Friday, 1 October 2021 13:24

WEEKEND WONDER: Tribute bands pulled in some 10,000 music fans across a fabulous weekend that we all desperately needed after lockdown.

The Tameside Radio presenter reflects on the 'Made in Manchester' music festival he hosted, which descended on a village just outside Tameside.

Last weekend saw the hugely popular ‘Made In Manchester’ festival take over the village of Romiley for what was not only Romiley’s biggest ever music festival, but also the biggest ‘Made In Manchester’ festival yet.

With a sold out capacity on Farmers’ Fields of 5,000 on the Saturday, and not far off on the Sunday, the two-day family friendly event brought much happiness to people from far and wide, along with plenty of tourism and revenue to the local economy.

I hosted and DJ’d the main stage on both days and can honestly say in a lot of years of working at music events it was one of the most perfect weekends possible, and much needed after 16 months of lockdown.

Three stages took over the site, with performances from some of the country’s best tributes to the likes of Oasis, Courteeners, The Smiths, Take That, James and Happy Mondays, and great cover acts such as The Manchester Experience and Chris Hibbert, along with a lot of local, unsigned bands, who were introduced to the festival goers, including Afternoon People, Alex Spencer, Cobain Jones, Maddie Spencer, and Ambiere.

Rob and Nat Brierley, along with their Made In Manchester team, have been putting on similar festivals for a few years, but a full weekend with a larger capacity than usual was their biggest event yet, and although a few challenges were faced for the team on the first day, this did not take away the amazing atmosphere which was created from start to finish, and will only be learning curves to make 2022’s Romiley event even more special.

The festival site wasn’t just about the music though, there was a large family funfair, plenty of various food and drink outlets, and many great stalls including Little Red’s bucket hats and accessories, Manchester Glitterbee, and even an onsite barbers!

The event was also raising money for several local charities.

I know I speak on behalf of all of the acts and production team, all of the event staff, and everyone who was there, when I say a massive thank you to Rob, Nat, and the whole of their team, along with SPL audio and lighting hire, for what was the most amazing, perfect, happy weekend of music and joy.

Here’s to next year’s Made In Manchester events!

To be first to hear about next year’s events in Tameside and beyond, follow ‘Made In Manchester Festivals’ on social media, or keep checking the www.madeinmanchesterfestival.co.uk

You can listen to Dave on Tameside Radio 103.6FM on Monday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. Click here to subscribe and catch up on previous shows.