Connecting Cultures

Hyndburn's vibrant community will be celebrated at a special event at Haworth Art Gallery and Park.

Connecting Cultures returns bigger and better for a second year.  Marking National Refugee Week, Eid celebrations and Father's Day, the event promises a fun-filled day out for all, with free live performances, activities and exhibitions.

Set across the whole park and gallery grounds, performances will take place on a stage within a large marquee and in various pop-up tents.  People are invited to browse community and business stalls, an artisan market, and pop-ups, including the famous Finch Bakery desserts.

There will also be free henna art, friendship bracelet and puppet making with Spring Into Action, heritage games led by the Friends of Haworth Art Gallery voluntary group, as well as the chance to visit the exhibitions and world famous Tiffany Glass collection within the Gallery itself.

The event will also host a free-to-attend main stage, showcasing a number of incredible performances including Tai Chi, a musical theatre performance from Just Imagine UK supported by Activ8 Lancs, an interactive dance performance from DanceSyndrome, poetry reading and a Bollywood fusion dance demonstration and workshop.

To transport visitors to the event, a free heritage shuttle bus will take people from Accrington town square to Haworth Art Gallery throughout the day.  The Haworth Art Gallery car park will be closed on the day of the event and those attending are encouraged to take advantage of the free bus and use public transport where possible.  On-street parking around The Gallery is limited and visitors are asked to be mindful of resident and emergency vehicle assess when parking near-by.

A day packed full of activities for all the family, those attending the event, organised by Hyndburn Borough Council, are being urged to book a table in advance or order a picnic for Haworth Art Gallery's popular Gallery Kitchen, offering delicious locally sourced food and drink. 

There will also be an incredible line-up of activities taking place throughout the week in the build up to the event, in an internationally renowned sculpture the Lumini.

Over three million visitors across 40 countries and five continents have already journeyed inside an Architects of Air structure, and now it's Accrington's turn.  Designed by Alan Parkinson, the beautiful and huge art installations are inspired by natural forms, geometric shapes, Islamic and gothic architecture.  Visitors are invited to step inside to be immersed in radiant colour, created from daylight shining through the fabric.  The Lumini structure arriving in Accrington has never before been experienced, it has been made to perfectly fit the Rose Garden area at Haworth Park.