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Revealed: Two new bands join Rochdale’s ‘Feel Good’ line-up

REPUTATION: The Twisted Dolls will play Rochdale Feel Good Festival in August.

Two exciting new bands have been confirmed for the main stage line-up for Rochdale Feel Good Festival this summer. 

Manchester blues band The Twisted Dolls and Middleton based The Bright Black will take to the main stage by the town hall on Saturday 20 August, during the council run event - the biggest free music and food festival in the north west.

The Twisted Dolls blend of catchy rock and roll blues mixed with power and showmanship has gained them a reputation as one of Manchester’s most exciting new live acts. Their acclaimed single ‘Bluesbreaker’ released in November was named one of the year’s best singles by new music website sonicbandwagon.com and they’ve been tipped for great things by BBC Introducing in Manchester. Taking musical influences from Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys and The White Stripes, the Dolls’ distinctive sound has been described as ‘a mix of fuzz, riffs and 60’s garage rock n’ blues.’

Also on the main stage line-up are Middleton based band ‘The Bright Black’. This funk and soul-inspired pop outfit launch their new single ‘Skin on Skin’ this month and have been recognised as one of the region’s best new unsigned bands, performing sell-out gigs across Manchester in recent months. They take influences from classic funk and soul artists like The Isley Brothers and Al Green while maintaining a high-energy sound symptomatic of their Mancunian roots.   Their blend of upbeat feel good sounds with soulful lyrics was emphasised in their debut EP ‘Up Not Down’ recorded at 80 Hertz Studios, produced by George Atkins who has worked with Lily Allen and The Courteeners.

The Twisted Dolls and The Bright Black will be joined by previously announced headliner The Fratellis plus more to be announced.


Rochdale Feel Good Festival returns on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 August, for another showcase of entertainment, food and culture.

The festival includes live music across indoor venues, a main stage sponsored by The Flying Horse Hotel against the backdrop of the town hall, and Stage 2 - the community stage.  Chefs and food producers will host live cooking demonstrations throughout and the festival will also include the popular food market. 

More acts will be announced this month. 

The summer festival is funded by Rochdale Borough Council together with sponsorship from local businesses.

If you would like to get involved with the festival email events@rochdale.gov.uk

For more visit www.rochdalefeelgoodfestival.co.uk go to www.facebook.com/feelgoodfestival or connect on twitter @FeelGoodFest

07 Apr 2016