Burnley Festival of Music and Culture brings live performances to town
Burnley music festival to bring more than 30 free events to the town
Burnley's rich musical heritage will be celebrated with more than 30 free events as a new festival brings live performances, workshops and cultural activities to venues across the town next month.
The Burnley Festival of Music and Culture will run from November 4 to 21, showcasing a diverse programme spanning indie, jazz, hip hop, post-punk, psychedelia, soul and electronic music.
Organised in collaboration with local artists, venues and cultural organisations, the festival aims to celebrate Burnley's musical heritage and support its creative talent ahead of Burnley Year of Culture 2027.
Events will take place at venues including Burnley Mechanics, Studio B, St Peter's Church, The Landmark, Burnley Library, Newtown Mill and several town centre pubs and cultural spaces.
Among the highlights will be an appearance by Burnley-born DJ Woody, a two-time world champion turntablist, at Studio B on November 5.
His event, From Burnley to the Bronx, will feature an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia, a discussion and a DJ performance, marking 25 years since he won his first world championship title and exploring his journey into the international hip hop scene.
On November 8, acclaimed guitarist and composer Aziz Ibrahim will perform at The Landmark alongside tabla virtuoso Dalbir Singh Rattan. Ibrahim, whose career includes working with The Stone Roses, Simply Red and Ian Brown, will explore the influence of his South Asian heritage on his music.
Other performers include Burnley producer and DJ Diesler, known for blending jazz, funk, soul and electronic sounds, local band Ring Ring Rouge, and post-punk and shoegaze group Callis.
Electronic music pioneer Graham Massey, whose work with 808 State helped shape British electronic music, will also feature in the programme.
St Peter's Church will host an alternative music evening on November 6, featuring singer-songwriter Lily Rae Grant and psychedelic experimental band Warm Parts.
The festival will also offer opportunities for people to take part in music-making, rather than simply watch performances.
Burnley Unplugged will bring live music into public spaces, while the Lancashire Schools Jazz Orchestra will perform at Burnley Market.
Newtown Mill will host Lean on Me – Celebrating Inclusive Singing in Burnley on November 14, with inclusive singing workshops followed by a free performance organised by Lancashire County of Song.
Burnley Library will host a session on November 4 introducing aspiring musicians to careers in the music industry, delivered by Lancashire Music Association and More Music.
The town's musical history will also be explored on November 21, when former Chumbawamba guitarist Boff Whalley discusses the East Lancashire punk scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s, including its grassroots gigs, fanzines and do-it-yourself culture.
The festival is supported by approximately £30,000 from Arts Council England, alongside contributions from Burnley Leisure and Culture Group and Lancashire Music Association, with backing from a range of local and county organisations.
“Burnley is an exciting place for music, with a remarkable heritage, talented artists, committed venues and people doing some really interesting things.”
Tony added: “This is a festival developed with the people and venues of Burnley, for the people of Burnley.”
Organisers hope the event will raise the profile of the town's music scene, attract new audiences and help establish a lasting programme of cultural activity.
All events are free, although advance booking is recommended for some performances because of limited venue capacity.
For the full programme and booking details, visit www.burnleymusicfest.com.