Record crowds as Mill Hill Family Festival named ‘best ever’

Attendees, performers and organisers involved with this year’s Mill Hill Family Festival, have said this year was their ‘best ever’.

The festival which took place at Mill Hill Park in Blackburn on May 30^th followed a two-year break.

This is the third time the festival had been held since it’s revival in 2023. It was established and organised by a group of volunteers after residents called for more events to bring the community together.

The festival committee comprised of local residents Kieron Buck, Kate O’Loughlin, Julie Astley and Councillors Julie Gunn and Damian Talbot. They’ve been delighted by its success and that it’s grown each time it’s been held. 

Cllr Damian Talbot who chairs the committee said:

“Over a year’s hard work fundraising and pulling together all the elements has paid off. There is a real festival atmosphere, and it’s gone from strength to strength.

“Thank you to Kieron who leads on arranging performers and all the infrastructure logistics, Kate who is our treasurer and Julie Astley, who has played a big role in fundraising support. They all agreed to volunteer for the event because residents wanted more to bring Mill Hill together. I’m grateful to them and it’s rewarding to see all the effort and time pay off and for the community to respond so positively”.

Cllr Julie Gunn, Mill Hill and Moorgate Ward, added:

“It’s a privilege to represent this area, with its strong community, and to be a part of such a wonderful event”.

Throughout the day and into the evening the crowds were wowed by great performances from the local acts on stage.  These included Paul Scholey – well described as a Mill Hill legend, Tracy Brogan who had everyone up dancing and Leah Eccles provided great mellow vibes with a set of her own songs.  A special mention to Isla McNeal, age 12 who sang fantastically, opening the festival.  Famous Blackburn DJ – Skippy was host for the event, and as usual kept the crowd entertained between all the acts.

There were also family friendly free activities ranging from football sessions provided by Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, to an inflatable assault course from the Youth Zone and climbing wall provided by Blackburn with Darwen Council Young Peoples Services.  Mill Hill Park has its own play area which was packed with kids all through the day.

As the event has no core funding the committee has to work hard seeking sponsorship and funding, and this year were grateful for contributions from the National Lottery Community Fund, Great Places Housing, Newground, Blackburn with Darwen Community CVS and Blackburn Rovers Community Trust – as well as donations from residents.  Without these the event could not have been possible.

Volunteers ended the night by making sure the park was clean and bags of rubbish were collected.