Blockbuster year of #AmazingAccrington and Great Harwood events confirmed for Hyndburn in 2026

Scott Dawson Advertising has been awarded the tenders by Hyndburn Borough Council to manage some of Hyndburn’s most anticipated events in 2026, including the Accrington Food and Drink Festival, the #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge, the Accrington Christmas Lights Switch On and the Great Harwood Christmas Extravaganza.

Following the outstanding success of these events in 2025, which drew tens of thousands of visitors to Accrington and Great Harwood, full-service advertising and marketing agency Scott Dawson Advertising is returning with ambitious plans to make 2026 even bigger and better.

Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, deputy leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: "We are so excited for the events lined up in 2026, which we are proud to be sponsoring at Hyndburn Borough Council. Scott Dawson Advertising always does an amazing job, and we can’t wait to see what they have planned this year."

The events kick off on Saturday 6th June in Accrington town centre with the Accrington Food and Drink Festival, combined with the popular D-Day Commemoration, which is being sponsored by the Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, alongside Hyndburn Borough Council.

Visitors can expect an array of new attractions including a vintage picnic area, a dedicated marquee celebrating Hyndburn’s food businesses and Lancashire produce, military static aeroplanes appearing for the first time, a strawberries and cream zone, cooking demonstrations including one from the Head Chef from the Dunkenhalgh, foodie competitions, vegan and vegetarian stalls and much more.

The #AmazingAccrington Soapbox Challenge returns on Saturday 29th August, promising a brand-new movies theme for 2026. New entertainment during the racing will include live music and a bumper-style car ride for children.

Sponsored by Accrington and Rossendale College, students will focus on supporting two retail outlets with their carts.

The course will feature exciting Accrington-themed obstacles, and American-style vehicles will be on display for the perfect photo opportunity. With entertainment, a pit area, and plenty of family fun, the Soapbox Challenge is a must-attend highlight of the August Bank Holiday weekend.

As the festive season approaches, the Accrington Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on Thursday 26th November. Following last year’s incredible turnout for East 17, which attracted over 15,000 people, organisers are planning an even bigger celebration.

Attendees can look forward to new street entertainment, enhanced facilities including a large-scale bar, and a spectacular line-up of acts building on the success of Junior Andre, Martin Kemp and East 17 in previous years.

The festive fun continues with the Great Harwood Christmas Extravaganza on Saturday 12th December, offering a magical day of Christmas markets, entertainment, craft workshops, and seasonal attractions.

Highlights will include a special local champion competition, an Elf trail, a social media workshop for retailers and new for 2026 pop-ups encouraged within shops, plus much more.

For sponsorship enquiries for any of the events mentioned, businesses are encouraged to call or message the Scott Dawson Advertising events team on 07854 697876.

Stallholder applications will go live for the events in February – visit https://www.amazingaccrington.co.uk/amazingaccrington-2026-stallholder-application/

Murray Dawson, managing director of Scott Dawson Advertising and chair of the #AmazingAccrington business leaders group, said: "We are incredibly proud to have secured the tenders to run these fantastic events. Every year we want to deliver more and we raise the bar on attractions.

“Our team thrives on delivering a turnkey operation across multiple events, and we are thrilled about what we can deliver in 2026. Planning is well underway, and we can’t wait to reveal more exciting announcements in the coming months."

You can keep up-to-date with the events by visiting www.amazingaccrington.co.uk