Popular soul crew are on track for a feel good return
THE first acts on the line-up for this summer’s Rochdale Feel Good Festival have been revealed.
Leading northern soul band The Northern Soultrain will be returning to the main stage on Saturday, August 22, after a triumphant crowd pleasing debut last year.
The Lancashire nine piece have been filling dance floors and ballrooms for over a decade, playing iconic Northern Soul anthems from the likes of Wigan Casino, Twisted Wheel and Blackpool Mecca.
They’ll be joined by hot new Manchester singer/ songwriter Abbie Ozard.
Supported by BBC Introducing in Manchester and 6 Music she’s already received national airplay on Radio 1 as well as slots at major UK festivals.
Her indie pop edge, vocals and infectious hooks have generated a growing fan base.
Another act confirmed is alternative dance band ENTT.
The London trio draw inspiration from 80s electronic pioneers Depeche Mode and New Order as well as alt-rock such as Artic Monkeys and The White Stripes.
They’ve had tracks played on BBC London and performed at Islington’s O2 Academy2 in recent months.
Also making their Rochdale main stage debut are Firewood island.
The indie/folk duo is the alias of Bristol based Norwegian/Welsh multiinstrumentalists and songwriters Stian Vedoy and Abi Eleri. With emotive and dynamic vocal harmonies and a mix of acoustic and digital instruments their music is atmospheric and euphoric.
Rochdale favourite Dave Sweetmore will be hosting and DJ-ing on the main stage. The club, radio, concert and festival DJ is stadium announcer at the Crown Oil Arena and nationally-renowned for his indie tunes.
He’s spent over two decades DJ-ing at venues across the country as well as working with renowned bands.
He’s a regular commentator on the north-west music scene, always championing new bands and live music and presents his own weekly show on Revolution 96.2.
Coun Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture at Rochdale Borough Council said: “The Northern Soultrain got an amazing response last time and we’re very pleased to be able to welcome them back to the main stage.
“With Abbie Ozard we have a superb up and coming Manchester talent.
“We’ve worked hard to put together another great line-up and there will be more announcements very soon and a hugely popular headliner which we can reveal in April.
“Working with our partners we’re determined to deliver another quality bill of great music, entertainment, tasty food and drink this August.”
Tickets priced at £6, go on sale at 10am on Thursday 19 March at www.rochdalefeelgoodfestival.co.uk or they can be purchased in person at Touchstones Rochdale, Heywood Civic Centre and Middleton Arena.