Friday, February 27, 2026

Introducing ‘The Spark’, a new community‑led engagement programme shaping the future of culture, heritage and arts

‘The Spark’ is West Lancashire Borough Council’s new initiative bringing together residents, creatives, community groups and local organisations to help shape a bold new Heritage, Culture and Arts Strategy for the Borough.

The Spark’s cultural engagement programme has been running from December 2025 to March 2026 which ignited conversations about what culture means to West Lancashire today and what it could become tomorrow.

The Spark has already brought together residents, creatives, community groups and local organisations to explore what culture means to West Lancashire and how it can thrive in the years ahead.

Through a series of themed roundtable discussions, Borough‑wide surveys, and a two‑day Community Summit in March, participants will explore opportunities to:

Celebrate and strengthen our shared cultural identity

Support and grow the Borough’s creative industries

Enhance community wellbeing through inclusive cultural activity

Over recent months, participants have taken part in themed roundtables covering:

Making music

Celebrating our heritage and architecture

Performing arts and theatre

Film‑making and spoken word

Visual arts and crafts

These sessions have sparked rich discussions, surfaced shared priorities, and highlighted the depth of creative talent and cultural pride across West Lancashire. Insights from the roundtables are now being gathered and analysed to inform the next stage of the programme.

Councillor Melissa Parlour, Lead Member for Economic Regeneration and Green Growth, said: “The response to The Spark so far has been inspiring. The roundtables have shown just how much creativity, pride and passion there is across West Lancashire.

“People from across the borough have come forward with ideas about how we celebrate our heritage, support our creative industries and improve the wellbeing of our communities.

“As we look ahead to the two-day Summit on the 25 and 26 March, we’re excited to build on this energy and work together on a Heritage, Culture and Arts Strategy that truly reflects the voices of our residents.”

The journey continues with open surveys to gain feedback from the community and the upcoming Community Summit, where residents, partners and cultural practitioners will come together to build on the ideas generated so far.

This event will play a central role in shaping the final Heritage, Culture and Arts Strategy, ensuring it reflects the voices, ambitions and lived experiences of the community.

There is still time for residents, creatives, and organisations to take part in shaping West Lancashire’s cultural future.

Learn more about the spark here: https://bit.ly/4aXWsta