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And the winner is…

Posted on 12/07/2010

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 ‘Dead Kestrels’ stormed to victory in Saturdays ‘Feel Good – Battle of the Bands’ competition in Rochdale, with what judges described as an ‘assured and confident performance.’

The band rocked the crowds at East, on South Parade, during a packed night of music with some of the boroughs best new music acts taking to the stage for a chance of appearing at the Feel Good Festival.

Each band played two songs, before the judges gave their verdicts.

Kenny Beverage, guitarist with ‘Dead Kestrels’ was thrilled:

“I appreciate how much effort everyone put in to make the night a success. We're buzzing that people enjoyed our set and we're looking forward to taking our music to a wider audience at next months Feel Good Festival.”

‘Dead Kestrels’ will open the main stage against the backdrop of Rochdale Town Hall on the Saturday evening.

Second place went to ‘The Mysterons’ with ‘Red or Black’ taking third. They will both get to play in one of the towns indoor venues during the summer festival.

The competition was judged by Jeff Thompson, Manager of Fat Northerner Records, Sean Holland of Charlamount Music and Rob Kerford, owner of Sonic PR, promoters of some of Europe’s biggest musicians. They were unanimous in their decision and said they can’t wait to see the band perform a full set on the main stage.

Debbie O’Brien, Event Manager said it was great to see local acts getting such a fantastic reception:

“The standard was very high tonight. It's so important to shout about our local talent which is why it's good that these three will get to play alongside some big names at the festival. Tonight wasn't just about the festival though … I think the turnout showed that local people do want live music in the town centre. I would like to thank everyone for their support. I want to do things like this more regularly.”

The Rochdale Feel Good Festival takes place in Rochdale town centre on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 August. It will be headlined by The Lightning Seeds, with other acts including Kirsty Almedia, The Herbaliser, Ellen and the Escapades, The Travelling Band and Catherine Tyldesley. The festival will include live music across seven indoor venues, an outdoor stage and a 2 day quality food market. Celebrity chefs Gino D’Acampo, Andrew Nutter and Aazam Ahmad will appear in the festivals celebrity kitchen, sponsored by Love Food Hate Waste.

For the Festival latest see: www.rochdale.gov.uk/events, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/feelgoodfestival and join the conversation on Twitter: @RochdaleTown