Painting Padiham

Painting Padiham 2026 will return on Saturday 16th May, bringing a full day of creativity, competition and community celebration to the town.

Professional and amateur artists alike are invited to take part, creating an original artwork inspired by Padiham and its people in just one day. All styles and mediums are welcome (with the exception of photography). Participants will select a location within a one-mile radius of Padiham Town Hall, including the grounds of Gawthorpe Hall and selected local businesses (with permission), capturing scenes of architecture, people, nature and everyday life.

The event begins at the Event Hub in Padiham Town Hall, where artists register and receive a blank canvas before heading out across the town to begin work. Completed pieces will be submitted later the same day and judged. Three main cash prizes will be awarded, with winners announced at the Artists' Celebration in the Town Hall Ballroom at 5pm.
All entries will then go on display for a two-week exhibition at the Picture House Gallery. In addition, the public will be able to vote for the People's Choice Award via Facebook, with the winner announced on Saturday 23rd May.

Visitors are encouraged to follow the Artists' Trail using free event guides and maps, watching artworks develop in real time and discovering more about each participant through numbered displays and artist biographies.

Alongside the trail, a programme of free family activities will run throughout the town centre, including craft workshops, face painting and caricatures. Visitors can also explore Padiham's high street , and Padiham Archives before taking a free vintage bus to Gawthorpe Hall, where admission will be free for all attendees.

Artists registration, please contact knolan@burnley.gov.uk