Rochdale is already buzzing with speculation as the Feel Good Festival announces its 2026 date, Saturday, 8 August, and locals begin placing hopeful bets on which band from 2007 will be wheeled out to headline this time.
The bi-annual bacchanal of music, food and strong cider promises another “unmissable weekend” according to the council, who have yet to confirm a single act but are confident that if they say it loudly enough, someone from Toploader will hear them.
Previous headliners have included Ocean Colour Scene, Razorlight, The Coral, and someone’s cousin from Scouting for Girls. It’s unclear whether this year’s lineup will feature fresh talent or just be the musical equivalent of reheated lasagne. Fans remain optimistic.
Cllr Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and unflinching optimism, said: “It’s always exciting to announce its return, especially with the main stage on our fabulous town hall square.” Eyewitnesses confirm this square has, in fact, hosted more guitar solos than local elections.
As part of the build-up, the council has also confirmed that the popular Battle of the Bands will return in April, allowing one lucky local act to open the main stage, and two others to start lifelong feuds over who deserved it more.
This will be the 15th edition of the festival, first launched in 2008 back when the phrase “food village” still meant “a kebab van and some crisps.” It’s now co-funded by sponsors and ticket sales, which organisers insist is “more sustainable” than last year’s plan to pay Razorlight in beer tokens.
With Rochdale crowned Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025–26, expectations are high that this year’s Feel Good Festival may attract someone who’s been on Later… with Jools Holland in the past decade. Or at the very least, a DJ set from that bloke off T4.
Official line-up announcements are expected in the coming months, unless the town’s WhatsApp mums beat them to it. From down the M62, we’ll be watching, sunhat on, pint in hand, for what might be Rochdale’s biggest night since Martha Reeves tried to find her Uber.
