Mill Hill family festival returned after a 14 year break, and came back better than ever.
The event was blessed with glorious sunshine from start to finish, and the scores of community members who came out to attend all agreed that Mill Hill had shown what a great community spirit it has.
A series of local bands and artists performed on the big stage from 1pm through to 9pm and there was also lots of free children’s entertainment, with an inflatable assault course and climbing wall provided by Blackburn with Darwen Youth Services, football activities provided by Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, and a range of activities provided by St Georges Mill Hill Scouts, including soft archery, bushcraft and crafts.
There were also stalls and lots more.
The crowd were even given the chance to take part in some of the entertaining – joining in a mass performance of the macarena and the cha cha slide.
The event was funded through sponsorship and voluntary contributions, and was organised entirely by local volunteers, with volunteers and support also provided by Sliding Doors, St Georges and Blackburn Rovers.
Skippys Entertainment Services provided the sound and lighting.
Mill Hill events committee member, Kieron Buck said: “We’ve been blown away with how successful the festival was.
“Every single person who attended and spoke to us said it was the best thing they’d seen in Mill Hill for years. And it was great to see the park spotless at the end – with everyone helping clear up.
“As a volunteer it’s so rewarding to see all the hard work pay off.”
Committee member Kate O’Loughlin said: “We’ve worked hard over the last ten months, to pull together the funds, the volunteers, and a plan for how the day would work.
“We were determined to ensure that this was a family event and to get back to the community spirit that we want to see more of. We’ve been given a clear message from Mill Hill’s community – we loved it and want more.”
Councillor Damian Talbot, also on the events committee said: “Last June we held a public meeting to discuss local issues.
“Residents all agreed that something needed to be done to get the community back together and improve community spirit. We put a call out for volunteers to help re-establish the festival.
“There’s been a huge amount of work put in since then, and we’re delighted that everything came together so well.
“We’ve had a number of sponsors, including Rummage Rescuers, Mill Hill Community Centre, Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, Community CVS and others, and we couldn’t have done it without them.
“I’d pay particular tribute to the volunteers who came forward and have put endless hours in to make this a success. Here’s to next year.”