Events 2024
- All
- Art
- Art in Manufacturing
- Bookable Workshops
- Community
- Digital
- Early Years
- Experience
- Family Friendly
- Fashion
- Film
- Food and Drink
- Heritage skills
- Markets
- Music and Performance
- Skills Advisory
- STEAM
- Talks
- Workshops
- Saturday
- Sunday
Download your FREE Festival Programme
Download your Festival Programme! This is your essential guide to everything happening over the weekend, complete with a handy map to help you navigate to each venue.
Download your Art in Manufacturing Programme
Download your Art in Manufacturing Programme to learn more about each residency with a complete guide on artist talks and exhibition information.
Art in Manufacturing: Artists Talks
- Saturday
- Sunday
Meet the Art in Manufacturing commissioned artists to hear a short talk about their residencies and learn more about the artworks.
- Art in Manufacturing
- Talks
- Various Venues
Spinning and Weaving School
- Saturday: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Join Super Slow Way at the launch of their 2024 Spinning and Weaving School, delivered by The Forest of Bowland Guild of Spinners, Dyers and Weavers.
- Community
- Family Friendly
- Workshops
- Blackburn Market
Stitch-School
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Sit down and slow down: join Stitch-School at the large communal ‘stitch table’ and contribute to this ever-growing embroidery piece co-created by communities in Blackburn.
- Art
- Community
- Family Friendly
- Heritage skills
- Workshops
- The Make Space
TEABREAK
- Saturday
- Sunday
Catch your breath and enjoy a free, freshly made brew in this heart-warming show by Trigger. Have a well-deserved TEABREAK and as you stir your cup, gently glide through an audio journey of tea and how it’s found itself into our tea pots.
- Experience
- Family Friendly
- Music and Performance
- Cathedral Square
KITCHEN TABLES
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
A brand new festival space to spotlight the making that happens at home
- Family Friendly
- Workshops
- Cathedral Gardens
Craftsmanship Skills with QEST
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Find expert makers of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust at Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery, and take part in a workshop perfect for the whole family.
- Family Friendly
- Workshops
- Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
Screen Printing with Hot Bed Press
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Join Hot Bed Press and create a handmade screen print using traditional screen printing methods. Created in collaboration with local primary schools and inspired by the artist Sister Mary Corita, these posters promise to radiate positive vibes!
- Community
- Family Friendly
- Workshops
- The Make Space
Makers Market by Hopeful & Glorious
- Saturday: All Day
The UK’s most exciting independent makers gather at Blackburn Cathedral for the National Festival of Making’s Maker’s Market, handpicked by expert design and craft curators Hopeful & Glorious.
- Art
- Markets
- Blackburn Cathedral
Art in Manufacturing: Infinite Hands, Nehal Aamir + Darwen Terracotta and Faience
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Emerging artist/designer Nehal Aamir, who specialises in the storytelling of rituals and realities of contemporary life through creating intricate, hand-painted tiles, is in residence with architectural ceramic experts Darwen Terracotta and Faience.
A contemporary ceramic tapestry, Infinite Hands recognises the dedication and skill of the workforce, whilst also taking inspiration from Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery’s collection and the first exhibition held in its Watercolour Gallery in the 1800s.
- Art
- Art in Manufacturing
- Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
Backstrap Weaving with Alexandra Lucas
- Saturday
- Sunday
Join maker Alexandra Lucas to discover the art of backstrap weaving, a traditional practice originating from South America, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. Learn how to create beautiful textiles using this ancient technique in a bookable workshop.
- Bookable Workshops
- Heritage skills
- Workshops
- Temple Gallery at Blackburn Cathedral
Leather Workshops with Diamond Awl
- Saturday
- Sunday
A long-standing Festival favourite, Diamond Awl Leather Workshop share their expert craftsmanship in the art of leatherworking with these special taster sessions.
- Bookable Workshops
- Family Friendly
- Heritage skills
- Workshops
- The Make Space
‘What’s Your Sound? – Music Making Places Better’ (Live Podcast)
- Sunday: 12:00pm to 1:00pm
‘What’s Your Sound? – Music Making Places Better’ is a live panel-led podcast exploring Blackburn with Darwen’s music ecosystem and how we can look to music as an effective tool to nurture talent, connect people & places, grow audiences, change policy and prepare for the future. Hosted by William Wolstenholme – BBC Introducing.
- Community
- Music and Performance
- Talks
- Tony's Ballroom
Design Your Rocket
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Three, Two, One – Blast Off! But before you jump in your rocket, you need to add finishing touches to the design! Created by A Line Art, this activity is perfect for children and will see them zooming around the festival in their own wearable cardboard spacecraft.
- Family Friendly
- Workshops
- Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
Shared Sounds Story Worlds Creative Play
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Calling all little explorers! The Bureau’s popular Shared Sounds programme for young children is back at the National Festival of Making with exciting new activities. Expect a fun mix of music, art, and creative play designed to spark imaginations and support early development.
- Early Years
- Music and Performance
- Workshops
- The Bureau Centre for the Arts
Discobug DJ Stage
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
A unique VW style DJ booth, bringing nostalgia and joy – setting the scene and providing the perfect backdrop to your festival experience. On Saturday hear from Ruby Swallow + Laura Weaver (Eves’ Drop Collective), and Sunday listen to Dig Deep DJs and Mr Klemit. Curated by Paul Thornton of Dig Deep Records.
- Music and Performance
- Cathedral Square
The Black Artisans
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
The Black Artisans is a body of photography work that showcases and celebrates established UK based Black Artisans. The project, initiated by photographer Jo Sealy, aims to enlighten and inspire, as well as make visible the work of Black makers.
- Art
- Heritage skills
- Workshops
- Cathedral Crypt
The Poetry Machine
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Free poems created in conversation with you! Just follow the clatter of poet Beth Calverley’s vintage typewriter.
- Experience
- Family Friendly
- Music and Performance
- Cathedral Gardens
Paper Weaving with Molly Bland
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Lancashire-based artist Molly Bland invites you to explore the work of Anni Albers through a family-friendly paper weaving activity.
- Family Friendly
- Workshops
- Cathedral Square
Rituals in Clay: Exploring Personal Stories Through Ceramic Tiles with Nehal Aamir
- Sunday: 11:00am to 12:30pm
Join one of this year’s commissioned Art in Manufacturing artists Nehal Aamir, in a workshop exploring personal stories and tile decorating techniques.
- Art in Manufacturing
- Bookable Workshops
- Workshops
- Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
Folk Dance Remixed: Step Hop House
- Saturday
Get ready to be blown away by a fusion of tradition and fresh beats! Join Folk Dance Remixed for a show unlike any other. Witness a unique mashup of traditional and contemporary in an electrifying performance!
- Family Friendly
- Music and Performance
- King William Street
Elmer storytelling and craft
- Saturday
- Sunday
Head to Blackburn Central Library where their in-house storyteller will be running storytelling and craft sessions for young children! Sessions will take place between 11am-1pm & 1.30-3.30pm.
- Early Years
- Family Friendly
- Blackburn Library
Paper Making with Hana Salih
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Join student Hana Salih, winner of our Future Makers Challenge, in a drop-in paper making workshop. Guided by Hana and with support from artist Ian Halawi, add natural dyes to recycled paper pulp and learn how it becomes paper.
Drop in – 11 am–12 pm | 1– 2pm | 3–4 pm
- Workshops
- The Make Space
Chain Reactions with Jim Bond
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Test your making, problem solving and communication skills! Using balloons, springs, ping pong balls, hinges, mousetraps and more, can you build a mechanism that keeps the momentum of the chain reaction going?
- Family Friendly
- STEAM
- Workshops
- Cathedral Gardens
Have A Go Wheel Throw
- Saturday
- Sunday
Pendle Pottery returns to the Festival with bookable workshops throughout the weekend, teaching you how to make a clay pot using the potter’s wheel.
- Bookable Workshops
- Heritage skills
- Workshops
- Prism Contemporary
Art in Manufacturing: Breathing Colour, Margo Selby + Standfast & Barracks
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Margo Selby, awarded the 2021 Turner Medal for Britain’s Greatest Colourist, is in residence with textile printing company, Standfast & Barracks in Lancaster. Her eponymous product ranges are available through national retailers including John Lewis, as well as her woven artworks which are collected and exhibited worldwide.
- Art
- Art in Manufacturing
- Blackburn Cathedral
Taste Lancashire Market
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
The Taste Lancashire Market is brought to you by Marketing Lancashire, part of their national and international Taste Lancashire activity to champion Lancashire’s superb food and drink.
- Food and Drink
- Markets
- King William Street
A Line Art: Fold Your Town
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Craft your favourite Blackburn landmark by folding and making, contributing to large paper art installation that will evolve throughout the festival weekend!
- Community
- Family Friendly
- Workshops
- The Mall
Community Clothing
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Visit the Community Clothing pop-up shop where you can browse the collection of high quality, everyday clothing made in Blackburn and the UK. Don’t be surprised if you bump into founder of Community Clothing and judge of the Great British Sewing Bee, Patrick Grant – he’ll be doing meet-and-greets at the shop for much of the weekend.
- Markets
Paint a Space Marine at The Batcave
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Explore the world of Warhammer 40K and paint your own Space Marine in the Batcave!
- Workshops
- The Batcave
In Loving Memory of Work with Craig Oldham
- Saturday
Inspired by his collection of colliery plates and miners memorabilia, join Designer, Craig Oldham, and decorate your own protest plate using vinyl designs.
- Art
- Bookable Workshops
- Workshops
- Uncultured Creatives Studio
Rangoli with Sonia Sabri Company
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Create a mini rangoli to take home with you or help transform the floor into a masterpiece!
- Family Friendly
- Heritage skills
- Workshops
- Cathedral Square
Den Building
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Artist and den-building expert Chris will provide you with all the materials needed to create your own sculptural enclosure. Whether yours is practical, pioneering or pleasing to the eye, it’s time to get hands on and think big!
- Family Friendly
- STEAM
- Workshops
- Museum Street
Polonez Manchester: Polish Folk Ensemble
- Sunday
Polish folk ensemble Polonez Manchester will perform traditional Polish folk dances in stunning handmade and embroidered costumes from the Lowicz region.
- Community
- Family Friendly
- Heritage skills
- Music and Performance
- King William Street
Sun Printing with Cyanotypes
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Join Obscura Darkroom and learn how to make Cyanotypes, one of the oldest photographic printmaking processes dating back to the 1840s! You’ll make your own Blueprints from plants and other materials to take home.
- Family Friendly
- Heritage skills
- Workshops
- King William Street
Twelve: Participatory Photography Exhibition
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Launching to the public for the first time, Twelve is a participatory photography project and exhibition exploring the motivations behind, and meanings of, volunteering. Conceived and developed by photographers John Harrison and Shaun McAllistor, supported by advocate and Blackburn Food Bank Manager Gill Fourie, and in collaboration with volunteers.
- Art
- Community
- The Mall
Walking Down the Street Gamelan
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Time to MAKE MORE MUSIC! More Music’s Walking Down the Street Gamelan is a beautiful-sounding collection of recycled instruments for pre-school children aged 0 – 5 and their families.
- Early Years
- Music and Performance
- Cathedral Gardens
CONVERSATIONS IN CREATIVITY: ESME YOUNG IN CONVERSATION WITH PATRICK GRANT
- Saturday: 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Esme Young and Patrick Grant, judges of the hugely popular BBC 2 series The Great British Sewing Bee, join us for one very special afternoon at the National Festival of Making. This event is FREE to attend however advance booking is essential. This talk is a Conversations in Creativity event delivered in partnership with Creative Lancashire.
- Talks
- Blackburn Cathedral
Dirty Faces Cinema
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Emerged from the mill towns, youth culture creative studio Dirty Faces are back with the Dirty Faces Cinema! Tony’s Empress Ballroom will once again be host to a line-up of independent films, talks and more from emerging and established filmmakers.
- Art
- Community
- Digital
- Film
- Music and Performance
- Talks
- Tony's Ballroom
Art in Manufacturing: We Are Gathered Here Together, Horace Lindezey + The Making Rooms
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Horace Lindezey, a studio ceramicist and textile artist with visual arts charity Venture Arts who support learning disabled artists, has designed and developed new work with Blackburn’s The Making Rooms.
- Art
- Art in Manufacturing
- The Builder's Yard Blackburn Cathedral
Leyland Band
- Sunday
Leyland Band is one of the UK’s finest brass bands. Lancashire-based and proud, they perform bespoke and entertaining concerts across the UK and abroad. Be sure not to miss their special performance alongside the installation by Art in Manufacturing artist Margo Selby at Blackburn Cathedral.
1 pm – Cathedral Square
2:30 pm – Blackburn Cathedral
- Blackburn Cathedral
- Cathedral Square
Printing From Etchings With Andy & Isabel
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Join Andy and Isabel and make your own print from etchings – these have been designed by the artists inspired by the theme of making and the collection at Blackburn Museum. Andy and Isabel are both part of the Creative Collective – a collaboration between Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery and National Festival of Making, designed by and for individuals aged 18-30 from Blackburn with Darwen and
neighbouring towns.
- Family Friendly
- Heritage skills
- Workshops
- Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
mosaic owl workshop
- Sunday: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Join mosaic artist Dionne Ible in a mosaic owl workshop where your creativity will soar! In this interactive class, you will learn the art of mosaic using vibrant glass pieces. No prior experience is necessary as Dionne will guide you through designing, cutting, arranging, and glueing glass tiles to create your own mosaic piece.
- Family Friendly
- Workshops
- Cathedral Crypt
STEAM Zone with Blackburn College
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Find out more about the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths at the Festival of Making STEAM Zone, with workshops galore delivered by Blackburn College.
- Digital
- Family Friendly
- Skills Advisory
- STEAM
- Workshops
- King William Street
Blackburn Urban Food Futures: The Build
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Join experts in urban agriculture from the University of Salford and get hands on to help build a food system co-designed by Blackburn residents.
- STEAM
- Workshops
- King William Street
Not Only A Street Market
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Not Only a Street Market promotes and encourages creative entrepreneurship by hosting mini block parties in often overlooked areas of town. Head down to Church Street to find a host of emerging creatives, support a circular economy, take part in activities and be immersed in a pop up marketplace.
- Community
- Markets
- Workshops
- Church Street
Art in Manufacturing: Fabula un Facto, Sam Williams + The Cardboard Box Company
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Artist, public art curator and producer Sam Williams, known for her playful and playable installations, is working with state-of-the-art packaging plant The Cardboard Box Company, Accrington.
- Art
- Art in Manufacturing
- The Cotton Exchange
Suco Samba
- Saturday
Join the Suco Samba drumming group for some funky beats and good vibes!
- Community
- Family Friendly
- Music and Performance
- King William Street
A host of activities from Cherry Tree Community Apiary
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Head to the Library, which is buzzing with activity from Cherry Tree Community Apiary. Try on a beekeeper’s suit, make a candle and see the observation hive. Candle making is taking place between: 11 am – 12 pm | 1 – 2 pm | 2.30 – 3.30 pm
- Community
- Experience
- STEAM
- Workshops
- Blackburn Library
Dual Works: The Welcome Arch
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Following an open call earlier this year, Dual Works has been co-commissioned by the Festival of Culture and National Festival of Making to produce a brand new work that will be displayed at both festival sites in Nelson and Blackburn this June and July.
- Art
- Community
- Experience
- Cathedral Square
An Evening In Loving Memory of Work Rough Trade and Uncultured Creatives
- Saturday: 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Join Uncultured Creatives and Rough Trade Books for an anniversary event commemorating the UK Miners strikes of 1984-85 through two publications.
- Art
- Bookable Workshops
- Markets
- Music and Performance
- Talks
- Uncultured Creatives Studio
150 Years of Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery staff open their doors for extended hours with a host of activities that give you deeper insight into the collections kept behind their doors! Ushering in a new era with the rebranding of their Hart Gallery. This is your opportunity to explore their collection and give your feedback as they experiment over the year.
- Art
- Family Friendly
- Workshops
- Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
Future Flag Textile Workshop
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Join artist Patricia Dixon and crew for this family-friendly flag making workshop. Create a design based on your future hopes, whether for yourself, your family or the environment!
- Family Friendly
- Workshops
- Cathedral Square
Make a Viewfinder with Dual Works
- Saturday
- Sunday
Join Dual Works in this family-friendly workshop and make a colourful accessory to view the world through a multi-coloured lens!
- Bookable Workshops
- Family Friendly
- Workshops
- Cathedral Square
The Making Rooms: Fab Lab
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
The Making Rooms Fab Lab joins the festival programme once again. Opening their doors to the public for the weekend, expect to find creative workshops set in this technology haven on Exchange Street. There is something for all ages so come along and have a go!
- Digital
- Family Friendly
- Skills Advisory
- STEAM
- Workshops
- The Making Rooms
Northern Dholis
- Saturday
Come and experience the Festival Weekend with Northern Dholis – a team of skilled Bhangra Dhol Players who will provide lively and energetic drumming performances.
- Community
- Music and Performance
- Cathedral Square
- King William Street
Hand Printed Tote Bags + Make Your Own Bird Feeder
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Make your own block printing stamps and use them to print your design onto a canvas bag with artist Sarah Hicks, and create colourful bird feeders out of scrap and recycled materials.
- Family Friendly
- Workshops
- Cathedral Square
What Does It Mean To Be A Northern Creative Today?
- Sunday: 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Join Dirty Faces and guests in a panel talk exploring the challenges and positives Northern creatives face and how these shape what we make. For ages 16+
- Art
- Community
- Digital
- Film
- Skills Advisory
- Talks
- Tony's Ballroom
Blackburn College Art & Design Workshops
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Did you know that some of our own team members and many of the artists and volunteers we work with studied creative subjects at Blackburn University College? Find the Creative Departments here at the Festival and have a go at pottery, creating an album cover, or watch live painting. You never know, it might just lead you to something wonderful! Please note: live painting is taking place on Saturday only.
- Family Friendly
- Skills Advisory
- Workshops
- Museum Street
Dirty Faces presents: Keepin’ It Real Filmmaking Workshop
- Saturday
Head to the Dirty Faces Cinema at Tony’s Empress Ballroom and take part in a filmmaking workshop with Idle Work Factory’s Jordon Scott Kennedy, Casey Shaw and Charles Humphreys.
- Bookable Workshops
- Film
- Workshops
- Tony's Ballroom
Pipes and Poo with One Tenth Human
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Join award-winning theatre company One Tenth Human to explore pipes and poo: what really happens when you flush a toilet, and how do chemists make sure our water is safe to drink? Help us solve some sticky problems!
- Family Friendly
- Workshops
- King William Street
People’s Jury: Shadow Art + Climate Café
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Drop in to the Climate Café run by Blackburn with Darwen People’s Jury. You’ll find a creative workshop run by Get It Done and can chat to the Jury about climate action whilst swapping tips and tricks. Don’t miss one of the outcomes of our collaborations with the People’s Jury and Get It Done – a message revealed by the sun near the door of The Making Rooms!
- Community
- Workshops
- Blackburn Library
Origami with Foldworks
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Drop-in throughout the day to make your very own origami model using paper folding techniques, led by expert Tung Ken Lam.
- Family Friendly
- Heritage skills
- STEAM
- Workshops
- Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
Street Food
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Fancy a bite to eat? Sample the most delicious food with our selection of delectable and irresistible street food stalls!
- Food and Drink
Blackburn Festival of Light Band
- Sunday
The Blackburn Festival of Light Band returns! Don’t miss out on the vibrant performances by this community band throughout the festival weekend.
- Community
- Family Friendly
- Music and Performance
- King William Street
Tree Buddy Workshop
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Using wood and other plant material collected locally, join horticulture consultant Sue Jeffries and tree surgeon Anna Bakewell to decorate your own natural memento, and learn about our local trees. There will also be a guided tree walk at 3 pm each day. Sign up with Sue and Anna over the weekend.
- Family Friendly
- STEAM
- Workshops
- Cathedral Square
Blackburn & Darwen Junior Band
- Saturday: 11:15am
Come and enjoy the delightful performances of Blackburn & Darwen Junior Band as they play popular hits from pop, films, and folk music genres.
- Community
- Music and Performance
- King William Street
Live Gigs at Drummers Arms & Ribblesdale Tap
- Saturday: 4:00pm to 8:00pm
- Saturday: 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Local promoters Actual Music present live gigs by the next generation of local and undiscovered talent, including performances from Phil Johari, In Bloom, Jack Buckley and Kim McKenzie.
DRUMMERS ARMS – Saturday
RIBBLESDALE TAP – Sunday
- Food and Drink
- Music and Performance
- Various Venues
HOMEGROWN/HOMESPUN KURTA MADE IN BLACKBURN 2022-24
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Come and see the Homegrown/Homespun Kurta at Blackburn Museum! This garment was made using flax grown, processed and spun in Blackburn as part of the Homegrown/Homespun project working with volunteers and members of the community over the past two years.
- Community
- STEAM
- Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
Super Slow Way’s Jingle Shed
- Saturday: All Day
- Sunday: All Day
Make a radio jingle for Drift Radio, in the Jingle Shed on Cathedral Square! Drift Radio is a mini community radio station floating onboard the Bill Hunt barge at Eanam Wharf.
- Community
- Digital
- Music and Performance
- Workshops
- Cathedral Square
Blackburn Youth Zone
- Saturday: All Day
Whilst visiting the festival, head over to the Youth Zone where you’ll find plenty of family friendly STEAM activities from local organisations like IMO Charity, The Making Rooms, Manchester Youth
Zone and Inspire Youth Zone.
- Community
- Family Friendly
- STEAM
- Workshops
- Blackburn Youth Zone
WORKSHOPS, EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES ARE BEING ADDED REGULARLY SO KEEP CHECKING BACK WHILE ‘MAKING’ YOUR FESTIVAL PLANS!
- Bookable Workshops
- Family Friendly
- Heritage skills
- Music and Performance
- Talks
- Workshops
