Blackburn turned into giant workshop for Festival of Making

The series of events are running throughout the weekend Saturday (July 8) and Sunday (July 9) in the town centre.

Marquees were put up at locations including the bus station, The Mall, Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery, the Cotton Exchange, Tony’s Ballroom, Town Hall Square, the Making Rooms and Blackburn Cathedral.

Early warm weather was interrupted by rain showers but the crowds escaped any major heavy downpours on Saturday afternoon.

Designer Wayne Hemingway was on hand to showcase the town to visitors. He led a tour from Blackburn Cathedral to the Town Hall taking in some of the festival rooms along the way.

Outside the town hall people were invited into marquees and volunteers encouraged families to make everything from small figures made of cloth to paper hats.

In a dedicated area celebrating healthy and eco-friendly food and drinks, one stall selling fresh honey – The Bee Centre - featured an actual beehive.

A team of Bhangra drummers were on show and the Sonia Sabri Company dancers set up to perform outside the Cathedral.

Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Parwaiz Akhtar, and Mayoress Shagufta met with stallholders and visitors throughout the day.

Cllr Akhtar said: “It was wonderful seeing people using their skills and ideas to produce some fantastic creations.

“Blackburn has so much going for it and festivals like this attract visitors from across the region.

“I would like to thank all those people and especially the volunteers who have helped to make this event possible.”

Helen was with her two children at the town hall. She said: “It was lovely to see so many things taking place in the town centre.

“The kids have really enjoyed visiting all the marquees and the staff have been really helpful.”

Saima came with her children and their grandma. She said: “We came early and the children have not only enjoyed themselves but also learnt things.

“It certainly kept everyone occupied and it was great to get involved.

“It is great to see much going on in the town centre.”

Coincidently, the event had taken place on the same day as the charity Eid in the Park celebration with some families opting to visit both festivals over the weekend.

Launched in 2016, the ambition of the Festival of Making CIC was to create a nationally-relevant, cultural festival in Blackburn, while celebrating the unique manufacturing heritage and contemporary characteristics of the town and region more widely.

For the full line-up of events and maps CLICK HERE