Page 7 - Real Rochdale Issue 23 August 2024

Feeling Good in the Summer Sun

The Rochdale Feel Good Festival returned in full swing in August, drawing thousands to the town
centre under the summer sun. Headlined by indie rock icons Ocean Colour Scene, Lottery
Winners, and Heather Small, the festival delivered a weekend to remember.

The festivities began early at The Empire with local artists performing, before the main stage,
located back at Rochdale Town Hall Square after five years, came alive.

Sponsored by The Flying Horse Hotel and hosted by DJ Dave Sweetmore, the stage kicked off with
an energetic performance by Atlas, winners of the ‘Feel Good – Battle of the Bands’. Their debut
on the main stage was met with enthusiastic applause.

Indie R’n’B pop star iamkyami followed with an electrifying set. Saddleworth ska band Madame
Claude and soulful group Toucan kept the momentum going with lively performances that had
everyone dancing.

After her performance, iamkyami commented that she was struck by the town’s charm. She said:
“The town hall is very grand, I’d even say it’s nicer looking than the one in Manchester.”

As evening fell, Heather Small took to the stage with a powerful set featuring M People classics
and her solo anthem ‘Proud’. Lottery Winners returned to Rochdale’s main stage after a decade,
delivering an engaging and humorous performance that resonated with the crowd’s vibrant
energy. The town centre erupted with the arrival of Ocean Colour Scene, who brought the festival
to a triumphant close with a standout performance.

Photos: John Wall

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