Marsden Heights at Pendle Festival of Culture and Peace Walk

Tammy Quinn / 07 July 2025 / Categories: General

Marsden Heights Community College students showcased their talents, teamwork, and commitment to community engagement at this year's Pendle Festival of Culture and Peace Walk.

The event, held in Nelson and Brierfield, celebrated local culture through a vibrant day of family fun, food, music, and community arts.

Students from the Eco Duniya, Marsden Makers, and Positive Voices groups teamed up with Community and Youth staff to support a range of festival activities. In preparation, they familiarised themselves with the festival’s schedule and coordinated their efforts across a community stalls and activities.

Positive Voices, who partnered with InSitu and Super Slow Way to help “paint and decorate” the town. The group transformed local flowerbeds by planting edible plants and fruit bushes, arranged greenery across the city centre, and showed off their creativity through chalk drawings along the streets.

Super Slow Way said:

“Thanks to all who joined us and shout out to Positive Voices from Marsden Heights who really got stuck in!”

Students were also involved in Drift Radio’s vlog recording project. Having undergone training in interviewing and radio broadcasting, students put their new skills to the test by capturing public opinions on the festival and the local area.

Special recognition goes to Hayah, Husnain, Gabriel, and Airida (Year 8) and Jess (Year 10), who impressed with their confidence and ability to engage with community members.

The festival also welcomed national assessors from the Nature Calling initiative, a project taking place in only four areas across the UK. Representing Marsden Heights, Ali (Year 10), Aleem, and Mohammed (Year 8) spoke with assessors, local farmers and community members, contributing to the conversation.

The day concluded with the powerful Peace Walk, a symbolic journey from Brierfield to Nelson. In collaboration with Building Bridges, all student groups created and carried a specially designed flag bearing messages of unity and hope.

Well done to everyone involved!