Thousands celebrate diversity and culture at spectacular Connecting Cultures Festival

Thousands of people headed to Oak Hill Park in Accrington on Saturday to enjoy a fantastic day of free entertainment, activities and performances at the Connecting Cultures Festival, with more than 7,000 people visiting the park throughout the week.

A festival atmosphere was enjoyed from start to finish as families and visitors of all ages came together to enjoy an exciting programme celebrating cultures from around the world.

The highlight of the day was the spectacular Luminarium Timisien by Architects of Air, a world-famous immersive sculpture that has been experienced by more than four million people in 47 countries. 

As part of the Architects of Air Connexus Tour, Accrington was one of only four towns in the UK to host the stunning walk-through installation, also including Boston, Barrow-in-Furness and Newham, making it one of the biggest cultural attractions ever to visit Hyndburn.

Thousands of people stepped inside the extraordinary world of colour and light throughout the festival, while free workshops inside the Luminarium on Thursday and Friday gave local people the chance to experience the installation ahead of the main event.

Councillor Kate Walsh, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and arts at Hyndburn Borough Council, said: "It was incredible to see so many people coming together and getting involved in all the cultural activities on offer. Oak Hill Park was buzzing with excitement all day and it was a real pleasure to be part of it.

"The response to the festival was fantastic. It was wonderful to see families exploring something new, enjoying the performances, trying different activities and making the most of everything that was on offer. Events like this show what a great community we have here in Hyndburn."

James Stephenson, Luminarium manager for Architects of Air, said: “These inflatable sculptures have toured all over the world, to more than 40 countries and we have just had a fantastic week in Accrington.

“It has been a really diverse programme of events, we’ve had three days of workshops, and special sessions for all abilities and backgrounds. 

“Today has been an amazing festival here in the park, with so much going on – climbing, rides, art, sculptures and food. We’ve had lots and lots of visitors to the Luminarium, and around 7,000 people have visited the park over the week. We’re really pleased to have been part of it and it’s one of the most diverse places we’ve been to in a long, long time.”

Architects of Air Connexus Tour is funded by Arts Council England and supported by Hyndburn Borough Council, Accrington.