Local act gets chance to play Rochdale Feel Good Festival main stage

Local bands or solo artists can bag themselves a spot playing in front of the crowds at this summer’s Rochdale Feel Good Festival, as the Battle of the Bands competition opens for entries.

The search for local talent is run by the festival organisers Rochdale Borough Council and will see the winners awarded a coveted 20-minute main stage slot on Saturday 13 August, playing alongside headliners The Fratellis and many more.

A runner-up will also get to play in one of the festival’s indoor venues.

All hopefuls need to do is email a link to a YouTube video of them playing live, along with a short biography to events@rochdale.gov.uk (Write ‘Battle of the Bands’ and your act name in the subject box).

Solo artists must live in the borough of Rochdale and bands must have at least 50 per cent of their members living in the borough. Entrants need to be available on 13 August.

Entries must be received by the closing date of 9 May. Shortly after the closing date, submissions will be added to the festival’s Facebook page, before the top six who get the most ‘likes’ go forward to a judging panel who will decide on who performs on the main stage.

The last winners were Between The Vines. The country rock four-piece won the competition in 2019 and got a superb reception, supporting The Coral and The Hoosiers. 

Ben Boothman, one of the judges and co-owner of main stage sponsor The Lancashire Hospitality Co-operation said: “One of the things the festival has done over the years is give opportunities for up and coming local artists, but due to the pandemic this hasn’t been possible so it’s great to see this competition return.

“There’s just one main stage slot left and, through this competition, we’ll make sure it goes to another great local act. Giving new talent the chance to play on the big stage is fantastic experience as well as the extra publicity that goes with it. The crowds always come out and support them. 

“It’s a great chance for musicians to raise their profile and all types and styles of music can enter, solo artists as well as bands.”   

Rochdale Feel Good Festival returns on Saturday 13 August, featuring 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, a full programme of entertainment across indoor venues to be announced plus quality food and drink.

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 The Lancashire Hospitality Co-operation, Premier Kia, Hopwood Hall College and other local businesses.