The new Broadway banner was officially unveiled last weekend

On Saturday (October 21) the whole community were invited to welcome the new 200ft Broadway banner, which features many elements of Hyndburn’s heritage and culture.

Town Crier, Rawden Kerr, wrote a Cry for the occasion, which was proclaimed at midday for the crowd. He was joined by Mayor, Mayoress and Accrington Royal British Legion representatives.

All people attending were invited then for the official photograph following the official Town Cry.

Members of the Hyndburn community at the banner welcoming (Image: Hyndburn Council)

The new banner was recently installed as a replacement for the Accrington Pal’s Banner, which had come to the end of its life after almost 10 years in place.

Its design was inspired by Tiffany Glass, as Accrington is home to the largest collection in Europe, and features prominent inventions and representations from local culture including: NORI Bricks, Textile trade, Calico Printing, Aspen Colliery and Accrington Stanley FC.

As part of Accrington’s transformational work, the banner marks the start of a heritage-led journey to kick-start the local economy by building on the past for a prosperous future.

Following creation through collaboration with the community, including local children, the banner shows what is important to people and what they love about the area, featuring the green spaces and waterways alongside inspirational stories from the past.

Before the civic ceremony to formally welcome the banner representatives from the community were invited to a ‘Thank You’ event hosted by the Mayor and Mayoress for their input into the works so far.

Organisations who took part included players from Accrington Stanley Girls Team, local charitable groups Spring into Action and Aawaz, leaders, town centre partnership groups members and industry representatives who have been involved in plans.

Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn with played from Accrington Stanley Girls FC (Image: Hyndburn Council)

The Mayor of Hyndburn welcomed guests saying: "Today we are here for two reasons, firstly to say thank you for your role and personal contributions to our local past, present and future story.

"We are at the start of change and a new journey that would not be possible without many of the people here.

“Secondly, we have come together to formally mark one very big change. After some short presentations we will go round the corner to say goodbye to the Accrington Pals Banner, and welcome the new one.

“I am really proud to have the honour of being Hyndburn’s Mayor during such an exciting time of change and it is my privilege to be here with you.”

Julie Hesmondhalgh (centre) with representatives from Aawaz (Image: Hyndburn Council)

Julie Hesmondhalgh, actor and writer, then gave a short inspirational speech, thanking the people in the room, sharing her own journey and thoughts on growing up in Accrington and highlighting that people from the local area have changed the world.

She said: “It is important that we carry on the legacy of telling our story, feeding it back into the wider society so we get a better understanding of each other and can feel inspired.”

Cath Holmes, daughter of Pals historian Walter Holmes and chair of Hyndburn Green Spaces forum explained her own journey and shared some news with attendees.

She said: “I have been honoured to be involved in the Accrington town centre levelling-up plans, the new banner that we now seeing displaying history and heritage and also, many moons ago, I was involved in the Accrington Pals banner creation.

“Today I am really pleased we are able to do a formal goodbye. It has stood the test of time, lasting longer than we ever thought, but it’s time was up and we have now moved forwards, creating something alongside the community that still honours the pals, but also much more.

“Whilst I am here it is also fitting to give an exciting update. Thank you to the levelling-up funding award, and me pestering the council, a lot, some of the funding will be used to refurbish and improve the Pals Memorial on Church Street in Accrington. 

“This memorial is the site where we hold many services to honour those fallen and it is important we maintain and refurbish it so it will last for generations to come.”

“We don’t have to forget the past to welcome the new.”

Cath then invited people to see a piece of the Pals Banner, featuring the Pal’s Badge, that has been cleaned and preserved for the future and may be seen at events going forward.