Wilmslow is set to host its first flagship live music festival this upcoming May bank holiday weekend.
There’s lots of stuff going on this long weekend – be it the FA Cup final, the Great Manchester Run, the Manchester Jazz Festival and various other gigs – but if you fancy getting away from the bustle of the city centre, then this one is right up your street.
We’re talking about Wilmslow Live ’24: the affluent Cheshire suburb’s inaugural festival, which is set to be packed out with up-and-coming local acts, lots of food and drink, as well as plenty of fun for all the family.
Taking place on Saturday, 25 May over at the iconic Bank Square building, the local community and people from all over the region, Greater Manchester and beyond are being welcomed to the maiden live music festival just down the road.
BlackSheepLadSiren SoundsCredit: Wilmslow Live
Organised by Wilmslow Business Improvement District (BID), on behalf of the town centre businesses, the event will celebrate the very best in North West talent.
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The main stage in Bank Square, hosted by Cheshire’s local station Silk FM and sponsored by Orbit Developments, will see live performances from 12–6pm.
The lineup kicks off with the Neil Matthews Band, followed by performances from Aura Music Academy, Wilmslow High School’s Sunstate Band; the all-female Siren Sounds choir and Alderley and Wilmslow Musical Theatre Group (AWMTG), just for starters.
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You’ve also got singer-songwriter Jess Scragg, soul and funk band Violet Line, as well as indie folk-pop musician BlackSheepLad to round off the line-up.
But it doesn’t just stop at the music, there are also lots of free things to do for people to get involved with, including plenty to keep the kids busy over in Wilmslow Live’s dedicated Family Fun Zone at the music festival site on the bottom of Green Lane.
Sponsored by handcrafted furniture retailer, Arlo & Jacob, activities include mini golf, free face painting, games and balloon modelling.
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Oh, and then you’ve got all the scran. Sponsored by Langricks Chartered Accountants, a whole host of Wilmslow cafés, restaurants, pubs and bars are helping put on a street food-style service throughout the day. We often hate this phrase but there really is something for everyone at the bank holiday festival.
Wilmslow BID Manager, Lisa Russett, said: “We can’t wait for the first-ever Wilmslow Live! We’re delighted to be able to showcase local talent and with lots of options for food and drink and family-friendly activities on offer we’re confident it’s going to be a fantastic day with a brilliant atmosphere.”
Tickets are selling out fast but you can grab yours HERE.
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 -
22nd May 2024 
