Pendle Festival of Culture 2026 + Peace Walks

Pendle Festival of Culture will take place this year on Saturday 27th June in Nelson. 

The festival begins with the Peace Walks in Colne, Barrowford and Brierfield, bringing people together from across Pendle to celebrate unity and community. Then from 12pm – 6pm the festival continues across Nelson Town Centre.

The Pendle Festival of Culture is part of This is Nelson, which is the arts and culture strand of the Nelson Town Deal. The festival is taking place along Market Street and Scotland Road in Nelson town centre and all are welcome.  

“Many towns and cities have festivals celebrating diversity, but one of the things that makes Pendle Festival of Culture unique is the Peace Walks", says Holly Noonan, Building Bridges.

"People create banners and flags in artist-led workshops and these are carried by people from different areas of Pendle to the centre of Nelson. Their arrival, accompanied by music, kicks off the festival. It’s a symbolic and physical coming-together of different communities across our area, and represents unity, peace and fun!"

One local resident said of last year’s festival, “This had to be the best festival yet! The smell of the foods as we walked towards the Talkaoke; the colourful instruments; to me it was heaven. It brought my sleepy kids to life, and we encourage this, so very very special.”

The Pendle Festival of Culture celebrates the people, cultures and towns of Pendle through food, music, art and crafts.  The event is free to attend and will be an exciting day filled with music, performances, activities and a wonderful mix of cultural experiences in Nelson. We typically welcome around 6,000 visitors, creating a brilliant atmosphere and a great opportunity to connect with the local community.   

Before the festival, we provide free flag making kits for groups and organisations who are taking part in the Peace Walks. Each flag can be decorated to represent your group or reflect this year’s theme, Harmony. The flags are then carried during the walks to show unity and community spirit.

How can I get involved?  

Before the festival

• Register as a volunteer and help support the event on the day
• Get involved in the flag decorating
• Take part in the Peace Walk
• If your group has an idea or activity, get in touch to be involved
• Enquire with us about running a stall/activity for your group

On the day

• Join one of the Peace Walks (times TBC) starting from:

• St Bartholomew’s Church, Colne 

• Pendleside Hospice, Brierfield 

• Barrowford Primary School, Barrowford 

• Come along and enjoy the event
• Take part in activities and workshops

For more information about the festival and to register for any of the Peace Walks and flag kit, email holly@buildingbridgespendle.org.uk.

Early thanks are given to our sponsors and supporters for this event, the Big Lottery Community Fund, This is Nelson, Nelson Town Council, Pendle Borough Council, St Bartholomew's Church, Pendleside Hospice, Barrowford Primary School, Building Bridges Pendle, In-Situ, Super Slow Way. Pendle Festival of Culture is part of This Is Nelson, supported by Arts Council England.

Pendle Festival of Culture is a This is Nelson event, run in partnership with Building Bridges, In-Situ, Super Slow Way and Pendle Council.