Rochdale Feel Good Festival 2026 Headliners Announced
The Rochdale Feel Good Festival Summer 2026 has revealed its headline acts, with legendary singer-songwriter Gabrielle topping the bill on Saturday, August 8. The two-time BRIT award winner and pop-soul star will perform on the main stage at Rochdale Town Hall Square, bringing her iconic sound to the heart of the town.
Gabrielle's Impressive Career
Gabrielle, known for her soulful voice and chart-topping hits, has a remarkable musical legacy. Her 1999 number one album 'Rise' was certified 4x platinum, matching the success of her greatest hits compilation 'Dreams Can Come True.' With six top 10 albums, including recent releases 'Under My Skin' (2018) and 'Do It Again' (2021), she remains a dominant force in the music industry.
She has achieved 16 top 40 singles, including two number ones, and will perform fan favorites like 'Rise,' 'Out Of Reach,' 'Sunshine,' and 'Dreams.' Beyond her BRIT awards, Gabrielle has won two MOBO Awards and an Ivor Novello, cementing her status as one of the UK's most iconic artists.
Recent Success and Collaborations
Gabrielle has continued to captivate audiences, gaining new fans through appearances on 'The Masked Singer' and performing with global stars like Adele at sold-out BST Hyde Park shows. In 2025, she embarked on her biggest UK tour, with shows at Manchester's AO Arena and London's O2 Arena. This year, she joins Rick Astley and Michael Bublé on their live tours, showcasing her enduring appeal.
Her latest release, 'Dreams - The Remixes' EP, features reworkings of her classic debut track by international dance producers. She also collaborated on the single 'Sad Song' with Middleton-born singer-songwriter JP Cooper, highlighting her ongoing creativity.
Indie Rock Acts Join the Lineup
Indie rock chart-toppers Ash will also take to the main stage. The Northern Irish group, behind hits like 'Girl from Mars' and 'Shining Light,' has been a vibrant live act for three decades. Their debut album '1977' went straight to number one in 1996, and they returned to the top spot with 'Free All Angels' in 2001. Their latest album, 'Ad Astra,' hit the top 20 last year.
Known for energetic, guitar-driven power-pop led by Tim Wheeler, Ash have headlined Glastonbury and toured with bands like The Darkness, bringing their dynamic performance to Rochdale.
Rock band Starsailor is another confirmed act, famous for albums like 'Love is Here' and 'Silence is Easy,' plus ten top 40 singles including 'Four To The Floor' and 'Good Souls.' The band completed a sell-out European tour celebrating their 25th anniversary last year, and their 2024 album 'Where The Wild Things Grow' reached number two on the Official Independent Albums Chart.
Festival Details and Sustainability Efforts
The festival, organized by Rochdale Development Agency on behalf of the council, features live music across indoor venues, a food and drink village, and other entertainment. Early bird tickets have sold out, but discounted tickets (£25 plus 7.5% booking fee) are available via rochdale.gov.uk/FeelGoodFestival or by phone at QuayTickets on 0161 876 2015. VIP upgrade packages are also offered.
To reduce single-use plastic, tickets include a reusable drink cup to be collected upon arrival. Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation, expressed excitement about the lineup, noting the festival's bi-annual schedule has increased anticipation.
Additional Performances and Community Events
The night before the festival, on Friday, August 7, synth-pop icons Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) will headline a show at Rochdale Town Hall Square, joined by post-punk legends Peter Hook and The Light, and Manchester's post-punk/funk band A Certain Ratio.
This announcement follows recent community arts highlights, such as the Rochdale in Rhyme event and the Weaving Words poetry anthology, which celebrated local creativity and inclusivity. These initiatives, led by figures like Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver and hosted by poet Tony Walsh, reflect Rochdale's vibrant cultural scene.
Other upcoming events include board games and Lego sessions at Smallbridge Library, Easter craft sessions at Rochdale Central Library, and weekly Toad Lane Concerts at St Mary in the Baum, showcasing the town's ongoing commitment to arts and community engagement.
