Feel Good family events to return

Friday, 24 January 2025 09:25

By David Murphy

Free summer fun will be returning to the borough this year, with Rochdale Borough Council confirming Feel Good Family Picnic events will be staged again in 2025.

The popular days out for families pulled over 15,000 people last year with events in Heywood, Middleton, Littleborough and Rochdale.

Line-up details will be announced in the spring, but the event will include days of free fun activities, performances, music, sports, dance, theatre and shows for children of all ages in local parks and once again visitors will be encouraged to bring a picnic.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “After the huge visitor numbers we saw last year and all the fabulous feedback we had from families I am pleased to confirm it will be returning this summer. Planning is well under-way and we’ll be creating another amazing programme of free things to do during the school holidays.”

Dates and locations will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

The Feel Good Family Picnic will be staged by the council in partnership with Without Walls, a consortium of festivals and arts organisations bringing fantastic outdoor arts to people in towns and cities across England. It will be supported through the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

Find out more when announced at rochdale.gov.uk/FamilyPicnic and like FeelGoodFamilyPicnic on Facebook. If you are a local artist or organisation interested in being involved, email FamilyPicnic@rochdale.gov.uk

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Driver admits killing 68-year-old woman in Rochdale during car rampage

A man who drove into several people, killing a woman in Rochdale, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and six attempted murders
Market Street in Bury reopens following £500,000 bridge repairs

A key route into Bury town centre has reopened after a five-month closure for critical bridge works
Six-storey block of 40 flats planned at prime town centre site

Plans for a block of 40 flats at a town centre site have been submitted.
Divine intervention sought as developer eyes former convent for 10-flat conversion

Developers have applied to turn a former religious home in Middleton into a block of ten apartments, bringing an end to its sacred past.
Hopwood Hall College will get huge revamp

Hopwood Hall College will get a massive campus overhaul now plans for a new teaching block have been approved.
Recycled cremation metals fund £10,000 boost for Rochdale’s Jolly Josh charity

A local children’s charity has been awarded £10,000 thanks to a unique metal recycling scheme supported by Rochdale Council.
Free Santa’s grotto returns to The Rock with festive magic and charity cheer

Families in Bury invited to enjoy a free festive experience with Santa, chocolate treats and a land train this Christmas
Spanish grandson retraces his grandfather’s 1936 footsteps in Rochdale

An emotional visit from Barcelona reveals how Rochdale’s Hotel Wellington became a wartime refuge for one Spanish worker, and sparked a family’s lifelong connection to the town
Bury GP practice urges action as women call menopause symptoms ‘complete torture’

A GP practice in Bury is calling on the government to extend menopause support across all age groups, after helping hundreds of women describe their symptoms as “brutal”, “life-changing”, and even “marriage-destroying”.
Elderly woman targeted in doorstep burglary by 'clown' on Birch Road

An elderly resident living in a Birch Road bungalow was left shaken after a burglar dressed as a clown tricked their way into her home before stealing her purse.
‘Devastated’ family pay tribute as police investigate death of Bacup man Luke Harden

A murder investigation is under way after the death of 36-year-old Luke Harden in the early hours of Saturday morning in Bacup. His family say they are “devastated” and described him as a loving son, brother, and friend.
Estate worried about what’s next for ‘Rochdale’s Chernobyl’

Tearing down trees next to ‘Rochdale’s Chernobyl’ sparked fear back in 2004. Over two decades later, the same fear remains.