Burnley’s very own big-screen success story is heading across the Atlantic, as Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger prepares for its United States release in March.

The much-anticipated sequel – inspired by the real-life achievements of Burnley and Pendle businessman Dave Fishwick – originally premiered in the UK in January and has already proven a major hit with audiences at home. Now, American film fans will get the chance to see the Lancashire story that continues to capture hearts when it opens on March 13th.

The film follows on from 2023’s Bank of Dave, which told the remarkable true story of Mr Fishwick’s fight to establish a community bank in Burnley, helping local businesses thrive while seeking the first new high street banking licence granted in more than 150 years.

And the success story doesn’t stop at the cinema.

Dave Fishwick and his wife Nicky at the Bank of Dave Musical launch at the Lowry Theatre in Salford. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard

placeholder image — Dave Fishwick and his wife Nicky at the Bank of Dave Musical launch at the Lowry Theatre in Salford. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard

A musical adaptation of Bank of Dave is set to hit the stage at The Lowry in May, bringing Burnley’s community-powered tale to theatre audiences in a brand-new format.

Speaking to the Burnley Express this week, Dave said: “It’s a really exciting time. The film sequel is being release in a few week in US cinemas and the musical version is coming to the Lowry in Salford in May, which is going to be very emotional.”

The musical promises to celebrate the humour, heart and northern grit that made the film such a hit, transforming the real-life banking battle into an uplifting stage spectacular.

Dave Fishwick story Bank of Dave The Musical to premiere at The Lowry Theatre Sa...

Dave also cheekily suggested the movie was being released in American cinemas on March 13th to coincide with the next Oscars ceremony which takes place in Hollywood two days later, adding: “The first movie was released in America two years ago and reached the top 10 on Netflix's American film charts within just four days. And Tom Cruise was at number nine, and we were at number eight. Hooray!”

In Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger, directed by Chris Foggin and written by Piers Ashworth, the story continues with Dave taking on payday lenders who are causing hardship for working people.

The official synopsis reads: “Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger follows our hero Dave Fishwick, who, having set up his successful community bank in Burnley, decides to take on the Pay Day lenders who are wreaking havoc. Dave assembles a team to take on the pay day lenders once and for all with the help of a few friends along the way…”

Actor Rory Kinnear reprises his role as Dave, with returning stars including Jo Hartley. The cast also features Rob Delaney, Chrissy Metz, Leila Farzad, Amit Shah, Dan Fogler, Pearce Quigley, Alison Hammond, Dermot O’Leary, Ella Bruccoleri and Hugh Bonneville.

Already available to stream on Netflix in the UK, the sequel shot straight to the top of the platform’s most-watched charts following its release — another proud moment for Burnley.

The continued success of the Bank of Dave story shines a spotlight on the town’s entrepreneurial spirit and strong sense of community, with Mr Fishwick’s determination and grassroots ethos resonating far beyond Lancashire.

As the film prepares to launch in the US, Burnley can once again celebrate seeing one of its own stories making an impact on the global stage.