Newbold Festival

The Newbold Festival took place on Saturday 8th September 2007 on the Newbold Estate in Rochdale. The kick pitch, in the middle of the estate, was transformed into a vibrant festival arena, which offered families a varied programme of live music, circus and arts activities and attractions by local stallholders and service providers.

The sun shone down and a steady stream of visitors of all ages came to enjoy the afternoon. The giant arts marquee, provided by Jamboree Arts, offered children and young people the chance to try their hand, or in deed their feet, at circus skills. Juggling balls, spinning plates and diablo flew through the air, as did those brave enough to try the trapeze or balancing on the tight rope.

Joining Jamboree in the marquee were artists offering the visitors a range of arts activities including, graffiti boards, hat and mask making, clay slab pots and intricate beadwork.

The very colourful jazz band, Blowjangles entertained the crowd, whilst Kokoma drummers offered people the chance to try some African rhythms and the Songsmith Solar stage provided live music from the Flat Cap 3 and local rock band Halfside Over.

The festival was organised in partnership with the Guinness Trust and was funded through them with support from St Vincent’s Housing, and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. The aim of the day was to bring the residents of the estate together and to raise interest and awareness of future festival activity for that area. We were really pleased with the positive response to the festival and will be working with Guinness Trust to secure funding for further projects in the Newbold area. Thank you to all residents and volunteers involved for helping to make the day a great success.