The fourth edition of the National Festival of Making weekend will return to Blackburn, Lancashire on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th of June 2022!

Working with makers, artists, manufacturers and festival communities we’re building a participatory festival programme that will encompass making of all scales – bookable and drop-in making workshops; art and industry commissions; artisan craft and local food producers marketplaces; community embedded projects; and celebratory music and performance, bringing us back together through shared experiences. 

Due to Covid-19, the festival weekend’s in 2020 and 2021 were unable to go ahead. During this time, we developed a new programme of work to bring cultural experiences to audiences. The covid safe programme included the public art project, Of Earth & Sky with artist Luke Jerram and local poets; working with international inflatable makers, Architects of Air, online workshops; and a Graduate Mentoring programme for creative graduates who were affected by lockdown restrictions along with a series of other projects and commissions working with artists, makers and communities throughout. 

As we move into 2022 and beyond, we will continue to develop and deliver a year round programme alongside the festival weekend, bringing creative opportunities, artist development, and MAKING to our audiences. 

Whether you’re curious about craft; design; heritage; science, technology or art – we look forward to welcoming you back in June 2022 – put the date in your calendar and let’s get ready to MAKE!

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Photography: Robin Zahler