The first-ever Gather@ Festival landed in Rossendale with a brilliant lineup of live music. Here are some of the highlights: Hollyhead at the Blind Tiger was a great start to the weekend. The Manchester four-piece brought plenty of energy, with a sharp, tight post-punk set that had the Rawtenstall crowd well and truly awake. Later on, Dave McCabe (pictured) played a stripped-back set at the Horse & Bamboo. It's rare to see the Zutons frontman in such a small theatre setting.

Hitting seven years in business is a massive achievement anywhere, but keeping an independent shop thriving on a local high street deserves a proper nod. Especially when said high street has undergone a rather huge refurbishment! So, a big happy birthday to Unscripted on Deardengate in Haslingden, who are well on their way to a decade of keeping the valley well-dressed. We popped by the shop chat with owner and stylist Selene to check out their anniversary setup, see their ne

Rossendale’s getting a new festival this summer, and it sounds like is going to be mega. Gather@ is set to run across the valley from 26th to 28th June, with live music, workshops and community events popping up in places including Edenfield, Haslingden, Rawtenstall, Waterfoot and Stacksteads. A lot of it will be free too, which makes it even more accessible. There’s a strong local feel to it, but the line-up also brings in some brilliant names from further afield, including

I spent some time with Krissy at her studio recently, and it’s exactly what you’d hope a creative space in the Valley would be. She’s set up in a corner studio of an old mill - Park Mill in Helmshore - all high ceilings, white-painted walls, and massive windows that let the natural light pour in. But the real standout isn't the building; it’s the fact that every inch of the space is covered in her work. It’s a proper explosion of colour. During the visit, we talked about wher

The first Rawtenstall Beer Festival landed at the Masonic Hall recently, curated by Gary at Chuffin’ Ale and sponsored by Terminus Technologies. It was a day built on two things: top-tier Northern beer and a great atmosphere. The drink selection was handpicked, and it showed. We had some heavy hitters from across the North, including Bayonet, Brid’s Cross, Colbier, Silent Mill, State of Kind, and SteelFish. Whether you were after a craft beer or a cider from Grumpy John’s, th

The Let’s Talk Project CIC has secured 420 native saplings from the Woodland Trust to support a new community-led riverside planting project in Bacup, Lancashire. The Let's Talk Project CIC, which is based in Bacup, is a community interest company providing emotional support and listening services to adults and young people. It offers a non-judgmental, volunteer-led service for individuals to talk when struggling, aimed at preventing people from navigating tough times alone.

I’m a little late to the party visiting The Circle Bacup, so I put that right this week, popping in on the opening of their new retail mezzanine featuring work from local creatives such as - Nutritional Beauty, Teddy & Cow Gifts and Miss Sophia Jewellery It’s a calm, considered space and one that feels like it totally belongs in town. The Circle is an art, cultural and heritage centre based in Bacup, built around community use, a café and a growing programme of events. It’s h

If you’re a local business owner looking for a networking group in Rossendale that’s genuinely useful, Rossendale Vibes Networking was created with you in mind. We meet on the second Tuesday of every month at Ninja Coffee , bringing together freelancers, sole traders and small business owners from across the Rossendale Valley. Tickets are £10, keeping the sessions accessible while making sure they’re focused, well run and worth the time out of your working day. The emphasis

Live music, local art, handmade crafts, street food, mulled wine, and proper Rossendale community spirit — Music & Makers is set to be one of the most exciting new events this autumn. Expect a day packed with sound, colour, and creativity. From bold illustrations and expressive paintings to soulful live performances, this is a celebration of local talent in all its forms. A Showcase of Local Talent You’ll find incredible artists like Caroline Johnson , known for her lively s

Want to experience the best pumpkin spice stuff the Valley has to offer this autumn? From handmade treats to woodland wanders, here are a few local finds guaranteed to get you feeling all warm and autumnal inside. Peers Clough Farm – The Pumpkin Hunt A 200-year-old family farm set in 70 acres of pasture and woodland and this autumn it’s full of hidden pumpkins. Their Pumpkin Hunt is a self-guided trail through enchanted woodland. Round up your crew, grab your wellies and came

From Haslingden to Crawshawbooth - and now Bacup... Ninja Coffee has officially opened its third Rossendale shop, this time on St James...

Artist Marjan Wouda created the striking 3.6m steel sculpture “Sir Hare” , which stood tall outside Whitaker Museum in 2023. Locals and...

Waterfoot Yard - Community cafe and co-operative maker's space Disha and Neil welcome you to Waterfoot Yard! Built in the 1840s as a...

What an amazing turn out for the Rossendale Hospice Gin & Ale Trail! The fundraising team have done a fantastic job in raising over...

Rossendale Vibes Walking Club on the 58th Annual Round the Hills Walk. The 58th Round the Hills Walk... what a day. The annual Round the...

Jamie Soule - Founder and Managing Director of Rossendale Vibes - doesn't like having his photo taken! 🤣 Hiya, I'm Jamie - Founder and...

Join Rossendale Vibes Walking Club on Strava and discover the hidden parts of the Valley. We’ve set up the Rossendale Vibes Walking Club...