Accrington EcoFest draws crowds of 1,500 with clog dancing and dhol drummers

Yasmin Al-Najar

15 June 2024 at 2:16 am·1-min read

More than 1,500 visitors flocked to an environmental festival where they enjoyed a range of entertainment and activities.

The public joined EcoFest in Accrington town centre on Saturday, June 8. The free festival, now in its third year, is organised by Hyndburn’s environmental charity, the PROSPECTS Foundation and celebrates all things green and environmentally friendly.

The event was officially opened by Hyndburn’s new mayor, Councillor Mike Booth. There were live performances throughout the day including: Haslingden brass band, the Lancashire Wallopers clog dancers, Indian dhol drummers, stilt walkers, guitarists and singers.

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Stallholders lined Broadway with information for the public on environmental initiatives and activities.

Exhibitors included: the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, RSPB, Ribble Rivers Trust, Woody (Hyndburn) CIC, Community Rail, PROSPECTS Community Energy (Coach Road Solar Meadow), Cambodia Crafts, Be-Nu Massage with Missions, rossendale-college>Accrington and Rossendale College, Hyndburn Council and Cosy Homes in Lancashire.

There was also a clothes swap stall, household product eco refill stall and heritage craft demonstrations. Children enjoyed a host of free recycled arts and crafts activities, face painting and henna art.

Visitors could make a bird box and take home free sunflower plants and goody bags filled with eco-friendly gifts and information on how people can reduce their impact on the climate and the environment.

This year’s EcoFest was also a celebration of the PROSPECTS Foundation’s 25 year anniversary of environmental action in Hyndburn.

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