Calling Rochdale’s daredevils!

Thrill seekers from across the borough have the chance to get a birds’ eye view of Rochdale later this month – when the town hall clock tower is opened up for a charity abseil.

Those wanting to take part will need a steady stomach and real head for heights as the group will climb more than 100 steps to the top of the 190-foot stone tower before taking the leap of faith and descending by rope.

The event, taking place as part of the Rochdale Feel Good Festival on 29 and 30 August, has been organised by the charity Number One Riverside – Giving Back. The charity was established in 1 October 2013 by staff working in the new library and council offices committed to raising money for local causes. Their aim is to reduce poverty and provide support for Armed Forces in Rochdale and have previously raised money for Springhill Hospice and Women’s Housing Action Group.

The money raised by the abseil will be donated to local Armed Forces groups, to provide leisure activities for looked-after children and to help Rochdale Gateway purchase an accessible minibus.

Chair and Trustee of Number One Riverside – Giving Back, Linda Fisher said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to make this happen and hope to be able to raise a significant amount of money for these wonderful charities. It’s a fantastic addition to the Feel Good Festival and is sure to help make sure this year’s event is the best yet.

“Places for the abseil are limited, so I would urge people to get in contact as soon as possible if they want to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

To secure a place on this event, residents should email Helen Leach at helen.leach@rochdale.gov.uk for details. There is a registration fee of £20 per person, which will go direct to the charities. Information and sponsorship forms will be provided, as well as details of an abseiling taster session for those involved.

Rochdale Feel Good Festival is staged on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 August.  There will be live music across indoor venues, a community stage on the Esplanade and a festival market. Scouting for Girls headline the main stage against the backdrop of the town hall, while chefs including Ainsley Harriott, Andrew Nutter, Aazam Ahmad and Peter Clough will host live cooking demonstrations throughout the event, which will also include a food market.

The summer festival is funded by Rochdale Borough Council, together with sponsorship from local businesses including RRG Toyota, Rochdale Observer, Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre, Carillion, Balfour Beatty Living, Rochdale 6th Form College, Rochdale Online, 96.2 The Revolution, The Flying Horse Hotel, Hopwood Hall College, Mango Bar, Rochdale Exchange, Link4Life, Public Health and the Maskew Fund.

For festival updates go to www.rochdalefeelgoodfestival.co.uk or connect with the Rochdale Feel Good Festival on twitter at www.twitter.com/feelgoodfest

On August 4, Rochdale Town Hall took part in LIGHTS OUT - a national campaign to commemorate and remember our Armed Forces exactly 100 years after the United Kingdom joined the First World War.