The National Festival of Making kicks-off in Blackburn today, promising a weekend of fun and celebrations.

From 11am the free festival will take over Blackburn town centre in a unique celebration of making, from the kitchen table to the factory floor.

From workshops to music performances and film screenings, there's something for all the family to enjoy.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is encouraging people to attend for the unofficial opening of the festival at 11am on Cathedral Square with Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant.

Special guests of the festival include Keith Brymer Jones, judge on Great Pottery Throw Down, in conversation with designer Wayne Hemingway and Ri Ri’s Dance Academy, who return to lead Bollywood performances and workshops.

Events are popping up all across the town centre, including in Blackburn Museum and Blackburn Library, The Mall, along Ainsworth Street and outside Cathedral Square.

Focussed around making and creativity, the weekend will host an array of live dance and music performances, free workshops, delicious food stalls and much more.

Key highlights include Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant’s Sustainable Bingo and Taste Lancashire’s Food Producers’ Market, alongside international exhibits, newly commissioned artworks and improvised live music.

As with previous years, The National Festival of Making Maker’s Market returns with illustrators, fashion designers, jewellery makers and more showcasing their original products at Blackburn Cathedral.

Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Cllr Phil Riley, said: “We are incredibly proud to be hosting the National Festival of Making for a fourth year and are very much looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors alike, bringing communities together for a fantastic celebration of art, creativity, making and fun.

"The Festival creates a massive buzz about our borough, drawing in visitors from all over the world, supporting local business and letting people know more about Blackburn and what we have to offer.

"Our town is one with a heritage rich in manufacturing, and playing host to the National Festival of Making underlines how important this still is to us.

"We look forward to seeing you there.”

The fourth edition of the National Festival of Making weekend returns to Blackburn on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 of June from 11-5pm on both days.

There will be some road closures and diversions across Blackburn town centre throughout the weekend.

Barriers will be in place to enforce the following road closures until 11.59pm on Sunday:

  • Tackett Street (Full length) – From its junction with Ainsworth Street to its junction with Exchange Street.
  • King William Street – From its junction with New Market Street to its junction with Museum Street.
  • New Market Street (Full Length) – From its junction with King William Street to its junction with Northgate.
  • Town Hall Street (Full Length) – From its junction with Northgate to its junction with Tackett Street.
  • Richmond Terrace ( Full Length) – From its junction with Sudell Cross to its junction with Richmond Hill.
  • Northgate – From its junction with New Market Street to its junction with Lord Street West.
  • Lord Street West – From its junction with Corporation Street to its junction with Lord Street.
  • Exchange Street (Full Length) – From its junction with Tackett Street to its junction with Museum Street.

Visit www.festivalofmaking.co.uk to view the full programme and book workshops.