On Air Now

Ellis

10:00pm - Midnight

Now Playing

Fleeky Bang, J-Tong

Emergency (Feat. J-Tong) (Prod. By Hukky Shibaseki)

Listen Live Watch

Rochdale Feel Good Festival to return on Saturday 8 August 2026

Thursday, 9 October 2025 17:58

By David Murphy

Organisers confirm 2026 date for town’s flagship summer music and food event, with main stage acts and tickets to be announced soon

The much-loved Rochdale Feel Good Festival is set to return on Saturday 8 August 2026, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, top food, and family entertainment in the town centre.

Now confirmed as a bi-annual event, the festival will once again transform Rochdale Town Hall Square and surrounding venues into a hub of live performances, street food and cultural activity. Ticket information for the main stage is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Since launching in 2008, the festival has welcomed major UK artists including Ocean Colour Scene, Razorlight, The Fratellis, Heather Small, and The Coral. Next summer’s event will mark the 15th edition.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Rochdale Feel Good Festival is such a well-loved fixture on our calendar and it’s always exciting to announce its return, with the main stage on our fabulous town hall square. It’s always an unmissable festival for friends and family to enjoy, and a good opportunity for local businesses.”

As part of its commitment to supporting local talent, the council will again run a Battle of the Bands contest, with the winning act earning a coveted main stage slot. In 2024, Rochdale-based five-piece Atlas opened the main stage, playing to their biggest ever crowd.

The festival is funded by Rochdale Borough Council with support from ticket sales and sponsorship from local businesses. Residents and traders interested in taking part or sponsoring the event can get in touch via FeelGoodFestival@rochdale.gov.uk 

Alternating each year with the Feel Good Family Picnic – which returns in 2027 – the summer festival is part of a wider cultural calendar. The free family picnic includes performances, sports, dance, and theatre in local parks across the borough.

Rochdale currently holds the title of Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025–26, awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority in recognition of its artistic heritage and creative community.

Share

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

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Recently Played

Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

   

Coming up next On Air

  • Ellis

    10:00pm - Midnight

    with Ellis Richardson

  • After Hours

    Midnight - 2:00am

    For the night owls, night workers and everyone still going while the rest of the town sleeps. Music, chat and company after dark.

  • Wide Awake Club

    2:00am - 5:00am

    For those who find themselves awake at 3am more often than they’d like. Calm music, understanding voices and quiet company.

  • Up Before the Alarm

    5:00am - 7:00am

    for early starters, commuters and anyone already on their second brew. Livelier music and new voices warming things up before breakfast.

  • Tuesday Breakfast

    7:00am - 10:00am

    getting you out of bed and to work and school with great music and headlines.

  • The Sean Show

    10:00am - Noon

    Sean Cummiskey brings you the The Sensational Spectacular Sctillating Supersonic Sean Show! Or for ease The Sean Show! Top music and musings with “Great Number 2’s” and the home of tenuous links to songs from the news and “on this day!”.

Roch Valley Radio is a not-for-profit radio station serving Bury and Rochdale including the surrounding areas on DAB, your Smart Speakers and Online.

© Copyright 2026 Roch Valley Radio CIC. Powered by Aiir.