Hopwood Hall joins the Feel Good festival family

Julia Heap, the college’s principal and CEO (front) with students and staff at Hopwood Hall College’s Middleton campus.

Hopwood Hall College is supporting next month’s Rochdale Feel Good Festival by sponsoring the Family Zone at the summer festival for the first time.

Staff and students from the college, with campuses in Middleton and Rochdale will be adding to the activities on offer with giant games and competitions during the day. Among the fun they’ll also be bringing dressing up costumes for children to try and you’ll get chance to meet Marvin, their meerkat!

College staff will provide information about their vocational and further education courses as well as promoting their other services open to the public including their Riverside Restaurant, gym, salon and theatre. The college are also offering free parking to festival goers in their conveniently located St Mary’s Gate car park.

Julia Heap, the college’s principal and CEO said: “Rochdale Feel Good Festival is such a big event for the borough and we really wanted to be part of it. Sponsoring the Family Zone is a perfect fit for us, our staff and students love getting out into the local community and events like this are a great way of showcasing the college whilst helping visitors have a lot of fun during what I’m sure will be another wonderful day.”

This year there’s going to be more than ever for children – the festival’s Family Zone will see the Esplanade and gardens in front of Rochdale Town Hall transformed into a Festival Square for youngsters and their families between 11am and 5pm as part of the free event headlined by indie/rock band The Coral on Saturday 10 August. 

Activities and shows will include: The Bewonderment Machine - a cycle-powered carousel for small children. There’ll be a Virtual Reality Playground, where you’ll be able to put on a headset, jump on a swing and be transported inside a virtual reality ride. Look out for the aerial ‘Dip’ trampoline show, featuring breath-taking air twisting tricks, music and comedy. Bees! The Colony – promises to be a fascinating multi-sensory experience, where you’ll be able to wander amongst a honey-perfumed bee colony. Another highlight will be The Playground of Illusions - visitors will be able to play with intriguing interactive giant toys.

Circus theatre artist Stefano Di Renzo presents his live show and you’ll be able to get up close and personal with a dinosaur! The Family Zone will also feature performances from local groups including Skylight Circus and there’ll be an inflatable assault course, balance bikes and tennis. Children’s favourite Mr Bloom and his band will perform at 12.30pm.

The Family Zone at Rochdale Feel Good Festival is sponsored by Hopwood Hall College and produced by Link4life in partnership with Without Walls, the national touring network – and supported by Arts Council England National Lottery funding.

For information on this year’s line up visit: 

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/search=Rochdale+Feel+Good+Festival