Rockers win battle for place on the big stage
LOCAL acts The Recreation and singer/ songwriter Joe Dunne have bagged the biggest gig of their careers – a coveted slot on the main stage at this summer’s Rochdale Feel Good Festival.
The Recreation won first prize in this year’s Feel Good – Battle of the Bands competition and will take to the stage during the Saturday afternoon.
Joe Dunne, 21, was runner up and will open the festival on the main stage on the Friday evening.
Indie/rock four-piece The Recreation were the unanimous choice of the judges for the top prize.
Ben Boothman, one of the judges and owner of main stage sponsor The Flying Horse Hotel, said the calibre of entrants this year was the highest in the competition’s history.
He added: “This year we saw an increase in the quality of acts, with all six being pretty well polished performers. That said, The Recreation were the clear winner and everyone’s favourite so I’m sure they will put on a great show.”
The band, who have been playing at venues across the North West is made up of George Porter, from Milnrow, Sam Sumner, from Newhey, Owen Baldwin and Tom Atkinson, both from Royton.
Owen said: “Rochdale Feel Good Festival is always one we try to get to and I’ve seen some of our favourite bands there over the years, like The Fratellis. To be actually playing the main stage ourselves this time around, supporting Razorlight is an absolute honour.
It was a close call for second place, with Joe Dunne eventually being selected, impressing the judges with his Rochdale inspired song This Town.
After a gruelling schedule gigging in local pubs over the last two years Joe said he can’t wait to perform in front of a bigger audience.
He said: “I’m looking forward to opening the festival and it will be amazing to play on such a big stage in my hometown.
“The line-up is superb again this year and I can’t believe I’m on it!”
Ben Boothman added: “Joe will be a fantastic festival opener on the main stage on Friday.
“As well as writing his own original stuff he performs some great crowd pleasing covers and after lots of small gigs I’m pleased to see him get a chance on ●●The Recreation will be playing the main stage at the Rochdale Feel Good Festival after winning the battle of the bands as will runner-up Joe Dunne (inset) the big stage. He has a strong local following and I hope people come down to support him, it’s a big gig for both these acts and I am pleased to see such great local talent on our line-up.”
Acts already announced include Razorlight, Manchester’s Baked A La Ska, RedFaces, Pacific, Marbelhead Johnson, The Bright Black, The Karpets fronted by Tom Hingley, Honeyfeet, DJ Dave Sweetmore, the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band and the Delphina Kings, plus more to be confirmed. Rochdale Feel Good Festival returns on Friday and Saturday, August 11-12, for another showcase of entertainment, food and culture.