Rochdale’s ‘The Jackson Kay Band’ complete the main stage line up at Rochdale Feel Good Festival, after bagging first prize in this years ‘Feel Good – Battle of the Bands’ competition.
After making the final 6 after a Facebook vote, the band who play ‘feel good, get up and dance party anthems’ as well as their own material were the unanimous choice of the judges.
Music PR specialist and judge Rob Kerford, owner of Sonic PR and promoter of some of Europe’s biggest musicians said they were impressed by all the acts:
“We had a really varied line-up this year of different musical styles. All six of our finalists would be very capable of putting on a great show on the main stage so it was a tough call. The Jackson Kay Band came out on top and we all agreed they would be a fantastic opener. I think they will go down really well and I know they have a strong local following.”
The band comprises Tony Gunderson, Jack Kay, his brother Dan Fielden and Jack’s dad John Kay. They formed seven years ago and have been playing across the North West ever since. They play a mix of original material as well as cover versions and Jack said the band is thrilled to win the competition:
“It was absolutely fantastic to get the call to say we’d won … everyone in the band is buzzing about it and we can’t wait to play. Rochdale Feel Good Festival’s main stage is one we’ve always wanted to do - it will be one of the biggest gigs we’ve ever played so very exciting.”
The Jackson Kay Band join previously announced headliners The Fratellis, alongside dub reggae act Resonators, alternative rock band Boomin, singer-songwriter Alex Cornish, rock n’ roll trio The Twisted Dolls, funk/pop band The Bright Black and singer/songwriter Amy Jo Clough. On the Friday evening Stage 2 will be headlined by Keston Cobblers Club alongside BBC Folk Award winners Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar, Mikey Kenney and the exciting young folk starlet Maz O’Connor.
Rochdale Feel Good Festival returns on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 August with live music across indoor venues, the main stage sponsored by The Flying Horse Hotel headlined by The Fratellis against the backdrop of the town hall, and Stage 2 – a second outdoor stage. Chefs and food producers including Chris Bavin, Nisha Katona, Aazam Ahmad, Andrew Nutter, Tom McNeeney and Guo Yue will host live cooking demonstrations and the festival will also include the popular food market.
The event is funded by Rochdale Borough Council together with sponsorship from Rochdale Football Club, The Flying Horse Hotel, Link4Life, The Royal Toby, Metrolink and other local businesses.
For the line-up visit www.rochdalefeelgoodfestival.co.uk go to www.facebook.com/feelgoodfestival or connect on twitter @FeelGoodFest
17 Jun 2016