The idea
Our village festival is based on the story of our village which is that during the civil war, the locals from the village collected lead shot from the surrounding hillsides where the Cavaliers and Roundheads were doing target practice, to sell this to supplement their meager incomes. They had to disguise where the lead had come from, they wanted to melt it down, but they tried doing this by boiling it in water, which of course was not hot enough to melt the lead. Hence the name Leadboilers!
We aim to put this story with a modern Robin Hood twist to provide a free-to-attend village festival, organised and run by unpaid volunteers, being aware of the number of families living on or in poverty in the Colne Valley, and supporting our local food banks through donations from attendees that are collected in a huge cauldron.
We aim to use the festival to bring people from the whole community together, giving a local identity and celebrating all that Linthwaite and Cowlersley have to offer.
What we'll deliver
- Provide a reason for the peole of Linthwaite to come together, an identity and celebrate all things Linthwaite
- Hire Toilets, Paramedics, Security, Bands, Performers and Pay for Materials, Storage, Licenciang, Crafts, Prizes
- Provide Volunteering and participation for all ages and groups, giving experience and skills to all
Why it's a great idea
The 2026 Leadboilers Festival will bring wide‑ranging benefits to the community by offering a free, family‑friendly celebration rooted in the unique history and identity of Linthwaite and Cowlersley. By retelling the Leadboilers story with a modern Robin Hood twist, the festival creates a sense of pride and belonging while giving residents a shared cultural touchpoint. The event supports families on low incomes by remaining free to attend and by collecting food bank donations in our giant cauldron. With craft stalls, real ale, food, live music, country sports, school demonstrations and a dog show, the festival boosts local businesses and encourages healthy outdoor activity. Run entirely by volunteers, it builds skills, confidence and social connections while strengthening village life. Funding for 2026 will help us continue delivering an inclusive, uplifting event that brings the whole community together
Steps to get it done
- Secure Major Sponsors
- Secure Main Infrastucture and Bands
- Obtain All Legal Permits and Licences
