Ferringo Fest’s final show smashes target and honours Steve’s legacy

Saturday, 17 January 2026 14:40

By David Murphy

A festival organised in memory of one of its founding members has raised over £33,000 for charity, marking a powerful end to the Ferringo Fest story – at least for now.

The final cheque presentation took place today, Sunday 17 January, at Elton Vale Sports Club in Ainsworth, with proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Support and NorthCare Charity. Both were personally chosen by the late Steve Rogers, who helped create the much-loved Bury music festival and was also a key part of Glaston-Bury.

Steve passed away from cancer in October 2024, just months before what would become the final FerringoFest. By then, he had already raised over £90,000 for good causes. Organisers set a final target of £10,000 to push the running total past £100,000. In the end, they more than tripled that goal.

“We’re absolutely over the moon,” said organiser Mick Kiernan. “The turnout was great, about 50 people came to the presentation, and hitting £33,000 takes Steve’s total to nearly £125,000.”

Radio presenters from Roch Valley Radio went along, Christopher ‘Bucko’ Buckley, who also is the organiser for Glaston-BURY, was pictured with local radio DJ legend; Dave Sweetmore.

The 2025 festival was seen as one last send-off, completed in Steve’s honour after his death. The team had already begun planning before he passed, and decided to see it through.

“We always said it would be the final Ferringo Fest,” Mick added. “There’s no plan to do one this year, but there’s talk of something new in 2027, maybe in a different format. A year off feels right.”

Previous image Next image

5 of 9

Previous image Next image

More Galleries

Feature: Vintage Worx Rochdale

Deuce Padel Opening in Rochdale 2026

Northern Lights at Heaton Park

FerringoFest Cheque Presentation 2025

Credit: Danny Crompton

Macmillan and NorthCare were chosen by Steve after his wife’s cancer diagnosis, and Macmillan supported him in his final days. The funds raised from the 2025 event have been split equally, with £16,500 going to each charity.

Organisers also praised long-time supporter Martin Duffy from Whitworth, who has been involved from the beginning. “Without Martin, it wouldn’t have happened,” Mick said. “Steve was the driving force, but Martin has always been there. He wasn’t going to do last year’s; it was only because of Steve that he did.”

Daz, a close friend of Steve’s and a member of his band, said continuing with the 2025 event was never in doubt.

“We had to finish what he started,” he said. “There are still so many brilliant bands and people in Bury who support it. The charity will stay open too, so the legacy lives on.”

Among those who helped make the event a success was Lisa from Finlay Jude Associates, one of the festival’s sponsors.

She said, ‘Why didn’t you let me sing a song?’” Daz laughed. But she was really happy we went ahead with it. Everyone knew it was a tribute, and it felt like the right way to close the chapter.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

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

Plans for derelict pub sparks fears

Villagers fear trucks could be rattling through their roads if plans to transform a derelict pub go ahead.
Police issue dispersal order across Greater Manchester to prevent dangerous car meets

A dispersal order is now in place across Greater Manchester as police prepare for a series of illegal car cruise events this weekend, following a deadly collision in Bolton last week.
Heywood takeaway lifts hygiene score from zero to four stars after inspection

A Heywood takeaway previously rated zero stars for food hygiene has now been awarded a ‘good’ four-star rating following a reinspection by Rochdale Council’s food safety team.
Crunch meeting to decide on 199-home development looms

A crunch meeting to decide the fate of a 199-home development will take place next week. The 12 hectare site between Smithy Bridge and Littleborough has long been earmarked for housing.
Inclusive rugby group at Rochdale Mayfield continues to grow with new players always welcome

A disability rugby group at Rochdale Mayfield RLFC is going from strength to strength since its launch in 2024, with new players encouraged to join its inclusive monthly sessions.
Roch Valley Radio awarded £20,000 National Lottery grant to boost community impact

We’re proud to announce that Roch Valley Radio has been awarded £20,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund.
Discount warehouse in Rochdale draws objections but set for approval

A discount warehouse operating without planning permission in Rochdale town centre is expected to be approved by councillors this week, despite receiving 13 public objections.
How each council ranked in dealing with potholes

They are the source of frustration for many motorists across Greater Manchester and it’s the job of our councils to fix them.
Vintage Worx shows how a grassroots group can lead real local change

Vintage Worx Community Development Trust is a community-led grass-root organisation based in Falinge Park Rochdale.
Tributes pour in for ‘deeply respected and passionate’ community football hero

Tributes are flooding in following the sudden death of ‘deeply respected and passionate’ community hero Dale Harris. The 31-year-old, well-known in the community for supporting youngsters into football and championing local sports, passed away at Royal Oldham Hospital on Monday, January 12
New offices near town centre could bring 250 jobs

Impressive CGIs have given a first glimpse at the scale of a new business centre in Bury that could bring 250 jobs and £8m to the local economy.
Empty pub once run by a celebrity chef will be transformed into a nursery

What was once a popular gastropub fronted by celebrity chef Andrew Nutter will be converted into a nursery. The Bird at Birtle was relaunched under the Nutter banner back in 2016 after a £1m makeover.