The National Festival of Making will return on the 4th & 5th July 2026 across Blackburn town centre, Lancashire.
What's On
The National Festival of Making is a unique celebration of UK making, from the kitchen table to the factory floor.
Presenting a programme of work that combines art, manufacturing, making and communities, we commission international and national artists to create world-class works and year-round projects, all culminating in a participatory free family festival for all to enjoy.
Each year the festival attracts over 40,000 visitors from the local area and nationally; hosts 150+ independent artists and makers across 25+ venues and delivers 100+ workshops, public realm installations, exhibitions and performances across one weekend. A Friday industry conference for design, architecture, placemaking and manufacturing sector professionals shines a light on Lancashire as the home of UK manufacturing and innovation.
It’s time to start planning your weekend!
Free entry and open to all, the National Festival of Making takes place in over 25 venues across Blackburn Town Centre.
The 2026 programme is packed with exhibitions, hands on workshops, live performances, film screenings, makers markets, street food and lots more – there really is something for everyone.
Head to our ‘What’s On’ guide to explore the programme so far, and keep checking back as more is being added all the time.
Programme Strands
Workshops
Workshops are really important to us, they make up a large proportion of the festival programme. We work closely with some of the most skilled, exciting and contemporary artists and makers locally and nationally to create a varied, artist-led workshop programme for audiences to enjoy.
Exhibitions & Experiences
Each year sees the remarkable outcomes of our headline commissioning programme, Art in Manufacturing, which pairs artists with some of the UK’s leading manufacturers. To date, over 40 artists have created exceptional artworks in collaboration with manufacturing workforces. Alongside this, installations designed to inspire and delight emerge for the weekend.
Music And Performance
Our performance programme celebrates making music, making noise and the joyful act of experiencing a live event together. Bringing together a diverse collection of artists and acts, we fill the streets of Blackburn with street theatre, music and dance from touring work to regional performers. Local community bands are a highlight feature, and are always guaranteed to bring a crowd.
Talks
Our talks programme is developed in collaboration with Creative Lancashire and begins on the Friday of festival week with a selection of industry-led panel talks. Throughout the festival weekend, informal artist talks take place within exhibition spaces, and pop-up panels often feature across the programme.
Markets & Food
Across the Festival weekend, you’ll find opportunities to browse a selection of handmade, custom and unique products; from our Makers Market curated by Hopeful & Glorious to the Taste Lancashire Market in partnership with Marketing Lancashire. We also work with Not Only A CIC, who developed street party-style marketplaces featuring emerging makers.
Volunteer
It wouldn’t be possible to run the National Festival of Making’s annual festival without the support of our fantastic volunteers.
Every single volunteer helps make these events what they are by getting involved and supporting our work. From information helpers to workshop assistants, there are many roles to suit all interests.
FAQs
From travel tips to toilets, tickets and food and drink, we’ve got all your frequently asked festival questions covered here.
Donate Now: Help Keep Making Free for Everyone
Accessibility
It’s our aim to deliver a welcoming experience for everyone. In the lead up to the festival, we will share specific details to help you plan and navigate your experience.
We also have some quick guidance on what you can expect over the weekend that is available to view all year round.
News
Blackburn with Darwen Place-Based Education: Curriculum Specialist
Blackburn with Darwen’s Place Partnership of local cultural organisations are looking for a curriculum specialist to develop a series of scalable activities supporting place-based learning in the local area, inspired by the rich culture of making - past, present and future.
Join the National Festival of Making Focus Group
Are you passionate about creativity, culture, and community? Do you have ideas and insights to help shape the future of the National Festival of Making?
Blackburn bids to become the UK’s first Town of Culture
Creative and community organisations are leading a bid for Blackburn to become the UK’s first ever Town of Culture.
Lancashire Food Traders and Producers: Become Part of the National Festival of Making
Join us to showcase the best food and drink to over 30,000 visitors in Blackburn at the National Festival of Making this July.
Makers Market: Apply to exhibit
Curated by Hopeful & Glorious, the Makers Market is a vibrant celebration of art, craft, and design from across the region. Want to become a 2026 stall holder? Apply now!