FESTIVAL FAR FROM DISASTER

I WAS troubled to read the article published in your paper ‘Traders slam culture festival shambles,’ June 9.

The article reported claims that the recent ‘This Here Festival,’ held in Bacup on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd June 2022, was deemed a disappointment to Bacup by all concerned.

As a representative of local businesses, I can confirm that those town centre businesses that opened over the two days reported a roaring trade, with 1832 Barista claiming to have had two of their best days since they opened. The events held in and around the town centre brought Bacup’s residents out, and I know many families with children who enjoyed

themselves, particularly in the Godzilla maze.

To the accusation that the ‘This Here Festival’ was not a fit and proper way of celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, I counter that it was never supposed to be Bacup’s sole celebration. According to the recollection of many in Bacup (and according to the minutes of several meetings), a more traditional Jubilee celebration, with more of a nod to the heritage of Bacup, was planned to take place in the town.

For whatever reason, this event was not successful, but news of this came too late for Bacup businesses and community groups to access funding or arrange something alternative.

As a result, Bacup was left with the ‘This Here Festival,’ which was always supposed to offer

something completely different to the more traditional ‘bunting and street party’ celebrations available elsewhere in town.

It is true that many Bacup residents, and Bacup Market traders in particular, were left disappointed at the lack of bunting around town, the lack of patriotic decorations, the lack of traditional community events, however, it is not the fault of ‘This Here Festival’ or the Bacup Cultural Consortium that these things did not happen.

In fact, had the ‘This Here Festival’ not taken place, Bacup would have had nothing, which would have been even worse.

It is true that lessons can be learned to improve the ‘This Here Festival,’ which it is hoped will become an annual instalment for

Bacup. However, for an inaugural community event, this was far from a disaster and offered Bacup residents a taste of something completely different.

It is a shame that some have seen fit to use the Queen’s Jubilee weekend as an opportunity for, at best, a vindictive jibe and, at worst, sabotage.

Rachel Weinhold

Chair, Bacup Business Association