Brilliant Burnley Festival to kickstart night-time economy

The festival, which will run from September 10th until September 20th, aims to showcase all that Burnley has to offer as the council looks at bringing more people into the town.

“We’re working hard to support our local businesses and bring people back into the town centre,” said Amber Corns, who was appointed Burnley Borough Council’s new brand manager earlier this year.

“Some exciting events are planned, starting today and Saturday with Burnley’s Food Festival in the town centre – featuring BBC Fusion Chef of the Year Aazam Ahmad.

The Drop The Beat music festival is this weekend as well at Towneley, with around 2,000 people expected to be enjoying the bands and DJs, then venturing into town afterwards.”

The council has employed a new town centre manager, covering retail and nightlife, who will start in September and plans are also afoot to visually improve the appearance of some of the boarded up premises in town, such as the former Walkabout building.

Amber fully recognises that people need to be given a reason to come into town nowadays and the Brilliant Burnley Festival is just the start of that process.

“We really want to showcase everything we have to offer so we’re holding a Brilliant Burnley Festival – 10 days of events starting on September 10th with Burnley Beer Festival at the Mechanics, the Artisan Market, pop-up restaurants, a Gin Festival at the Mechanics and a Cocktail Festival around all the late night venues.

“I would encourage anyone who hasn’t been into town for a while to come down and see what’s going on, we have activities suitable for everyone.

“Everyone in the town centre is pulling together to make sure we have the best offering for whatever kind of entertainment you’re looking for.”