The Forge FTV marks one-year milestone with Penny Black show in Burnley
The Forge FTV is set to celebrate its one-year anniversary with a show at Penny Black this month.
Independent media engine and event showcase network The Forge FTV has officially announced Lancashire Live & Loud, taking over Penny Black in Burnley on Friday, 25th September 2026.
Marking almost exactly one year since The Forge FTV held its debut launch party, the event brings together national touring headliners and regional original talent for a multi-camera filmed live showcase.
Founded by Aaron Calland in loving memory of his late wife Vicki, Forge FTV is an independent media production platform, promoter, and live broadcast engine. FTV provides unsigned rock, metal, punk, and alternative acts with broadcast-quality video and multitrack audio assets, driving a sustainable, self-funding ecosystem across North West venues.
The anniversary show will be headlined by Healthy Junkies, bringing their explosive blend of punk, grunge, and glam rock. Relentless international tour veterans and regulars at Blackpool’s Rebellion Festival, the quartet have shared stages with punk royalty including The Buzzcocks, UK Subs, and GBH.
Joining the bill as co-headliners are East Manchester dark post-punk titans Avid Fan. Fronted by veteran songwriter and The Mighty Wah!’s Stephen Wilson Jr and bassist Dawn Acton, who is widely known as Coronation Street’s original Tracy Barlow, Avid Fan return to Burnley following their acclaimed FTV Live Session and standalone headline performances.
The lineup is rounded out by high-octane Lancashire rockers Koja and opening singer-songwriter Jack Flint.
"One year ago, we set out to build a professional digital spotlight for grassroots music across Lancashire," said Calland, who runs The Forge FTV. "Taking over Penny Black with a band of Healthy Junkies' stature alongside our friends in Avid Fan proves how far this scene has come in 365 days. We are turning one of Burnley's premier central venues into a full-throttle live music arena."
In alignment with The Forge FTV’s community ethos, admission is structured on an accessible Pay What You Can (PWYC) model starting at £6, with an exclusive £20 Anniversary Bundle that includes event entry and an official FTV T-Shirt. The show will be multi-tracked and filmed live for future broadcast on FTV’s 24/7 channel.