Feel Good Family Picnic returns with fun-filled summer dates across Rochdale

Tuesday, 13 May 2025 17:22

By Adam Clark

Free family events will take place in late July and early August across Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale and Littleborough, with each location hosting a full day of activities, performances and entertainment as part of this year’s Feel Good Family Picnic.

Organised by the same team behind the Rochdale Feel Good Festival, and sponsored by Premier Kia, it attracted more than 15,000 people last year.

This summer’s dates and locations are now confirmed. The picnics will take place at:

•   Rochdale Town Hall Square on Tuesday 29 July
•   Limefield Playing Fields, Middleton on Wednesday 30 July
•   Hare Hill Park, Littleborough on Thursday 31 July
•   Queen’s Park, Heywood on Friday 1 August

The 2025 theme is ‘co-operation’, celebrating culture, creativity and community spirit. The full line-up is due to be announced in the coming weeks.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We had such an incredible response last year. These picnics are a real highlight of the school holidays and a great way for families to spend quality time together in our beautiful parks and public spaces. As Rochdale holds the title of Greater Manchester Town of Culture this year, we’re especially excited to be staging the Rochdale event in the newly restored Town Hall Square.”

The events are delivered in partnership with Without Walls, a national network of festivals and arts organisations bringing outdoor arts to local communities. They are supported through the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The Feel Good Family Picnic is part of a wider programme of cultural events during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025–26, which aims to spotlight the borough’s creative talent and rich heritage.