Feel Good Carnival

The whole community of Rochdale is invited to come out and play as part of a spectacular Carnival project.

This is your chance to join us in creating a special carnival performance as part of your local FEEL GOOD FAMILY PICNIC.

About The Project

We need YOU to help make an incredible community Carnival in your local area.

Community performers from across Rochdale and beyond will have the opportunity to work with internationally acclaimed Carnival artists to develop a breath-taking processional piece, which explores our local and globally connected cultural heritage, while celebrating and nurturing our communities’ incredible talents and creativity.

Think beautiful giant puppets, incredible Carnival costume, funky drumbeats, colourful flags and high energy dance choreography animated by a unique community cast – now is your chance to add your own stamp and join us at your local Feel Food Family Picnic! No previous experience necessary.

What’s the Feel Good Family Picnic?

A brand new free event for families organised by the team behind Rochdale Feel Good Festival, with incredible days of fun activities, performances, music, sports and shows for all the family.

The Feel Good Family Picnic will be staged in local parks during the school holidays and visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic. It’ll be 4 fantastic days of free-to-attend fun and culture for families, magical days out in beautiful settings, with an exciting line-up.

When and where’s my local picnic?

Rochdale 25th July – Failinge Park- 11am – 4pm

Middleton 26th July – Limefield Playing Fields – 11am – 4pm

Littleborough 27th July – Hare Hill Park – 11am – 4pm

Heywood 28th July – Queens Park – 11am – 4pm

We are searching for performers from each locality to perform at their local Feel Good Family Picnic. We also welcome participants at other picnics, but preference will be given to local participants first.

We expect to work with groups in the lead up to the events and will arrange this with your group in advance. For individuals and families taking part you will only be required on the day of the event.

How to get involved

Would you like to take part as a performer, volunteer or crew member? There are lots of ways to get involved for groups and individuals and we’d be delighted to hear from you!

Expression of Interest form

Photographer James Bridle

DANCE

Calling all dance groups and troupes! We will be inviting 1-2 dance groups as part of each event to join us to make up a fully costumed dance section for each township. Dancers will animate specially made Carnival costumes and share their energy and skills with amazed audiences. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from an internationally recognised dance artist specilising in parades. Get in touch today to register your groups intest.

Age 14+ (Age limited due to costume sizes, for younger participants see our flag opportunities)

Photographer Alan Harmer

DRUM

Calling all drumming groups! We are recruiting drumming groups to make up the music section for this brand new Carnival piece. You will have the opportunity to learn from expert Carnival percussion directors and join us at your local event to create a brand new piece. Get in touch today to register your groups intest.

Age 14+ (Age limited due to costume sizes, for younger participants see our flag opportunities)

Photographer Richard Crease

PUPETEERS & BACKPACKS

Would you like the opportunity to control one of our beautiful giant puppets, or wear a giant Carnival costume on the parade? Well now is your chance! Full training will be provided. Limited places available. Register your interest today.

Age 18+ (Good fitness levels, balance, and mobility is required for these roles, if you have access needs and would like to be involved in this section please contact us to discuss your requirements)

Photographer Doug Peters/PA Wire

FLAG BEARERS

We are inviting schools, community groups and colleges to join us to animate a huge section of giant silk flags on the parade. There may also be opportunity to join us in the creation of some of the silk banners. Limited spaces for individuals and families will be made available.

11+ for per flag but younger children may be accompanied by an adult who can help them carry it.

Photographer Chritsian Dyson

EVENTS CREW

Don’t want to perform but would still like to be involved? A production like this requires a huge back stage team to help manage the event. Learn about the back stage elements of outdoor arts and join our events crew at the dress rehearsals and on the day.

Age 18+ (Opportunities may be available for those younger if they wish to forge a career in arts and events management and production. Please contact us)

Photographer James Bridle

WHAT’S YOUR BIG IDEA?

Don’t you have an idea, a act or suggestion you would like to include in your local event? We would love to hear from local artists and creatives. If you feel you have something to contribute to the event then we’d love to hear from you.

FAQs

How old do I need to be to participate?

Dance and Drumming groups are more suited for those of 14+ due to costume sizes. We welcome groups of all levels and abilities.

Puppeteers and Backpack roles are more suited to older performers who must have good fitness levels, mobility and core strength. 18+

Flags Bearers should be 11+, and younger members should be accompanied by their group leads, parents or carers.

Crew places are suitable for 18+ but opportunities may be available for those younger if they wish to forge a career in arts and events management and production.

Whats the commitment.

Puppeteers and backpack participants will be expected to attend training (Dates TBC).

I'd like more information, is there someone I can talk to?

Yes! If you would like to arrange to talk to one of the team please fill in the contact form below and we will be back in touch soon.

We’d love to hear from you!

If you have a general enquiry about Feel Good Carnival then please use the form below to contact us.

All press enquires please also use this form.

Project Supporters

Creating Carnival News

Here you can find the latest news from us and our partners about this year’s Carnival presentation.

Cotton Carnival

Weaving together our heritage through a breath-taking Carnival procession in Tameside.

This is your invitation to join us in creating a special carnival performance as part of the Stalybridge Town of Culture and the Platinum Jubilee celebrations this September.

Kendal Calling 2023

Creating Carnival – Kendal Calling 2023 is an exciting professional development opportunity for freelance artists local to Cumbria and the surrounding areas to take the reins of the Kendal Calling 2023 procession.

GG Bloco

Bang, stomp, blow! Brand new Bloco classes for percussionists, dancers, and horn players!
Join the Global Grooves bloco! Bring your energy and enthusiasm as you enjoy weekly classes in percussion, horns/melody, and brass.

Wardle Academy Brass Band joins the Global Grooves Bloco

15th November 2021

We are delighted to welcome Wardle Academy Brass Band to join this year’s parade Bloco.

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