New free festival celebrates Burnley's music, culture and creativity

Burnley's rich musical heritage, thriving independent venues and creative talent will take centre stage this November as a new festival brings together an exciting programme of free music and cultural activities across the town.

Running from 4 to 21 November, the Burnley Festival of Music & Culture will feature more than 30 free events spanning indie, jazz, hip hop, post-punk, psychedelia, soul and electronic music, alongside workshops, talks and opportunities for people to get involved.

The festival is supported by an investment of approximately £30,000 from Arts Council England, alongside contributions from Burnley Leisure and Culture Group and Lancashire Music Association, with support from Burnley Council, Burnley BID, Lancashire County Council, Creative Lancashire, Arts Lancashire and Lancashire Music Hub. Facilitated by the University of Lancashire and in collaboration with local partners, the festival brings together artists, venues and cultural organisations, building momentum towards Burnley Year of Culture 2027.

The programme will take place across Burnley's established cultural venues and community spaces, including the historic Burnley Mechanics, the new Studio B music venue, St Peter's Church, The Landmark, Bridge Bier Huis, the Royal Dyche, Sanctuary, Penny Black, Lotus, Burnley Library, Newtown Mill and other locations throughout the town centre.

Among the highlights is Burnley-born DJ Woody, a two-time world champion turntablist, who will bring an exhibition of artefacts and images from his career, a conversation and DJ performance to Studio B on 5 November. The event, From Burnley to the Bronx, celebrates 25 years since Woody won his first world championship title and explores how a young person from Burnley became part of the international hip hop scene.

St Peter's Church will host an evening of alternative music featuring rising singer-songwriter Lily Rae Grant and psychedelic experimental band Warm Parts on 6 November.

The festival will also feature acclaimed guitarist and composer Aziz Ibrahim, whose career includes work with The Stone Roses, Simply Red and Ian Brown. His performance at The Landmark with tabla virtuoso Dalbir Singh Rattan on 8 November will draw on his South Asian heritage and musical influences, exploring the connections between music, identity and culture.

Acclaimed Burnley producer and DJ Diesler will bring his blend of jazz, funk, soul and electronic music to Lotus, while other highlights include Burnley's Ring Ring Rouge, post-punk and shoegaze band Callis, and electronic music pioneer Graham Massey, whose work with 808 State helped shape British electronic music. Further exciting performances and events are still to be announced.

Music will also spill out into the town centre, with Burnley Unplugged bringing live performances into public spaces. The Lancashire Schools Jazz Orchestra will perform at Burnley Market, while other activities will provide opportunities for people of different ages and backgrounds to participate in music-making.

The programme will also include First Steps into the Music Industry at Burnley Library on 4 November, delivered by Lancashire Music Association as part of its countywide LMA on Tour initiative along with More Music. The free session will introduce aspiring musicians and future music industry practitioners to career opportunities, helping participants explore how to turn their creative interests into sustainable activity.

The festival will also celebrate the area's musical history at Burnley Library on 21 November, with former Chumbawamba guitarist Boff Whalley exploring the East Lancashire punk scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s, including its DIY culture of bands, gigs, fanzines and creative collaboration.

Newtown Mill will host Lean on Me – Celebrating Inclusive Singing in Burnley on Saturday 14 November. Organised by Lancashire County of Song, the afternoon will feature inclusive singing workshops followed by a free performance, bringing people together through music and celebrating the importance of singing, community and participation.

Tony Rigg, Chair of Lancashire Music Association and Public Engagement Lead in the University of Lancashire's School of Arts & Media, said: “Burnley is an exciting place for music, with a remarkable heritage, talented artists, committed venues and people doing some really interesting things.

“By bringing these activities together as part of one festival, we can bring into sharp focus just how much the town has to offer. The collective programme creates greater visibility and critical mass, attracts new audiences and celebrates the strength and diversity of Burnley's music and cultural life.

“This is a festival developed with the people and venues of Burnley, for the people of Burnley. We're also hoping it will encourage other people involved in music and culture to reach out and get involved. We'd love to hear from anyone interested in contributing to future editions as we build towards Burnley Year of Culture 2027.”

The festival has been developed through a combination of local knowledge and wider county-level collaboration. Jack Launer, a former councillor whose responsibilities included culture, has continued his commitment to Burnley's cultural life by working closely with the town's music community. He has played a key role on the ground, bringing together local artists, venues and organisers, working alongside Tony Rigg and Lancashire Music Association, whose established relationships across Lancashire's music and cultural sectors have helped bring the wider programme together.

The initiative also reflects the University of Lancashire's commitment to public engagement and its role in supporting cultural activity in Burnley. By connecting academic expertise, community relationships and external investment, the University is helping to create opportunities for people to experience and participate in music and culture beyond the campus.

The festival is also supported by Burnley Leisure & Culture Group, with the establishment of a music festival forming a significant component of the town's developing music strategy for Burnley Year of Culture 2027.

Beyond this year's programme, the ambition is to develop a lasting event culture and build local capacity, supporting the artists, promoters, venues and partnerships that can sustain and develop future activity. Organisers would welcome approaches from musicians, promoters, venues, community groups and anyone interested in contributing to future editions.

All festival events are free to attend, although advance booking is recommended for some performances due to limited venue capacities.

For the latest programme information and booking details, visit www.burnleymusicfest.com