A Huge Thank You to Our Amazing Volunteers!

Volunteers who played a vital role in the success of the 2026 National Festival of Making were honoured at a special celebration event at Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery.

The event recognised the contributions of more than 100 volunteers, whose enthusiasm, creativity and community spirit helped bring the festival to life.

Volunteers played a pivotal role in the event’s success, welcoming visitors, supporting artists and makers, guiding visitors through activities, and helping ensure smooth operations across the festival’s many locations. Many went above and beyond, sharing their local knowledge, encouraging participation, and helping to create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

This year’s festival attracted tens of thousands of visitors to more than 100 events held across 20+ venues across the town centre, including Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery, Blackburn Cathedral, Cathedral Square, and the Reel Cinema. 

The 2026 programme featured interactive workshops and live performances as well as makers markets, exhibitions, talks, and family-friendly activities. Artists, makers and visitors from across the UK that took part in and attended the festival were supported at every turn by the dedicated volunteer team.

Curated and delivered by the National Festival of Making, the festival has grown into a cornerstone of Lancashire’s cultural calendar, celebrating innovation, creativity, and community pride. The success of the 2026 festival is a testament to the power of local collaboration, community cohesion and the dedication of the volunteers.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen said,

The National Festival of Making continues to showcase the very best of Blackburn with Darwen, and our volunteers are at the heart of its success. They are often the first friendly face visitors meet, sharing their local knowledge, enthusiasm and pride in our borough. It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying this year’s record-breaking festival, and I’d like to thank every volunteer for helping to create such a warm, welcoming and memorable experience for everyone who attended.

Lauren Zawadzki, Co-Director of the National Festival of Making said,

A festival on the scale of the National Festival of Making simply wouldn’t happen without the dedication of our volunteers. From the first welcome of the day to the final pack down, they bring kindness, enthusiasm and an incredible willingness to help wherever needed.

This year the programme expended as we worked in partnership with Chip In and they noted that “more than ever, our volunteers demonstrated what makes this festival so special. Whether they were returning for another year or joining us for the first time, each person played an important part in creating a welcoming experience for thousands of visitors, artists and participants. Their generosity with their time, their pride in Blackburn and their commitment to supporting culture in the town is something we never take for granted.