The Spark! West Lancashire’s Heritage & Culture Engagement Programme

West Lancashire Borough Council is developing a new Culture, Heritage, and Arts strategy to celebrate and strengthen the borough’s cultural identity, support creative industries, and enhance community wellbeing.

To ensure this strategy reflects the voices of our communities, the Council is launching The Spark!, an engagement programme running from December 2025 to March 2026.

The Culture, Heritage, and Arts Strategy will:

Strengthen West Lancashire’s cultural offer ahead of Local Government Reorganisation.

Support local creative industries and heritage assets.

Enhance community wellbeing and civic pride.

Engagement Activities:

Roundtable Discussions:

The Spark roundtables will bring together local practitioners, organisations and community representatives to explore opportunities and challenges in each sector.

Next roundtable:

Theme - Performing Arts & Theatre

Thursday 5 February 2026

The Civic, Ormskirk

If you would like to be involved, please contact TheSpark@westlancs.gov.uk

Surveys:

Two surveys will be launched from 23 February to 23 March to gather views from across the Borough:

Creators & Performers Survey - to understand needs, aspirations, and barriers in the cultural sector.

Resident Survey - to gather community views on cultural activities and heritage experiences.

Summit Event (March 2026):

The Spark will host a two-day Summit in March 2026, held in an unconference format. This participatory approach means attendees set the agenda and propose workshops on the day, ensuring diverse voices shape the strategy.

Get involved!

Your voice matters. Whether you are a resident, creative practitioner, heritage organisation, or community group, there are many ways to take part in The Spark:

Attend a roundtable discussion.

Complete the surveys from 23 February to 23 March.

Join the Summit in March.

Share information with your networks.