Our Delivery Report
Funded on 17 April 2023 | Delivered on 26 October 2023
£45,627
RAISED
192
BACKERS
75
DAYS TO FUND
BIGGEST PLEDGE
£35,215
From Rivington Heritage Trust
£7,000
DONATED
By Lancashire County Council
50% of backers think the project adds character to the area
40 Hours volunteering opportunities
1 Festival created
Public donations to visit Pigeon Tower donated £210
1 Heritage site improved
80 Volunteers involved
50% of backers think the project brings people together
10 Classes provided
50% of backers think the project makes the area more attractive
140 Artworks created
More about our impact
The environment
The festival raises money to fund the maintenance and management of the gardens: Woodland management Creating better, healthier biodiversity Improving drainage Improving access to visitors, to foster a love of the environment and nature Creating volunteer park rangers Organising litter picks Community engagement
The local economy
We worked with a number of local suppliers and traders who won business from this event. - Lighting and music/event specialists, security companies, toilet hire, plus food and drink vendors.
Volunteering, jobs & education
The Festival of Light attracted a wide variety of volunteers. As well as the conservation volunteers who work up on the hill, many new volunteers joined us to create the artworks for the festival. They learned willow-weaving, lantern design and building, lantern painting and flag painting, as well as creating UV exhibits with willow frames and UV wool. Many conservation volunteers brought family members to get involved in the artwork = people who would not normally get involved up on the hill. it was quite amazing to see people discover how creative and artistic they are. So much confidence was built! People who come to the festival learn about the volunteering opportunities.
Arts, culture & heritage
The Festival attracts people to the Gardens, they are enthralled by the iconic buildings and structures and become curious about the gardens' heritage. People learn about the history of William Lever, Lever Brothers - about the slums and early industrialisation; Thomas Mawson the landscape designer, Edwardian garden fashions, and even women's suffrage (Edith Rigby burned down the original bungalow). Volunteers come to help with the artwork and discover their creativity, and are emboldened to try new things and new ideas. Visitors pledge that they want to help with the next festival.
Activity, health and leisure
The Festival takes place up on a hill. Most visitors will have to walk up the hill to attend - although we do provide lifts to those who need access support. It introduces people to Rivington, an area of outstanding natural beauty, and encourages visits during the daylight - dog walking, mountain biking, walking, picnics - the location is a great, free, family day out in nature.
