Burnley chosen for second-ever digital and tech festival

Burnley has been chosen as the 2026 host for the second Lancashire Innovation, Finance and Tech Festival (LIFT) on 11th June at Turf Moor.

LIFT will offer ambitious founders and progressive industry leaders practical advice and actionable insights to help them drive their companies forward.

Over a packed and fast-paced event, LIFT delegates will get to hear inspirational stories - and some cautionary tales - from entrepreneurs who have accelerated their own business growth by being bold, forward-looking, and embracing innovation.

The news follows a delegate of Burnley Bondholders visiting Parliament earlier in February to lobby government for more policy support for businesses and Northern towns.

The group of 40 business leaders also unveiled Burnley’s new digital strategy, which set out how digital jobs growth has outstripped national averages and the borough has ambitious plans to capitalise on this further.

This includes creating a dedicated digital and tech space, embedding digital across every sector and ensuring opportunity is shared across the borough. 

Rachel Bayley, Burnley Place Brand manager, said:  “Burnley’s digital and tech sector is not a future ambition; it is a present-day reality. 

"Digital businesses are growing here at pace, embedded across manufacturing, professional services, health, construction, retail and the creative industries.

“Digital jobs growth has outstripped national averages. Businesses are choosing Burnley for its connectivity, affordability, talent pipeline and quality of life. 

"We’re close to Manchester and Leeds, but with the space, affordability and focus to deliver at pace, doing things our own way. 

"We’re delighted that Innovate Lancashire has chosen Burnley to host the second LIFT and delegates will receive a warm welcome.”

The LIFT headline sponsor is Burnley Bondholder Forbes. Senior Associate Daniel Fletcher at Forbes said: “Lancashire is bustling with ambitious, innovative businesses that are driving economic growth, attracting investment and creating new opportunities right across the county.

“Cities and towns throughout Lancashire, like Preston and Burnley, offer connectivity, affordability, a rich talent pipeline and an exceptional quality of life.

"It’s no wonder digital firms and companies pursuing growth are making Lancashire their home and we’re delighted to welcome them to our business community.

"LIFT is a fantastic occasion for bringing together progressive thinkers and inspiring collaboration that supports the continued success of Lancashire - we’re very much looking forward to being part of this and Forbes Solicitors are proud to be the headline sponsor.” 

LIFT is open to anyone in Lancashire and is produced by Lancashire County Council’s Innovate Lancashire team, in partnership with Burnley Council, Burnley.co.uk, the Lancashire Digital Hub, and the Fhunded early-stage finance programme.

Martine Winder, from Innovate Lancashire, said: “Burnley is a place where innovation-led growth is thriving, being driven by businesses which are ambitious, progressive, and disruptive.

"The Burnley Bondholders approach to private and public sector collaboration, and the national promotion of Burnley as a dynamic investment destination, are clear examples of that.  

“Hosting the second LIFT festival here was therefore an easy decision to make, and we’re greatly looking forward to working with our sponsors, partners and local stakeholders to bring all of Lancashire’s different tech, digital and creative communities to the town".   

LIFT 26 will feature panels, presentations and fireside chats which help ambitious and innovative Lancashire businesses to grow.

It’s open to anyone in Lancashire and tickets can be booked here.