Stockport town centre’s brand-new live music and events space, simply called Underbank, is finally set to open this month.
After a series of social media teasers over recent months, the fittingly named gig venue and bar, which is located in the Stopfordian old town and Underbank district, is finally set to unveil what it has on offer – or at least some of it.
Promising an unprecedented addition to Stockport that bridges culture, hospitality and entertainment, the so-called ‘beer hall and sound system’ opens its doors to the public on Friday, 30 May.
Taking direct inspiration from the historic section of the centre that both touches on those Cheshire roots and also channels some of that buzz from the growing scene around the SK1 postcode.
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Case and point would be the nearby record store street parties, which have absolutely blown up in the last couple of years, and similarly, Underbank has plans to bed into that community as well as go above and beyond.
Nestling into the Syndikat site on the corner of Great Underbank, which itself was previously a banking branch, it’s in a perfect location to catch the footfall and overspill from those aforementioned SK1 Records events, the ever-popular Foodie Fridays and more.
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Headed up by local husband and wife team, Des and Nina O’Malley, who are also behind Nook over in Heaton Moor, they’re looking to create a premier music-led location, with plenty of room for other events as well as a place to house local food and drink vendors.
For instance, local breweries like Runaway and Pomona Island are already set to be on the taps, while Vaso Kitchens (Patel’s Pies) has been named as the first guest scran supplier.
Oh, did we mention there’s a margarita bar too, with frozen margs flavoured with everything from the classics to mango to coconut as well as watermelon tequila hot shots? Yeah, we’re definitely going to be spending a lot of time here, especially if the plans for the other storeys follow suit.
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CGIs of what is planned for each floor of Stockport’s soon-to-open Underbank.
Commenting ahead of the opening, the team said, “Stockport is changing, you can feel it, the quality of food and drink is getting better and better and we want to be a part of it.”
Sprinkling in some details about what’s planned next, they added: “We’re working around the clock to get open. We will open in phases, and will be opening up more floors as we grow. In the basement we have a recording studio and events space.
“We have plans for Stockport’s first roof terrace next year.. If all goes to plan.”
The audio facilities alone are something local artists and performers should be very excited about, as the very first ‘Void’ sound system is set to be delivered by Hollowsphere, who are renowned for their festival credentials the world over.
Launching the venue with a festival boasting names like Rich Reason, James Holroyd, Mix-Stress, and Sticky Heat taking over the system on 30 and 31 May, the end of this month is going to be a belter. You can grab your tickets for the Underbank grand opening in Stockport right HERE.
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Safe to say it’s a very exciting time for the borough, and this spring in particular has plenty going on.
Rochdale Feel Good Festival announces headliners with MAJOR 90s act
Thomas Melia
The highly-anticipated Rochdale Feel Good Festival is returning to Rochdale Town Hall for a night of impressive live music.
Summer is fast approaching and one way the residents of Greater Manchester town Rochdale know this is the line-up for its major outdoor festival has just been released.
The festival has been running since 2007, taking place right outside the distinctive Rochdale Town Hall , this will be the shows grand return since its massive renovation.
This town centre music celebration is known for drawing in some of music’s biggest names like Cast, Scouting For Girls, Razorlight and most recently Heather Small.
Rochdale Feel Good Festival is coming to the main stage at Rochdale Town Hall this summer / Credit: Press Shots (Supplied)
Rochdale Feel Good Festival has continued this streak of securing some big pop stars and this time is no different as they’ve bagged a major 90s act with some equally notable bands on the line-up too.
Topping the bill is legendary pop-soul artist Gabrielle, known for chart-topping hits like ‘Dreams’ and ‘Rise’ as well as ‘If You Ever’, ‘Out Of Reach’ and ‘Sunshine’.
This phenomenal UK act has seen her 1999 LP Rise and 2001 compilation album Dreams Can Come TrueVol. 1 get certified platinum not once but four times.
Gabrielle is headlining Rochdale Feel Good Festival on Saturday 8 August / Credit: Press Shot (Supplied)
Gabrielle might be more familiar with Rochdale than we think, as she recently collaborated with Middleton born singer-songwriter for his single ‘Sad Song’.
Also announced is indie-rock band Ash, who have seen similar chart success by achieving 18 UK Top 40 hits such as ‘Oh Yeah’, ‘Shining Light’ and ‘Goldfinger’.
Another act joining the main stage is critically-acclaimed rock band Starsailor and with tunes like ‘Alcoholic’ and ‘Silence Is Easy’ it’s about to be a stellar night of performances.
Recognised rock bands Ash and Starsailor are also joining the line-up for Rochdale Feel Good Festival Credit: Press Shots (Supplied)
If that wasn’t enough to tempt you, Rochdale Feel Good Festival will be announcing more acts in the next few weeks making this line-up one of the best yet.
Rochdale Feel Good Festival is coming to the main stage at Rochdale Town Hall on Saturday 8 August with Gabrielle, Ash, Starsailor and more acts to follow – tickets and more info HERE.
Featured Images – Rochdale Borough Council / Press Shots (Supplied)
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Myles Smith announces HUGE arena gig in Manchester this year
Thomas Melia
Singer-songwriter Myles Smith has just announced his biggest headline tour and is set to play a huge arena gig in Manchester this year.
Quit ‘Stargazing’ and get ready to fight for tickets as Myles Smith has just announced he’ll be visiting Manchester later this year for his biggest arena gig to date.
Known for hits like ‘Nice To Meet You’, ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’ and ‘Wait For You’, this BRIT School graduate is now heading on the road for some headline shows across the UK.
Recognised for his folk-pop sound, Smith has built quite a name for himself just three or so years into his career, with solo efforts and a few collaborations under his belt.
Myles Smith is heading to Co-op Live, Manchester, on tour this year / Credit: Press shots (supplied)
Recently, the Luton-born artist collaborated with some well-known names like Shaboozey on their track ‘Blink Twice’ and even features on a new single from former One Direction member Niall Horan titled ‘Drive Safe’.
It was only last year that the ‘Stargazing’ songwriter visited the music capital of the North, bringing his high-energy hits to Manchester Academy back in February.
The star visited Manchester a second time, too, playing at the Co-op Live alongside some of music’s biggest names for Hits Radio Live back in November.
Now, Smith is ready to take to the Co-op Live stage again and is expected to raise the roof when 23,500 fans flock to the star’s show this winter.
Titled after his upcoming album My Mess, My Life, My Heart, Smith will be playing a variety of well-known and brand new hits when he makes his way up North.
Co-op members and fans who are signed up to the official artist presale can get exclusive access to tickets from Wednesday, 25 March at 10am, with the window closing on Friday, 27 March at 9am.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live by 10 am that same Friday (27 Mar).
Myles Smith is embarking on his ‘My Mess, My Life, My Heart’ tour this winter and visiting Co-op Live, Manchester on Sunday 15 November – tickets and more info HERE.
Danny Jones -
24th January 2025 
