Record crowds turned out for this year’s Mill Hill Family Festival, with attendees, performers and organisers all describing it as their “best ever”.
Planning a night out? See the live What’s On in Blackburn calendar.
The festival took place at Mill Hill Park in Blackburn on May 30, following a two-year break. It was the third time the event had been held since its 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 local residents Kieron Buck, Kate O’Loughlin, Julie Astley and councillors Julie Gunn and Damian Talbot.
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”.
Across the day and into the evening, crowds watched local acts on stage including Paul Scholey, described as a Mill Hill legend, Tracy Brogan, Leah Eccles and 12-year-old Isla McNeal, who opened the festival. Blackburn DJ Skippy hosted the event.
Family-friendly free activities included football sessions from Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, an inflatable assault course from the Youth Zone and a climbing wall provided by Blackburn with Darwen Council Young Peoples Services. Mill Hill Park’s play area was also packed with children throughout the day.
With no core funding, the committee relied on sponsorship, funding and donations. Support came 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.
Volunteers finished the night by making sure the park was clean and collecting bags of rubbish.
