Every year, hundreds of primary school children from across East Lancashire get together to present a week long program of the arts; incorporating music, dance, painting, sculpture, drama and much more. The festival is a veritable feast of talent, presented by children as young as 5, many of whom get to experience their first ever footsteps into a theatrical space by participating in the event. Pendle Schools’ Festival began in 1960 and has continued thanks to a committee of volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure its success; sourcing everything from funding to refreshments and organising rehearsals, transport, costumes and everything required for the festival.

This year promises to be the best ever festival, with more volunteers on board and participation from schools whose investment in the event is unfaltering. However, the very sad reality is that, at the current time, the festival just doesn’t have the required funds to continue, unless sponsorship is secured as a matter of urgency. The committee feel strongly that the children of Pendle thrive through opportunities to showcase their artistic talents and are heavy hearted at the potential threat of cancellation.

The children of Pendle need your help. We are searching for individuals, businesses or local connections that may be able to assist in funding our 2018 festival. The cost of the festival is estimated around £9000 and this is to pay for transport for children to go to rehearsals, hire of Colne Municipal Hall and all items necessary for a stage production. Faced with the reality that they may not have the opportunity to perform next year, the children’s responses are unanimous. We want to save our festival and we would love the support from as many local people and schools as possible. Every child deserves an opportunity to shine, and arts are accessible to all ages and abilities.