Thousands of people annually enjoy celebrating Pendle’s diverse communities at the Festival of Culture, and 2026 promises another day of music, performance, creativity, and community activities in Nelson town centre.
The Pendle Festival of Culture will take place on Saturday, June 27, in Nelson, Lancashire, from noon to 6pm. The festival is part of This is Nelson, the arts and culture strand of the Nelson Town Deal, and will be held along Market Street, Scotland Road, and at 3B Systems in Nelson town centre.
The festival programme features performances from local artists, musicians, and community groups throughout the day. Hosted by local poet Ajaz Qureshi, the main stage will include Lancashire-based dance artist and theatre maker Aimee Williamson presenting The Pendle Witch, a performance inspired by local folklore, nature, and heritage. Visitors can also enjoy music from Blackburn-based band Blowjangles, performances from Stage Door Youth Theatre’s Junior Company, the Nasheed Choir featuring children from Lomeshaye and Marsden Primary Schools, and the East Lancs Clarion Choir.
Alongside the stage programme, audiences can participate in Talkaoke by The People Speak alongside In-Situ, a socially and environmentally-led local arts organisation, and enjoy the Handmade Summer Parade by Handmade Productions.
A range of exhibitions, installations, and workshops will take place across the festival. The Sound House, based in the YES Hub, offers young people the chance to try being part of a band. Visitors can also experience After Dark with Rob St John in Nelson Library; contribute their voices to a new jukebox hosting stories of Nelson’s nightlife; watch Caught Up, a new film created on behalf of Pendle’s Prosper Partnership; and explore work by Sophie Mahon, Stella Townshend, Phoebe Foxtrot, and young people from the This Is Nelson youth programme. This year also sees the introduction of the Scotland Road Stage, a busking stage hosted by Aaron Hipgrave-Lewis, featuring young performers and welcoming people to take the stage on the day.
The Young Makers Market returns with more than 10 stalls showcasing the work of young creatives. Festival-goers can also enjoy face painting, henna, fairground rides, mini golf, and a variety of food and drink from local vendors including Saffron Kitchen, Yum Yum, Deli Delite, Maryiams Food Hut, Ninja Coffee, and Rossi Ices.
“Many towns and cities have festivals celebrating diversity, but one of the things that makes Pendle Festival of Culture unique is the Peace Walks,” said Holly Noonan, Building Bridges. “People create banners and flags in artist-led workshops, and these are carried by people from different areas of Pendle to the centre of Nelson. Their arrival, accompanied by music, kicks off the festival. It’s a symbolic and physical coming-together of different communities across our area, and represents unity, peace and fun.”
One local resident said of last year’s festival, “This had to be the best festival yet! The smell of the foods as we walked towards the Talkaoke; the colourful instruments; to me it was heaven. It brought my sleepy kids to life, and we encourage this, so very very special.”
For more information about the festival and to register for any of the Peace Walks and flag kit, email holly@buildingbridgespendle.org.uk.
Thanks are given to the sponsors and supporters for this event: the Big Lottery Community Fund, This is Nelson, Nelson Town Council, Pendle Borough Council, St Bartholomew's Church, Pendleside Hospice, Barrowford Primary School, Building Bridges Pendle, In-Situ, and Super Slow Way. Pendle Festival of Culture is part of This Is Nelson, supported by Arts Council England.
