The National Festival of Making delivered a host of activities, displays and celebrations as it returned to Blackburn after a two-year hiatus.

Five local schools were invited to bring a small group of chosen GCSE/A Level Art & Design (or similar) pupils/students to experience the National Festival of Making artworks and exhibitions. Each school group was guided around the exhibitions, listened to live talks and took part in Q&A sessions with each Artist.

It was an action-packed day that included a tour of the Blackburn College Fine Art Degree Show, an exhibition view of articulations by Hannah Leighton Boyce at the Cotton Exchange, a guided exhibition tour of Zimoun at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery and a tour of and talk with Jamie Holman and his Lancashire Tapestry at Blackburn Cathedral whose artwork tapestry Voices- 70 Years was a Royal Commission and features Her Majesty the Queen, a former Head of QEGS  and a former pupil opening Queens wing.

After lunch pupils took part in a ‘Fantastical Thoughts’ workshop at Space fifty-nine and an exhibition view/talk with artist Liz Wilson.

Mr Windle, Art teacher, accompanied the group and said ‘Our pupils were a joy to be with all day. They were polite, questioning – when required – and engaged in all activities. Their smart appearance was complimented by their kind and thoughtful manner towards all venue staff.  All were a credit to the school and themselves.’

‘The trip was spectacular, I enjoyed everything. I’m so inspired’ Juhara H

‘I found the trip really educational and inspired me to do better in Art’ Rebecca F

A thoroughly enjoyable day!