Hyndburn Borough Council Announces New Events Programme for 2026
Hyndburn Borough Council Announces New Events Programme for 2026
Hyndburn Borough Council is excited to unveil a new events programme for 2026, promising another jam-packed year of activities for all the family spread across high streets and green spaces around the borough.
Following an open invite in December for event proposals across 9 identified categories, the Council received a record 53 proposals from organisations eager to deliver something special in Hyndburn. After a rigorous selection process, the Council has awarded funding to successful applicants who will deliver 23 events over the year, ensuring a programme of variety for residents and visitors alike, taking place on high streets and in green spaces across Hyndburn.
Image: 2025 Accrington Food Festival
Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Deputy Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council said:
“We are so happy with the number and quality of responses we received from so many organisations. A record 53 applications received this year shows there is a real appetite for events in Hyndburn.
The 2026 programme promises entertainment for all the family. We’re pleased that once again this year some events will showcase our parks and green spaces as well as our high street locations. I’m looking forward to another exciting year of events in Hyndburn and I am proud that the Council has sponsored so many.”
The funded events begin at Easter, where Community Solutions will bring their Easter Trail to Gatty Park followed by numerous other park events throughout the year. In May, the newly refurbished Mercer Hall in Great Harwood will provide a music lesson event for children, before event season truly kicks in come June. Accrington Food Festival, Oswaldtwistle Carnival, Proms in the Park, Soapbox Challenge and more will all take place over the summer months. Three new theatre in the park events will also take place across Hyndburn in the summer holidays.
September sees the return of Hyndburn Sound, bringing live music to pubs across Accrington and beyond, and a return to Mercer Hall for the Great Harwood Horticultural Show.
Nowhere does Christmas bigger than Hyndburn. The Accrington Lights Switch on and Great Harwood Christmas Extravaganza will return after last year’s success, as will traditional light switch on events in townships across the borough. Sandwiched inbetween, Twilight returns to Rhyddings Park, Oswaldtwistle after a successful debut last year, organised by KS Events.
Highlights of the 2026 Events Programme:
- Accrington Food Festival: Organised by Amazing Accrington, this tantalizing event will showcase the best of Lancashire’s culinary scene, with delicious food stalls, celebrity cooking demonstrations, live entertainment and the ever-popular war re-enactment. Amazing Accrington will also bring you the fantastic Christmas Lights Switch On Event later in the year
- Oswaldtwistle Carnival: Get ready for a vibrant explosion of colour and music as Accrington Community Events bring back the carnival to Ossy
- Soapbox Challenge: Lancashire’s biggest soapbox event is back in Accrington town centre for another year this August.
- Proms in the Park: A new event brought to you by the Friends of Rhyddings Park. Later in the year the park will also see the return of Twilight organised by KS Events
- Hyndburn Sound: Organised by Accrington Community Events Team, Hyndburn Sound is back delivering live music at pub venues in Accrington and beyond
- Great Harwood Winter Extravaganza: After another successful year, this fantastic family event is back
Ann Warrington, Friends of Rhyddings Park said:
“Friends of Rhyddings Park are delighted to have been awarded Hyndburn Council’s Events funding to bring Proms in the Park to life this summer. This support allows us to create an inclusive celebration for our community, right in the heart of our much‑loved park. We’re especially excited to be working in partnership with Ossyfest, whose creativity and energy will help make this a truly memorable event for all ages. We can’t wait to welcome everyone for an afternoon of music, togetherness and local pride.”
And that’s just a taste of what’s to come! The full programme boasts many exciting events, all of which plus many more you can find on the Council’s website at https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/events/
Sarah Barton, KSEvents said:
“KSEvents are delighted to have been awarded funding once again to be able to deliver our Twilight event in Rhyddings Park. Last year’s event was a huge success, with everything being totally free for families. It was really well supported by the residents of Oswaldtwistle, Hyndburn and beyond, despite the torrential rain. We look forward to bringing back the fabulous silent disco as well as creating some additional new light displays for his year.”
Image: Light installation at Twilight 2025 event, Rhyddings Park, Oswaldtwistle
Josh Allen, Accrington Community Events said:
“Hyndburn Sound is set to return for its fourth consecutive year and we’re hoping this year will be bigger and better than ever with more artists and more venues than ever before! A date is still to be set but keep your eyes open for updates on our Facebook Page @accringtoncommunityevents or sign up for our email updates on our website www.accringtoncommunityevents.co.uk
A massive thank you to Hyndburn Borough Council for providing the funding which allows us to support local artists and pubs within the borough.
We’re also delighted to announce that we have taken over Oswaldtwistle Carnival 2026 which was set to fold last year. We want to say a massive thank you to the previous organisers who kept the Carnival going for so long and did a fantastic job. We also want to say thank you to Hyndburn Borough Council for supporting this event as well and being the main sponsor of our procession. Oswaldtwistle Carnival returns Sunday June 21st! For updates follow our socials and website.”
Image: One of many live music sessions at Hyndburn Sound 2025
For more information on events, or to advertise your event for free on the Council website visit https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/events-in-hyndburn/