Date(s) - Sat 2nd Dec 2023
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location
The Exchange
Blackburn’s iconic Exchange building, known to many as the former Apollo cinema, will welcome hundreds of visitors to the stunning town centre venue when it stages a free Christmas Tree festival bringing together community organisations, schools and local businesses. The event is the first of its kind to held in the space and will be officially opened at 4pm on the afternoon of the town’s Christmas light switch on, Saturday 25 November.
Invitations and funding to take part have been snapped up across the borough but there’s still time to register to take part. A limited number of paid for places are still available for volunteers wanting to design, decorate and display a tree.
Director of Operations, Caer Butler explains, ‘The festival is funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and is a celebration of our communities. As well as personalised trees representing local charities and businesses, we are particularly interested in displays which celebrate a certain era of our history which dates back to the opening of Blackburn’s Cotton Exchange in 1865. From Victorian pomanders to 80s themed Rubix Cubes, and handmade austerity ornaments of the 1930s. We are also looking for groups of carol singers and choirs to be part of this special event.’
Businesses, groups, individual artists or schools wishing to create an historic tree will receive funding of £100 towards their tree, decorations and craft materials for their creation. The forest of trees will be set up during week commencing 20th November and will be open for public viewing on Saturday 25th November from 4pm – 9pm and Sunday 26thNovember from 12 noon – 4pm. The festival will continue on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December when The Exchange will be open again from 12pm – 4pm.
Entry will be free.
For more information about taking part in the Christmas Tree Festival contact Caer Butler by email info@exchangeblackburn.org.uk