On the big stage - Rochdale business backs festival

Growing local business The Lancashire Hospitality Co-operation will be main stage sponsor at this summer’s Rochdale Feel Good Festival.

The food and drink group launched in 2020 runs several well-known businesses in the area including The Baum, Bombay Brew, The Flying Horse Hotel, The Hare on the Hill, The Red Lion and The Crown and Shuttle as well as event caterers Wild, North and Moor, and Quirky Catering. This new deal also means The Flying Horse Hotel will stay part of the festival, having sponsored the main stage since 2008.

Co-owner of The Lancashire Hospitality Co-operation Ben Boothman said: ”Rochdale Feel Good Festival is something we have been very proud to support over the years, so bringing all our venues under the umbrella of The Lancashire Hospitality Co-operation created the opportunity to realign that support as the event returns, showcasing not only The Flying Horse Hotel, but our other local establishments including The Baum and Bombay Brew. Work is already under way and we’re very excited to be talking about it, such an incredible event.”

Emerging from the difficulties of the last two years, the festival has taken on even more significance this year added Ben:  “I think people appreciate more of what they’ve missed and do want something a bit special to look forward to, that fixture on the summer calendar to meet up with friends. I’ve always said I think Rochdale will come back stronger and we’re on the road now. Given what’s been thrown at us all during the pandemic and then losing the main site around the town hall this year there are new challenges for the festival to overcome, but we’re determined and I just hope people will show their support as they always have done.  It’s a superb event to be part of and such a positive for the town. Seeing us all finally get back together again to enjoy the party will be very special.”

Rochdale Feel Good Festival will feature a showcase of top class entertainment. Headliners The Fratellis will be joined by northern soul band The Northern Soultrain, Manchester singer/songwriter Abbie Ozard, rock band HAiG, multi-talented musician Aziz Ibrahim, alternative dance band ENTT, indie/folk duo Firewoodisland, DJ Dave Sweetmore and a local battle of the bands winner, a full programme of entertainment across indoor venues to be announced plus quality food and drink.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council visited The Baum this week to meet some of the team and thank them personally: “We are so pleased to have teamed up with The Lancashire Hospitality Co-operation as the festival returns. Ben and his team are passionate about what they do, and this festival. It’s great to be working with another home-grown Rochdale success story and we are very grateful for the support.  It’s thanks to businesses who invest in the festival and everyone who buys a ticket that we can deliver this big event, and I have really missed it.”

As well as trading at the event, all three town centre venues will be hosting indoor stages during the festival as well as warm up events during July and August. The Flying Horse Hotel will also host the official after show party following The Fratellis headline set on the Saturday night.

Ongoing refurbishment of Rochdale Town Hall and major works around the town hall square means the main stage moves 400 metres, to Hopwood Hall College. Indoor stages in town centre venues will remain the same, with only the main stage re-locating, but capacity for the main stage area will be reduced to around 5,000 at the St Mary’s Gate site.

Tickets (£7) for the main stage are available at www.rochdalefeelgoodfestival.co.uk or you can book in person at Touchstones Rochdale, Heywood Civic Centre and 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 local businesses. If you would like to get involved with the festival, email events@rochdale.gov.uk

For festival updates on Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/feelgoodfestival or connect with @FeelGoodFest on Twitter.