New event to celebrate Chorley’s nighttime economy

Chorley’s streets will come alive to the sound of music and entertainment in October as a new one-off event will be held to encourage people to support local businesses.

Chorley’s Big Weekend – on Friday 1 October and Saturday 2 October – will replace the popular Chorley Live event as a one-off to allow modifications to the usual format given the impact of Covid-19 and any restrictions we may face as a result.

Organisers Chorley Council have been working with venues and the Creative Network to come up with a new format that will help give people a variety of options to enjoy the event while ensuring the nighttime businesses get the boost that Chorley Live has provided in the past.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader of Chorley Council, said: “We know Chorley Live is extremely popular and it has been great to see so many people enjoying the events we have put on so far since restrictions started to ease.

“Chorley Live would have been the first major indoor event we would have hosted and so to allow more flexibility we have adapted the event as a one-off to offer something for those who are still cautious about visiting busy indoor venues while still giving that boost to the nighttime economy too.

“We’ve been brilliant at adapting to whatever circumstances we have faced as a community so far during the pandemic and I’m sure the weekend will be just as enjoyable as Chorley Live, albeit a bit different.”

The main changes to the event will see:

• A mix of indoor and outdoor venues with more outdoor spaces for people to enjoy
• Performances will be timed to suit the venue and not follow the usual timetabled programme
• It will be free entry for all visitors with no wristbands required for entry

A list of venues taking part in the event is being drawn up and details will be shared in the coming weeks.

“One benefit we have seen during the pandemic is that more people have been supporting local businesses and we encourage as many people as possible to come out and visit our pubs, restaurants and other entertainment venues that many people might not have been to for some time,” added Cllr Wilson.

“The hospitality sector has struggled more than most and if we want to keep these venues that give us places to go and relax open for the longer term we have all got to go and support them – they are a part of our community and provide jobs for local people.

“One of the benefits of the format change is that we will include any venues putting on entertainment right across the borough, so if you run a pub or restaurant and put something on that weekend we’ll help to promote it with everything else that is taking part that weekend whether you are in the town centre or not.”

Venues or performers interested in taking part can contact Chorley Council on [email protected] as soon as they can.