Hyndburn Council announces thrilling events programme

Hyndburn Borough Council has unveiled a packed events programme for 2024, promising a year of vibrant celebrations, creative expression, and community spirit across the borough.

The programme include events funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, building on the success of last year’s Oak Fest and the spectacular Les Commandos Percu, with their live show of drumming, fireworks and music.  In addition, following an open call for proposals, the Council received 23 bids from 11 enthusiastic local organisations eager to contribute to Hyndburn’s cultural landscape.

After a rigorous selection process, the Council has awarded funding to successful applicants, ensuring a diverse and engaging calendar of events for residents and visitors alike, taking place in townships across the Borough.

Councillor Peter Britcliffe, Acting Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, expressed his excitement about the programme: “We’re absolutely delighted with the fantastic response to our call for events and the high quality of proposals we received. This year’s programme promises something for everyone, from family-friendly festivals and live music to cultural celebrations and community gatherings.

‘’We’re particularly pleased that events will be spread across the entire borough, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.”

The programme of events kicks off on 13 April, with a Spring Parade, showcasing creations from workshops to be held across the Hyndburn community and culminates in numerous festive light switch-on events in November and December.

Highlights of the 2024 Events Programme:

Spring Parade (UKSPF funded): arts organisation Handmade Productions will lead a series of community outreach workshops, exhibitions and talks, culminating in a parade and gathering, celebrating the local history of innovation and celebrating new innovation in creativity

Accrington Food Festival: Organised by Amazing Accrington, this tantalizing event will showcase the best of Lancashire’s culinary scene, with delicious food stalls, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment and the ever popular war re-enactment

Oak Fest 2024 (UKSPF funded): the return of this open-air music and words festival with surrounding stalls, literature and spoken word tent, wellbeing tent, community market, and silent disco, held in Accrington’s beautiful Oak Hill Park

Eco Fest: The Prospects Foundation brings you Eco Fest, promoting environmental awareness and sustainability through interactive workshops, exhibitions, and activities for all ages.

Oswaldtwistle Carnival: Get ready for a vibrant explosion of colour and music with the Oswaldtwistle Carnival, organised by the dedicated Carnival Committee.

Connecting Cultures: a free-to-attend day of live performances, workshops, family-friendly activities, and trading that all celebrates our diverse community.

And that’s just a taste of what’s to come! The full programme boasts a plethora of exciting events, including:

Hyndburn Sound live music by Accrington Community Events Team

Food and Craft Fete by Great Harwood Events Team

Horticultural and Craft Show by Great Harwood Civic Society

Plug and Play live music by Great Harwood Events Team

Rishton Festival by Rishton CIC

Soapbox Challenge by Amazing Accrington

ENLIGHTENED: an illuminated trail through the town centre, reimagining and transforming local architecture, another of our UKSPF-funded events

Lancashire Day by Great Harwood Civic Society

Christmas Tree Festival by Accrington Community Events Team

Accrington Christmas Lights Switch on by Amazing Accrington

Councillor Britcliffe concludes: “We encourage everyone to get involved in this exciting programme and make the most of the fantastic events happening across Hyndburn in 2024. We’re confident that there’s something for everyone, and we look forward to seeing you there!”