Julie Hesmondhalgh goes ‘digital’ for Rochdale’s new festival

Julie Hesmondhalgh is supporting Rochdale Digital Festival and will be appearing on screen during the event, dispensing her own advice on new technology!

Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh was in town to help with final preparations for Rochdale Digital Festival which takes place this Saturday at Number One Riverside.

The much loved star, best known for playing Hayley Cropper in ITV1’s ‘Coronation Street’ will be supporting the festival ‘virtually’ – and has recorded video clips, tips and messages that will be shown on screen during the event which aims to de-mystify technology and show just how useful and easy it can be.

Julie will be giving festival goers her own take on technology and  says she does need help every so often: “I’ve got a Macbook, iPhone and an iPad Mini, which I use with varying degrees of success.

"I’m certainly not someone people would come to for help with technology, I’m usually the one doing the asking, so Rochdale Digital Festival is a great idea as there will be lots of people there who can actually help.”

Whether it’s how to set up an email account, making video calls with Skype, shopping safely on line or setting up your own Facebook or Twitter page you’ll be able to find out how at Rochdale Digital Festival. There’ll also be staff showing you how to do your banking online, use social networks, search for jobs and more.

The festival will include exhibitions and workshops to help you, and BBC Radio Manchester will be broadcasting live.

If you are having problems with your laptop, iPad, phone or tablet, students from Hopwood Hall College will be able to help - at the festivals appropriately named ‘FixIt Bar’.

A host of businesses including Rochdale Online, Marks & Spencer, Asda, Three, BT and Barclays Digital Eagles will be there alongside council staff, showing how to browse, buy and use services online, saving you time and money.

Boots staff and other health specialists will be showing how digital technology can be good for your health too, providing health MOTs in the ‘Health Hub’.

There’s something for all the family, with a children’s area where youngsters will be able to play on an Xbox, PS3 and Wii games systems. Actors will also bring to life well known characters from classic children’s literature, as they read from the library’s eBooks collection.

You can have a play on a digital piano and find out the secrets of being a professional DJ with the Vibe Youth Music project. And if all this inspires you to learn more, Hopwood Hall College will be showcasing the latest curriculum of digital courses!

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve never touched a computer before or if you already know a bit – the festival on Saturday will give you the chance to give it all a go,” added Julie.