During the financial year the company delivered four community events and collaborated with Blackrod Town Council on a fifth event, providing free and inclusive opportunities for local residents to come together and participate. May 2025: VE80 celebrations – the company supported celebrations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day, including concerts in Horwich and Blackrod with brass band, piper, choir and refreshments. Attendance was approximately 500. 21st June 2025: Horwich Rox – a free community music festival incorporating a road closure, street music and performances, 14 stalls, two street performance areas and 14 local venues, each hosting three live music acts. Estimated attendance was 5,500. The event received very positive feedback and is intended to become an annual event. August 2025: Festival of Horwich – a free community festival with live music, community choirs and dance groups, soloists and bands, alongside local businesses and community stalls. Approximately 6,500 people attended. September 2025: Festival of Blackrod – delivered in collaboration with Blackrod Town Council and the first such festival in Blackrod. The event included live music, community and business stalls, inflatables, fairground rides, competitions, a dog show, exotic petting zoo, creative activities and food and drink. Attendance was approximately 4,400. December 2025: Christmas Markets in Horwich and Blackrod – free community markets featuring live street performances, Santa’s Grotto, stalls, competitions, food and coffee vans, together with the annual Horwich Christmas Treasure Hunt. Attendance was approximately 1,500. The activities benefited the community by bringing residents together, promoting local groups, charities, businesses and performers, encouraging community cohesion and providing accessible events regardless of background. The company’s directors work on a voluntary basis. Evidence of community impact from 2025 attendee surveys: Anonymous post-event surveys provided direct evidence of the benefits of the events: For Festival of Horwich, 123 of 125 respondents to the relevant question said the event brought the community together; 120 respondents said it made them feel part of and proud of their community. In addition, 110 respondents said that being a free festival was important, and 89 selected the benefit of enjoying the event without worrying about affordability. Respondents also reported reconnecting with old friends (68), making new connections (42), and becoming more aware of community groups, organisations and charities (71). For Horwich Rox, 229 of 231 respondents said the event brought the community together, while 226 of 230 said it made them feel part of and proud of their community. Free attendance was important to 194 respondents. Respondents also selected benefits including greater awareness of the local community (121), reconnecting with friends (88), making new connections (44), and a sense of togetherness (137). These findings support the company’s aim of promoting social cohesion, local pride and accessible community participation. Survey responses are indicative of those who chose to respond and are not presented as representative of all attendees.

The company’s stakeholders include local residents and event attendees, community groups and charities, local businesses, performers, volunteers, stewards, sponsors and local authorities, including Horwich and Blackrod Town Councils. Stakeholders were engaged through direct liaison and event planning, collaboration with community organisations and local businesses, social media interaction and anonymous post-event surveys. Two surveys were conducted following the 2025 Festival of Horwich (128 survey records, with responses varying by question) and Horwich ROX (231 survey records). The feedback was strongly supportive: 123 of 125 respondents wanted another Festival of Horwich and 229 of 231 wanted another Horwich ROX. The Festival of Horwich was rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 by 122 respondents; the Horwich ROX street festival and venue music were rated 4.3 and 4.48 out of 5 respectively by those answering those questions. The surveys also identified priorities for future planning. At Festival of Horwich, 63 respondents requested more retail stalls from small local businesses, 44 more community stalls, 38 wildlife or animal educational displays and 10 selected improved disability access. At Horwich ROX, 158 supported expanding into Lee Lane, 140 wanted more small-business retail stalls, 128 additional stages, 115 more community stalls, 103 public toilets and 26 selected improved disability access. These are requests and suggestions rather than completed changes. The company will use this feedback when considering the content, accessibility, facilities and development of future events, subject to resources, permissions and feasibility. The consultation reinforces the importance of retaining free access and continuing to work with local businesses and community groups.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration