THE weekend success of Blackburn's second National Festival of Making has ensured it will become a regular event.

Its director Wayne Hemingway said the huge attendance in bright sunshine confirmed his ambition for it to become a regular fixture in the town's calendar.

The only question to be discussed was whether to hold it every year or two years, the Blackburn-raised international designer said.

Initial estimates suggest up to 60,000 people, double last year's figure, packed the town centre for the two-day festival generating more than £1million in income for traders.

With more than 160 events ,it fulfilled organisers' hopes it would be ''even bigger and better' than last year's initial festival.

Mr Hemingway, 57, said: "When you hold an event once you don't know if it is going work long-term. When you have a second successful year, you know.

"I am confident that the National Festival of Making will become a regular event.

"The question is whether to hold it annually or every two years.

"It's a huge logistical and organisational challenge and we have set the bar very high. We need to ensure we can maintain the standard.

"It will remain free, it will remain in Blackburn and I am staying as director.

"Blackburn has been kind to me and its time to pay that kindness back.

"In the first year we had 30 volunteer 'Festival Makers' helping people on the streets and this year there were more than 70. In total more than 500 people volunteered to get involved in the festival which show how the town has taken it to heart.

"We have seen how opening The Cotton Exchange to visitors last year has helped it get back into use and this year opening up Tony's Ballroom for Martyn Ware's soundscape has opened people's eyes to its potential.

"The Festival has show that art is fun, culture is run, history is fun, and above all making is fun.

"There has been fantastic feedback from families and children about getting involved in creating things with their hands."

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Borough regeneration boss, said: "It was just a belting weekend.

"We are delighted that Wayne wants to make the Festival of Making a regular event in the town.

"Our preference is for an annual event as we believe it has built up a momentum, but this is an issue we need to discuss with Wayne and his team."

Mr Hemingway added: "I think this year has cemented the festival as part of the town's life and put is helping cement Blackburn's confidence and its place as somewhere to visit.

"People coming to the town for the first time or coming back after several years are saying what a great place it is."