New festival aims to de-mystify digital

Rochdale Digital Festival on 28 February will give you a chance to find out how new technology can help you in everyday life

Rochdale will stage its first digital festival next year, aimed at de-mystifying technology and showing just how useful and easy to use it can be for everyone.

Rochdale Digital Festival will be staged on Saturday 28 February 2015, with a high profile line up of events and activities due to be announced in the new year.

Organised by Rochdale Borough Council and supported by Rochdale Online, BBC Radio Manchester and Hopwood Hall College, the festival will bring together a range of exhibitions, performances, conferences, meet-ups, workshops and outdoor events, all taking place across Rochdale.

Organisers are promising a day of hands on help and advice, with lots to see and do for all ages.

You’ll be able to find out how to do online banking, how to browse products, shop or read a book online and get tips on using a smartphone or tablet.

Councillor Neil Emmott, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Neighbourhoods said digital technology is everywhere and it saves you time and money, so getting to grips with using it has never been more important:

“I’m thrilled to see this new event being staged in Rochdale next year … more and more we are being encouraged to do things online, phones are computers these days and the television can do much more than just show the next channel! This day will provide a real hands on interactive experience, helping you to understand in a straightforward no nonsense way what it all means and how it can help you.”

The event is aimed at being fun too, with electric fire eaters amongst the guests, pushing the boundaries of technology.

The event will feature many local businesses, organisations, charities, volunteer groups and educational establishments. More information will be released in January.