Preparations are well underway for the highly anticipated annual Blackburn Festival of Light, an event that brings the community together to celebrate creativity, art, and the vibrant spirit of the season. This year’s festival is set to take place on Saturday, December 7, and in an exciting twist, organizers have embraced a lunar theme, collaborating with the Festival of the Moon at Blackburn Cathedral to enhance the experience. This innovative partnership aims to integrate celestial inspiration into the festivities, promising an enchanting atmosphere where art and culture intermingle under the glow of the moon.
In the lead-up to the main event, workshops have commenced at The Bureau Centre for the Arts, located on Exchange Street. These workshops are focused on lantern-making, an essential and visually stunning element of the festival that allows local residents to take part in a hands-on manner. Participants have been gathering at The Bureau to create their own unique willow and paper lanterns, which will illuminate the streets of Blackburn during the festival. A spokesperson for The Bureau expressed both excitement and gratitude, saying, “Come to The Bureau and make yourself a willow and paper lantern for this year’s Blackburn Festival of Light Event. We will be hosting a small number of lantern-making workshops,” emphasizing the community’s role in the festival.
The lantern-making workshops are scheduled for several days leading up to the event, specifically today, Saturday, and also on November 30, as well as December 7 and 14. These sessions will operate from noon to 3 PM, allowing ample time for participants of all ages to engage in this creative endeavor. The atmosphere during the workshops is expected to be lively and welcoming, with participants invited to explore their imaginative sides as they craft moons, moths, and hares, all central figures in this year’s lunar-themed celebration.
The workshops are designed to be inclusive, accessible to anyone aged five to 95. However, to ensure the safety and enjoyment of younger participants, children must be accompanied by an adult. It’s been noted that attendees should wear suitable clothing, as the nature of lantern-making can lead to a mess, and it is important for participants to come prepared for a creative and potentially paint-splattered experience. To add to the atmosphere, the cafe at The Bureau will be open, offering a selection of hot and cold drinks, as well as a variety of delectable homemade cakes to provide a cozy, festive environment for participants to enjoy during their breaks from crafting.
In addition to the lantern-making workshops, there are also opportunities for musically-minded individuals to get involved in the festival. The Festival of Light Street Band is being reassembled for the occasion, providing a chance for local musicians, regardless of skill level, to join in on the festivities. Organizers at The Bureau emphasized their commitment to inclusivity, stating that participants can learn drumming and percussion through a diverse mix of samba, carnival, African, and South Asian rhythms during their weekly workshops. These musical sessions take place on Wednesdays and are open to anyone aged 13 and over, offering a unique way to engage with the festival beyond visual arts. Whether seasoned musicians or beginners, all are encouraged to participate, fostering a sense of community and collaborative spirit as they prepare for the lively celebrations.
For those interested in joining the street band, additional information can be obtained by emailing [email protected]. The Bureau provides flexibility in attendance, allowing bookings to be made online, or individuals can choose to pay weekly for the sessions, making it an accommodating option for those who may have variable schedules.
Reflecting on previous events, the festival has evolved over the years, adapting to the unique circumstances and needs of the community. Last year, the festival did not feature a traditional parade. Instead, organizers partnered with Blackburn with Darwen Council to host a ‘Share Your Light’ event, which was integrated into the council’s festive programming. This shift highlighted a trend toward more collaborative community events, leveraging local partnerships to enhance the festival experience. Such adaptability demonstrates the festival’s resilience and dedication to celebrating community spirit, even in the face of challenges that have affected public gatherings.
In 2022, the festival introduced an illuminated window trail that guided lantern makers throughout Blackburn town center, offering a unique way for participants to explore the town while enjoying the artistic displays created during the festival. This creative approach not only brought beauty to the streets but also engaged the community in a meaningful way, creating a sense of unity and shared experience during the holiday season. The illuminated trail allowed participants to contemplate the significance of light during the darkest months of the year, anchoring the festival in themes of hope and togetherness.
As plans unfold for this year’s festival, the incorporation of the lunar motif promises to elevate the celebration even further. The allure of the moon has fascinated humanity for centuries, serving as a source of inspiration across cultures and artistic expressions. The theme invites participants to explore the natural beauty and mystery of the night sky while contributing their own artistic interpretations through lantern-making and musical performances.
The Festival of Light not only celebrates creativity but also fosters opportunities for community engagement and connection. In a world that has faced significant challenges and changes in recent years, events like the Blackburn Festival of Light play an essential role in bringing people together. They offer a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the spirit of collaboration and resilience that binds a community.
As the festival date approaches, excitement is building among participants and organizers alike. The workshops are a vital part of cultivating this sense of anticipation and involvement, allowing individuals to contribute their creativity while embracing the joy of community engagement. The lanterns crafted during these sessions will not only serve as beautiful visual representations of the participants’ hard work but will also symbolize the collective light that shines brightly in Blackburn during the festive season.
In conclusion, the Blackburn Festival of Light invites all community members to join in this year’s celebration with its captivating lunar theme. With a variety of workshops, engaging musical activities, and the promise of a memorable festival atmosphere, there are numerous ways for individuals of all ages to participate. From the hands-on experience of lantern-making to the rhythmic beats of the Festival of Light Street Band, the event aims to capture the imagination and artistic spirit of Blackburn. Together, the community will come together to create an unforgettable experience on December 7, showcasing the talent, creativity, and resilience that define the people of Blackburn. The festival serves as a beacon of light and unity, reminding everyone of the importance of coming together in celebration during the holiday season.