artists who recorded at the iconic studios. 

Next up was a very eagerly awaited appearance by Alex Spencer, an indie artist from Manchester widely seen as one of the UK’s most exciting new voices. Fresh from supporting One Direction star Louis Tomlinson across European arenas he's off on his own sold-out headline tour soon. 

The Allergies, fronted by DJ duo Moneyshot and Rackabeat got the enthusiastic crowd up and dancing for over half an hour in the sunshine with feel-good funk, soul sampling and infectious hip-hop beats. 

By 5.45pm it was time for rock band Starsailor, who drew a big crowd as they delivered a set packed with hits and fan favourites including Four To The Floor’, ‘Good Souls’, ‘Silence Is Easy’, ‘Alcoholic’ and ‘Fever.’ 

Also playing Rochdale for the first time were Ash, opening with a dramatic intro from latest album Ad Astra and power pop track Fun People before belting out all the hits from their number one 1977 album and beyond during a crowd-pleasing set. 

Then after a short interlude the stage went dark prior to the arrival of final headliner - soul sensation Gabrielle in front of a crowd of over 3,000. It was a hit-packed appearance with her stellar band and brilliant backing singers, including the upbeat ‘When a Woman’. ‘Give Me a Little More Time’, instantly transported the crowd back to 1996. Her single, ‘Sunshine’, which the historic square had been basking in for hours had thousands singing along. ‘If You Ever’ was another favourite, while ‘Don’t Need the Sun to Shine’ certainly delivered the feel good factor. The Bob Dylan sampled ‘Rise’ had everyone swaying as Gabrielle showcased real heartfelt emotion. ‘Out of Reach’ sounded as timely as ever and clearly resonated with the festival crowd. ‘Dreams’, another classic, ended the set on a high. 

After Gabrielle closed the main stage, celebrations continued in venues across the town. 

BSL interpreters Dayna Cooper, Gemma Mazza, Leanne Morris and Mel Payne did a brilliant job signing on the main stage. 

The festival’s food and drink village was busy throughout the day and the town's indoor venues were busy, with over 20 live performances. Indoor venues including Empire Rochdale hosted a day of live music featuring a range of local artists, alongside County Rats at The Baum, Katie O'Malley at the Hampton by Hilton Hotel, Imogen Paige and Zac O'Neil at the Treehouse Bar, The Muppeteers at The Flying Horse Hotel and many more. 

BBC Radio Manchester broadcast at the town hall with presenter Phil Trow hosting his Saturday morning show live from backstage, with all the build-up to the festival, before gates opened at 12pm. 

The bi-annual festival, celebrating its 15th edition was organised by Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council. It was supported by the council together with sponsorship from local businesses, including Premier Kia, The Royal Toby Hotel, Hopwood Hall College, Transport for Greater Manchester and Indurent. 

For photographs and videos from the festival or to give your feedback on the event go to facebook.com/feelgoodfestival, RochdaleFeelGoodFestival on Instagram, @FeelGoodFest on X. On all social media search #FeelGoodFest26