Picnics in the park: Thousands flock to ‘Feel Good’ at family events

Posted by on 7 Aug 2024

Another four days of summer family fun descended on Heywood, Middleton, Littleborough and Rochdale last week as the Feel Good Family Picnic events returned to the borough.

Organised by the council team behind Rochdale Feel Good Festival, over 15,000 people attended events at Queen’s Park, Limefield Playing Fields, Hare Hill Park and Broadfield Park as the spaces were transformed into a busy spectacle of free theatre, puppetry, circus, dance, storytelling, music, sports and more. With a theme reflecting the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect there were over 20 free different attractions each day at the popular events, which were sponsored by automotive dealer Premier Suzuki.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Overall we’ve seen an increase in visitor numbers of over 5,000 this year, the weather was glorious and it was so good to see local communities coming together as well as visitors from across Greater Manchester and beyond. The parades were so stunning and really brought the feel good factor and there were plenty of activities to keep everyone busy.  Feedback so far has been superb, but do let us know your thoughts if you haven’t already by filling in our short online survey.”

The mayor councillor Shakil Ahmed attended the event with councillor Rachel Massey at Limefield Playing Fields in Middleton said it was wonderful: “It was great to see so many families enjoying themselves. I’d like to say a big thank you to the organising team and all the staff involved, the many volunteers who helped us deliver such a quality event, the performers and also the friends groups and volunteers who support these parks all year round. I have lost count of the number of people who told me how fantastic our parks looked and I really appreciate how much hard work goes on.  The Feel Good Family Picnic was another great team effort and had a real sense of community spirit.”

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

Music was performed by Flat Cap Brass and high energy party band The Stray Horns.

Outdoor shows were staged to packed audiences including ‘Fussy Foodies: Battle of the Pans’ - an interactive game show exploring how foods help define our cultural identity with music, laughs, audience participation and prizes up for grabs. ‘Teabreak,’ was a new heart-warming show by live events company Trigger, following the journey of tea across continents and centuries onto our shores, with tea served from Trigger’s beautifully hand-painted Tuk Tuk.

The storytelling tent was very busy with performances every day including Rochdale’s M6 Theatre Company presenting the debut of ‘Even Stevens’ – a touching story from a handy man, gardener and chatterbox who travels around on his trusty old bike.

‘Sports Day’ was a lively show roaming around the parks featuring mad-cap PE teachers, Mr Stretch and Mr Armstrong.

‘The Lost Opera’ was an eye catching interactive sound performance and dance show, featuring three mysterious figures it was inspired by the Bauhaus Ballet of the 1920s. Also making an appearance was Hieronymus the hippo and Elton Wrong – a very light hearted take on the culture of tribute acts and the great man himself.

Visitors got chance to try a range of popular sports and games with staff from Your Trust as well as boxing training with the team from Middleton Martial Arts Academy. 

Skylight Circus performed a range of spectacular feats to big crowds every day including ariel tricks, stilt walking, juggling and clowning, with everyone also invited to learn the skills led by professional circus artists.

Many visitors praised the event on social media with comments including: “An amazing day”, “brilliant,” “fantastic” and “well organised, we really enjoyed it.” 

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 including upcycling, health and wellbeing, nature based craft activities, climate change discussions and energy saving advice.

The Feel Good Family Picnic was staged by the council in partnership with Without Walls, a consortium of festivals and arts organisations bringing fantastic outdoor arts to people in towns and cities across England. It was sponsored by Premier Suzuki, supported through the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

You can view photographs from the event and leave your feedback at rochdale.gov.uk/familypicnic or on Facebook on the FeelGoodFamilyPicnic page. And if you’re posting on social media use #FeelGoodFamilyPicnic