Artists of all abilities are counting down to the annual Painting Padiham next month.

The event returns on Saturday, May 16, bringing a full day of creativity, competition and community celebration to the town.

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The event has recently been nominated at the Burnley Culture Awards for Outstanding Event, recognising its growing impact on the local cultural calendar.

An artist art work during Painting Padiham 2025

Professional and amateur artists alike are invited to take part, creating an original artwork inspired by Padiham and its people in just one day. All styles and mediums are welcome (with the exception of photography).

Participants will select a location within a one-mile radius of Padiham Town Hall, including the grounds of Gawthorpe Hall and selected local businesses (with permission), capturing scenes of architecture, people, nature and everyday life.

The day begins at the event hub in Padiham Town Hall, where artists register and receive a blank canvas before heading out to begin work. Completed pieces will be submitted later the same day and judged during the following week. Three main cash prizes will be awarded, with winners announced in the town hall ballroom at 5pm. All entries will then go on display for a two-week exhibition at the Picture House Gallery. The public can vote for the People’s Choice Award via Facebook, with the winner announced on Saturday, May 23.

On the day there will be an artists’ trail using free event guides and maps and a programme of free family activities will run throughout the town centre, including craft workshops and face painting. A free vintage bus will be running to Gawthorpe Hall.

Artists can register via: https://padiham.org.uk/paintingpadiham2026/ and the deadline to enter Friday, May 1.