Ever seen traffic jams on the towpath? You will here... Pre-pandemic, Burnley Canal Festival brought thousands of people to explore canalside and discover the unique industrial heritage of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. This free, family festival helps both residents and visitors see the pride of Burnley from completely new angles. At the end of summer, it gives hard pressed Burnley families a vital, cost-free boost. Last year we had a first go at a post-Covid festival, and 5,000 people gave it a huge thumbs up. Now we need your help to build on that great start, and once again secure BCF as a key fixture in Burnley's calendar. BCF 2023 will be a free, family event by and on the water... With free have-a-go workshops, performances, music stage, water bus, canoes and more. For families with children, the Towpath Explorers Trail will reveal some of the hidden secrets of canalside! BCF brings our diverse communities together, to mingle and have fun. Bring on the towpath traffic jams!

What we'll deliver:

• A day of free activity at the Wharf, along the towpath and on the water
• 10 free, have a go workshops
• Music stage with 5 acts
• Performances and walkabouts
• Water bus, canoeing and Super Slow Way's beautiful library boat
• Towpath Explorers Trail for all the family

Why it's a great idea:

BCF will take place at the beautifully refurbished Finsley Gate Wharf, along the towpath and on the water. It will give many attenders a first experience of Burnley's unique canalside heritage, and be a fantastic showcase for aspects of Burnley that are often overlooked. For visitors to Burnley, it will show off aspects of our town that they may not have encountered. For many local people too, it will provide a new point of view. BCF will show off some of the best of Burnley, and give a boost to pride of place. For many local families, struggling with the cost of living crisis, the long summer holiday will present extra challenges. Coming at the end of summer, with almost all activities free of charge, BCF will be a gift to hard pressed families with children. BCF is a huge showcase of the arts & creativity. Our programme will create work for many dozens of creative professionals, most drawn from our local area. If you try one of our have a go workshops, you may discover a new talent!

Steps to get it done:

• Present a free, family festival at August bank holiday weekend
• Early planning for the return of BCF in 2024