Volunteers honoured at Blackburn Museum following record-breaking National Festival of Making

Volunteers who played a vital role in the success of the 2025 National Festival of Making were honoured at a special celebration event at Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery on Wednesday, 16 July 2025.

The event recognised the contributions of more than 100 volunteers, whose enthusiasm, creativity and community spirit helped bring the festival to life over the weekend of 5–6 July.

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, their impact could be seen throughout the town centre. 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, The Making Rooms, Blackburn Cathedral, The Mall, and the newly renovated Blakey Moor to name just a few.

The 2025 programme featured interactive workshops and live performances as well as makers markets, stunning murals, 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 2025 festival is a testament to the power of local collaboration, community cohesion and the dedication of the volunteers.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

We are always thrilled by the incredible turnout for the National Festival of Making. Visitors — whether they’re local or from outside the area — love chatting with our volunteers, hearing their stories and soaking up their enthusiasm for the festival. The only complaint I heard was that there was simply too much to do — people wanted the festival to last longer!

Councillor Jacqueline Slater, Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, added:

This festival couldn’t happen without the dedication of the volunteers. It’s growing every year, and it’s heart-warming to see the whole community come together in the town centre. On behalf of Blackburn with Darwen Council, thank you to every single volunteer — we are proud of you and proud of our town.

 

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

On behalf of the whole Festival team I would like to extend our thanks to the incredible volunteers who make the National Festival of Making possible. Every year, we are humbled by the outpouring of support and dedication from members of the public whose hard work and enthusiasm to get involved in the event are essential in ensuring the National Festival of Making’s success. It’s wonderful to see so many people – both familiar faces and people who’ve never volunteered before – eager to give up their time to support arts and culture programmes in Blackburn.