Thousands 'feel good' at family picnics

Four days of family fun descended on Heywood, Middleton, Littleborough and Rochdale during the summer as the new Feel Good Family Picnic was staged for the first time.

Organised by the council team behind Rochdale Feel Good Festival, over 9,500 people attended events in Queen’s Park, Limefield Playing Fields, Hare Hill Park and Falinge Park as the spaces were transformed into a busy spectacle of theatre, puppetry, circus, dance, storytelling, music and more. There were over 20 free different attractions each day, including live performances, music, sports and shows for children of all ages.

The mayor councillor Mike Holly who attended the event in Middleton said it was wonderful:

“A good time was had by all and it was great to see our parks so busy. I’d like to say a big thank you to all the artists who took part and also the friends groups and volunteers who supported these events and our parks all year round. The Feel Good Family Picnic was a resounding success and had a real sense of community spirit which was fantastic to see.”

Each day as visitors tucked into their picnic, a carnival procession travelled around the park led by carnival arts company Global Grooves, featuring giant puppets, costumes, funky drumbeats, flags and dance.

Music was performed by Flat Cap Brass, The Ski Band and Northern Dholis; who played traditional Indian drums.

Outdoor shows were staged to packed audiences including ‘Do what your mamma told ya’ by Just More Productions, a comedy circus show and ‘FLOOD’ by Theatre Temoin which used circus, music and acrobatics to show how our coastline and communities have been effected by climate change.

The storytelling tent was very busy with performances every day including mesmerising Gav Cross who presented his hilarious ‘Twisted Tales for Terrible Children’ show.

Colour the Clouds Theatre Company presented two shows - at Rochdale and Middleton it was BUZZ – the story of a young worker bee who doesn’t think what she does really matters, and then in Littleborough and Heywood the premier of Pip’s Garden – an interactive story about a girl who finds herself with a vegetable patch but no idea how to grow anything.

Rochdale’s M6 Theatre performed their brilliant play ‘The Street Where I Live’ and Skylight Circus Arts present a breath-taking aerial circus display featuring a host of daring acrobatics and more as well as hosting workshops to give an introduction to circus skills.

The council wanted the event to reduce its impact on the environment as well as showing visitors ways to reduce their carbon footprint, save energy and be kinder to our planet so there were lots of sustainable activities to see and try.

You can view photos from the event and leave your feedback at rochdale.gov.uk/familypicnic