What’s On

Performances:

The Green Man had a lot of fantastical stories to tell about the people of England and all the myths they have created! This interactive storytelling act was really engaging for families.
We watched in amazement as Paris Bubbles painted the sky with colours by creating magical displays of bubbles.
Egg Bingo! – Lots of fun was had playing the alternative bingo game inspired by nature that was devised by artist Sam Selley in workshops at the Exbury Egg before and during the Festival.
Mother Nature was so impressed by all the nature themed activities happening at the Festival that she decided to join us. She, and friendly squirrel sidekick, kept everyone on their toes and she ensured that no littering happened!

Music:

Burnley Alliance Silver Band – These firm Festival favourites kicked off proceedings in style. They play a wide assortment of modern and traditional music and gave us the perfect start to the day.
Ben Farmer, ran his accordion through all sorts of folk ditties. He also lead a Family Ceilidh in his afternoon slot.
Back o’th Bush – Ben Farmer also appeared with Richard Moss, they are two of North West England’s most in demand folk musicians. Each has an international reputation, having won awards and accolades across the UK and Europe. As this duo they perform songs, tunes and dances from across the British Isles.
Richard Moss also appeared with Mat Walklate a multi instrumentalist from Manchester. Steeped in the Irish tradition Mat is a skilled flute player, plays Uillian pipes (Irish bagpipes) and is recognised as one of the best harmonica players in the UK.
Hiroshima Twinkie – a Lancaster-based indie-folk-rock group with 4 part harmony and a bluegrass twist. Great to dance to, and renowned for getting congas going, which they did at BCF!
Baxter Rhodes – Baxter is an independent acoustic singer-songwriter from East Lancashire. ‘English Americana with a northern edge’ – Solfest. ‘A gifted singer and song-writer … as magical and mystical as Pendle Hill itself’ – Ribble Valley Jazz & Blues Festival.

Drop in Workshops:

Brightwork colouring station. Quality chill out time colouring in a special design commissioned by the Festival from artist Cath Ford (versions for all ages).
Artists Leonie Stephenson & Kerris Casey-St.Pierre helped visitors to create their own cardboard costumes: masks, crowns, hats – you name it! This was very popular and we held an impromptu ‘catwalk’ of the amazing creations in front of the music stage.
Making colourful dancing paper flower, using simple folding and cutting techniques, with artist Sharon Brown.
Making clay dishes with Aiyra Ahmed, using natural materials as a template.
Fantastic face painting by the talented Miffy’s Crazy Faces
Screen printing a British Textile Biennial tote bag with Craig Atherton.
Mehndi (henna) hand painting from Zarqa Batool.
Making Knot Keyrings with Super Slow Way.
Egg Bingo workshops at the Exbury Egg with artist Sam Selley. Family friendly drop in sessions including Lino printing and prop & costume making.
Wild Strings & Water Songs – Ninon Ardisson, Portia Winters & Narotam Horn in the Community Garden held playful workshops weaving together Burnley’s mill heritage and canal wildlife. Singing the canal into the mill and the mill into the canal!

On The Water*:

Go on an Adventure:

Towpath Explorers – Brought their new adventure trail, and Explorers of all ages and their families signed up to test their mettle while exploring some of Burnley’s unique canalside. The Mermaid Mystery engaged participants in fun games, tackling intriguing puzzles, and immersing themselves in the magic of the canal as they worked together to solve the mystery.

Makers Market in the Mile Room:

The artisan stalls were kept busy all day as people browsed and bought paintings, prints, textile bags, cards, glassware, jewellery, dog accessories, beauty products, cakes and more. All made by the people selling them.

And you could visit:

The Exbury Egg, a laboratory for studying the environment by artist Stephen Turner. It first came to FGW 2016 when the site was derelict and disused, and Stephen invited local residents to spend time in The Egg to observe the nature and wildlife in the overgrown landscape over the summer and autumn that followed.
Wakes Week installation. This interactive Blackpool postcard exhibition in its colourful tent with giant deckchair!
The Weavers’ Triangle Visitors’ Centre Visitors could step into the past with a Victorian schoolroom, an Edwardian bathroom and an authentic weaver’s dwelling.
They could also visit the Oak Mount Mill Engine House which houses a steam engine dating from 1887. The engine is now operated by an electric motor and can be seen in action on special occasions.
There was also a guided walk to the Engine House, led by local historian Roger Frost MBE.