Festival of Making to bring 300 artists and makers to Blackburn

Actor and comedian Johnny Vegas and filmmaker Michael Winterbottom will feature in this year’s National Festival of Making as the event returns to Blackburn in July.

The festival, taking place across the town centre on July 4 and 5, will bring together more than 300 artists and makers through a programme of workshops, exhibitions, performances and markets.

This year’s expanded film programme at Reel Cinema includes a talk from Johnny Vegas about his creative work as a ceramicist and his comedy and acting career.

Blackburn-born BAFTA-winning director Michael Winterbottom and BAFTA-nominated photographer and director Elaine Considine will also take part in screenings and panel discussions.

The programme will feature screenings including Rave Culture, which explores the UK rave scene and its links to 1980s Blackburn, alongside Pakistani feature film Mera Lyari.

Lauren Zawadzki, festival director, said: “The National Festival of Making is proud to be a landmark cultural event for Lancashire and the UK.

“Visitors can expect workshops for all ages, exhibitions, live performances and an expanded film programme featuring screenings and talks from award-winning artists and filmmakers.”

Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen council, said the festival played an important role in showcasing Blackburn’s cultural offer and attracting visitors into the town centre.

The National Festival of Making is supported by Arts Council England, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Blackburn BID and Blackburn College.