Lancaster community centre set to celebrate Lowest Point Festival

Lowest Point Festival is set to return to a Lancaster community centre.

The event will take place at Barton Road Community Centre this Saturday.

Lowest Point Festival started in 2023 to compliment the Highest Point Festival held at Williamson Park just up the road.

The festival will feature music from Lancaster Music Centre’s Big Band,, local guitarist Andy Creevy and the centre’s very own award winning Barton Road Community Choir.

There will also be lots of home-made cake, a craft stall, Peter Macari will be there selling ice cream from his van in the back garden, the battle re-enactment group will be battling on the field, the Mayor will be there and weather-permitting, the cafe will move outside into the garden which has seen major improvements this summer thanks to a committed group of very green fingered garden volunteers.

“The Lowest Point Festival is coming together really well - all of our acts who are all giving their time for free to support the centre," said Michael Hind, community co-ordinator.

"I’m looking forward to opening the doors on Saturday and welcoming regulars and first timers to Barton Road.

“Running a festival here gives us the opportunity to showcase some of the great things that go on at the centre - it really is a brilliant, vibrant community space.

"I’ve been amazed at the variety of things which goes on here - from the monthly Bonsai Group to the Battle Re-enactment Group - there really is something for everyone - and for some people it’s a real lifeline!”

The Barton Road Community Choir have been rehearsing their set for Saturday and are ready to take to the stage.

The choir, which won the title of Lancashire’s People’s Choice Choir of the Year last year, has grown to a 50 strong membership.

Last month, they sang with Aled Jones at the Grand Theatre.

“The thing is, I can turn up to choir on a Friday evening feeling tired and weary and two hours later I can leave skipping up the road!" said Linda Smith from the choir.

"Singing with Barton Road Choir is such good fun - they should probably prescribe it on the NHS!”

Janine Bebbington, chair of trustees, said people have loved the idea of the Lowest Point Festival.

"It seemed to capture their imaginations - especially when ticket holders were issued with glow sticks and our performers were given lanyards on arrival," she said.

It’s all daft! But it’s also a grand opportunity to celebrate the centre which is used by so many people across the community.”

Tickets are £5. Call Michael on the ticket hotline 01524 65622 to book your place.