Six exciting, community-led projects have been awarded up to £5,000 each in funding through South Ribble Borough Council’s new Cultural Events Fund.
From crafts, to film, music to artistry, the successful events are set to shine a light on the great cultural offer in South Ribble.
Launched earlier this summer, the Cultural Events Fund was created to support local organisations in delivering high-quality cultural experiences that celebrate South Ribble’s identity, showcase local talent and bring communities together.
Councillor Matthew Farnworth, Cabinet Member for Parks, Events and Culture, said:
“We had an incredible response to the fund, and I was delighted to see the raft of different ideas put forward from across the community. Looking through the applications, it was clear how much passion each applicant had for developing the cultural offer in the area and I have no doubt this is just the start of great community culture projects coming forward.
“One of the key aims of this fund was to support a diverse programme of events that reflects the communities we serve, and I am pleased that the projects selected will do exactly that.
“I look forward to working with the people that will be running the events during the next stage, and I cannot wait to see the excitement these community focused events will generate across the borough.”
The successful projects are:
Mobile Arts Gallery in south Ribble bringing local stories, heritage and young artistic spaces
Delivered by Dal Dasilva Vicente, this project will support young and emerging artists to create work exploring South Ribble's identity, heritage and local stories. The Mobile Arts Gallery will take arts activities into public spaces, schools and community venues, making creative experiences more accessible to residents.
The Community Drumming Choir
Led by Kodjo Mandeng, this initiative will use West African drumming to bring people together through music, cultural exchange and shared experiences. Workshops and performances will take place in schools, community venues and local events across South Ribble.
South Ribble Women's wellbeing, health and safety day
Delivered by Grace Gudgeon, this inclusive event will celebrate women's wellbeing, creativity and community resilience. The programme will feature workshops, performances, wellbeing activities and discussions designed to support and empower women and underrepresented groups.
UDevelop Creativity
Created by Caroline Greer, this immersive exhibition will explore how creativity can help tackle isolation, improve wellbeing and strengthen community connections. Through personal stories and creative experiences, visitors will discover the transformative impact of arts participation.
Leyland Community Film Club
Delivered by Ed Greenberg, this six-month pilot programme will bring independent, family and community-focused film screenings to South Ribble. The project aims to create new opportunities for residents to connect, learn and experience diverse stories through cinema.
Longton VM Cultural Events Programme 2026/27
Led by Howard Patterson, this six-month programme will deliver 17 cultural events ranging from theatre and crafts to live music, film nights and family entertainment. The initiative will support increased community participation and provide more opportunities for residents to enjoy cultural experiences locally.
The Cultural Events Fund forms part of the council's commitment to supporting culture, creativity and community engagement across the borough. The funded projects will be delivered between summer 2026 and spring 2027, helping to create new opportunities for residents to participate in and enjoy a vibrant programme of cultural activity.