Last-minute preparations are under way for this year’s event in Rochdale town centre on Friday, 11 and Saturday, 12 August 2017, with arguably the best line-up in the event’s history to mark the festival’s 10th birthday.
On Saturday from 12.30pm the main stage will be headlined by indie rock band Razorlight, alongside Manchester’s Baked A La Ska, RedFaces, Pacific, The Bright Black, The Karpets fronted by Tom Hingley, Honeyfeet, the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band, singer/songwriter Kirk McElhinney, The Delphina Kings and The Recreation.
On Friday evening the main stage which opens at 7pm will be headlined by Daft Punk The Tribute, alongside 90’s Britpop covers band Marblehead Johnson, hot new London 4 piece Next Stop Mars and Rochdale singer/songwriter Joe Dunne.
The festival’s food and drink village will be open from 5.30pm – 10pm on Friday and 11am – 11pm on Saturday with a new layout, seating area and over 20 traders selling delicious dishes, fantastic street food and much more.
During both days Greater Manchester Police will be celebrating 160 years of policing in Rochdale with an indoor and outdoor exhibition. Based in front of the town hall, look out for a collection of iconic police cars, vintage fire vehicles and police horses. Guided tours will take visitors to areas of the town hall rarely open to the public including the Victorian cells which formed part of the original police station together with the beautifully preserved Magistrates Court room.
Also on Saturday you can show your support for around 80 plucky abseilers who will be descending by rope down Rochdale Town Hall’s 190-ft stone tower to raise money for WHAG, an organisation who provides housing and support to victims of domestic abuse.
Expect a few surprises during your visit as the town centre will also be buzzing with street theatre and other entertainment.
For those travelling into Rochdale from Manchester Victoria and Oldham, Metrolink runs a direct service to Rochdale town centre which is only a 1 minute walk from the festival site.
Council pay and display car parks are located across the town centre and the first 3 hours are free. There is also unlimited FREE parking on Saturday, 12 August 2017 at Hopwood Hall College Car Park, a 5 minute walk from the festival. You can enter between 7am – 9pm but you can exit at any time through the automatic barrier.
Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture said:
“We’ve put together a wonderful array of free entertainment to attract many thousands of residents and visitors over the 2 days. The town has a great deal to be proud of and I urge people to show their support for the festival and our town centre by attending – and bring your friends!! We have a fabulous programme of music and entertainment, served up alongside a superb food and drink village, accompanied by lots of other attractions that make the festival unique.”
