Preview: Rochdale Feel Good Festival

Now in its fifth year, Rochdale's Feel Good Festival combines live music, mouth watering food, top celebrity chefs and copious amounts of fun. And it won’t cost you a penny, as entry is completely free.

Jayne Robinson

Date published: 23rd Aug 2012

The festival returns to Rochdale town centre next week, on Friday 31st August and Saturday 1st September.

This year’s music programme sees an eclectic mix of old and new, with all tastes and age groups being catered for. Headlining the Saturday line up are Motown legends Martha and The Vandellas. Fronted by Martha Reeves, best known for her hits ‘Dancing in The Street’, ‘Nowhere to Run’ and ‘Jimmy Mack, they’re guaranteed to get everyone moving and grooving well into the night.

Lending their blend of ska, pop, soul and reggae, The Beat also join proceedings. Having reformed in 2009 they bring with them their ever-familiar tracks ‘Mirror in The Bathroom’, ‘Too Nice to Talk to You’ and ‘Hands Off She’s Mine’. Despite being at their peak in the early 80s, their tracks still grace the airwaves today and have helped secure them iconic status in British pop culture.

Representing a new wave of talent and bringing things back to the present day are Jesca Hoop, Shinies and The Heartbreaks. California hailing singer-songwriter Jesca’s had her music described by the mighty Tom Waits as “like going swimming in a lake at night”. She moved to Manchester in 2009 on Guy Garvey’s advice and has since toured with Eels and Peter Gabriel. Her mix of folk, jazz and blues is guaranteed to lend itself beautifully to the festival, as will her endearing personality.

New kids on the block Shinies are definitely a must see. The relatively new Manchester band with their lo-fi noise pop will definitely be turning up the sonic levels. Having already supported the likes of WU LYF and playing at Dot to Dot festival earlier this year, they’re honing their live skills and are an utter thrill to watch, with big guitars and added onstage banter.

Morcecambe four-piece The Heartbreaks will be adding to the North West contingent and bringing with them their own brand of fun in the form of aptly named debut album Funtimes. With their jaunty infectious riffs, general romanticism and whimsical lyrics they offer up a perfect slice of indie pop with hints of yesteryear that will see your feet tapping and hips shaking within the first opening bars.

And if all that wasn’t enough, Michelin award winning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and television favourite Brian Turner will be bringing along their pots and pans and delivering a master class in fine cuisine.

Food, drink and music, what more could you want!

Find out more information at rochdalefeelgoodfestival.co.uk