Accrington Market set to be transformed for cultural event

Accrington Market will be transformed for a spectacular culture event as part of the 2023 Accrington Food & Culture Festival, taking place on Saturday 3rd June from 10am – 4pm.

Organisers of the event, #AmazingAccrington, have announced a fantastic line-up of free attractions and activities inside the market including free cooking sessions for U11s, a giant display of flags from around the world, a selfie competition, live acts and much more.

Activities inside the market will be headlined by Cook Stars Rossendale and Blackburn, who will be offering three different cooking workshops, all suitable for children aged 3-11yrs.

The sessions will include a Syrian Falafel Sandwich (11:15am – 11:55am), Asian Veggie Samosas (12:15 – 12:55pm) and Ukrainian Honey Babka (2:15pm – 2:55pm). The sessions are limited to 15 per session and you can book in advance to secure your child’s place here.

Also in Accrington Market will be a magnificent display of flags, which will sit proudly in the centre of the market. Those attending the festival will be encouraged to take a selfie next to the display between 10am and 4pm, as well as guessing how many flags are on the display, before posting their picture and guess on social media tagging Amazing Accrington, with one lucky winner set to receive £50.

Visitors to the market will also get to enjoy a number of live performances including a DHOL Drummers performance by Northern Dholis (11am), Clog Dancers, Oakendale Clog and Music (12pm), and world renowned Nasheed Artist, BBC Radio Lancashire’s Hussnain Hanif, from 2pm. BBC Radio Lancashire’s Stephen Lowe will introduce each act.

Accrington Market will also host ‘Around the World’ food play activity stalls, kindly donated by The Cardboard Box Company, for the younger members of the audience to enjoy, while designs from the #AmazingAccrington ‘draw your favourite food from around the world’ competition will be displayed in the market on the day. Competition forms are being displayed to all Hyndburn primary schools ahead of the event.

Murray Dawson, chair of #AmazingAccrington, said: “This year we were asked to add a new dimension to the food festival, in the form of a culture event.

“We are thrilled to be able to announce our plans which we feel showcase a fantastic range of cultures through food and live acts, with free activities that are suitable for all the family to enjoy together.”

Cllr Marlene Howarth, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, commented: “As leader of Hyndburn Borough Council I want to see more activities to draw in crowds from all parts of our community, these fabulous #AmazingAccrington events put Accrington on the map.

“I am both excited and proud of the activities which are going to be taking place in Accrington Market on Saturday 3rd June as part of the spectacular Accrington Food & Culture Festival.

“#AmazingAccrington have announced a number of fantastic attractions which will not only bring a lot of entertainment on the day, but will also encourage visitors to #ShopLocal and discover the amazing businesses we have here in Accrington.”

Sameena King, market manager at Accrington Market, said: “This is going to be another incredible day for Accrington Market and we can’t wait to see thousands of people passing through our doors on 3rd June.

“We are also giving local businesses the chance to have a stall for £20, as well as offering free outdoor space on the market for charities. The space is limited, so if you are interested, please email markets@hyndburnbc.gov.uk”

For more updates on the 2023 Accrington Food & Culture Festival including the full line-up, visit https://www.amazingaccrington.co.uk/ and the #AmazingAccrington social media channels.