National Festival of Making returns to Blackburn

Blackburn's National Festival of Making returns in May, giving guests of all ages the chance to get hands-on and learn about locally produced goods.

Marketing Lancashire has announced a Taste Lancashire marquee, which will host leading producers from across the county, flying the flag for the best food and drink produced locally. Goods on display and available to sample and buy will include cheese, chocolate, sweet treats and craft beers.

"Some of the best produce in the world is made here in Lancashire and for that to continue we must support our local producers, retailers, pubs and restaurants throughout the year – come along and get a real taste of Lancashire.”

The University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s specially-customised HGV trailer, gives aspiring young engineers a chance to try out a wide-range of cutting-edge technologies that would otherwise remain locked behind factory doors.

BAE Systems, Blackburn College, Eric Wright Construction, the Future U Team and UCLan will all bring fun and educational activities to the weekend.

"Hi-tech, hands-on opportunities like those happening over the festival weekend rarely come together in one place on the same day and most activities are completely free of charge, so if inspiration doesn’t strike on the first go, visitors can keep coming back until they find something that gets them really excited.” Over 30,000 people experienced the first ever National Festival of Making in 2017, with visitors taking part in over 100 making experiences and encountering 57 invited makers, spanning food, technology, major manufacturing, engineering and crafts, alongside indoor and outdoor markets, art installations, film screenings and celebrity cookery demonstrations.