Visitors to Blackburn will be able to try their hand at new activities and gain valuable advice on how to lead a healthier lifestyle as part of the first Workouts and Wellbeing Festival.

The week-long festival, running 23-29 March, includes over 60 sessions aimed at people aged eight to over 80 and is being hosted by a number of organisations across Blackburn town centre.

Led by Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID), with partners including Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackburn Youth Zone, re:fresh, Blackburn Central Library, Newground, Creative Support, Age UK Blackburn With Darwen, Masters of Martial Arts, Care Network, Lancashire Mind, The Mall, and The Billy Project.

The programme includes drop-in sessions about nutrition and healthy eating, and the opportunity to try out fitness and wellbeing activities like five-a-side football, singing for wellbeing, a climbing wall, street cricket, tai-chi, cycling, badminton, and dementia friendly swimming.

Catherine Price, Blackburn BID manager, said: “We have such a wide variety of activities available in Blackburn town centre and this is the ideal way to showcase them. All the partners are really looking forward to introducing people to something new that will benefit their health and wellbeing.

“The festival was arranged to coincide with the National Workouts and Wellbeing Week. If it’s as popular as we expect, we hope it will become an annual event.”

Details about the Blackburn Workouts and Wellbeing Festival are available on the Blackburn BID website and will be promoted on the event partners social media. All the events are FREE to attend.

Loraine Jones, General Manager at The Mall Blackburn, said: “The Workouts and Wellbeing Festival is a fantastic initiative that is being supported by companies and organisations across the town, so naturally we are delighted to be involved.

“The packed line-up really does have something for everyone, and we are looking forward to seeing people take part in the wide range of activities we are hosting here in The Mall.”

Kerry Cameron from the Billy Project – which caters for women aged 16+, living in Blackburn with Darwen who have been identified as vulnerable or isolated – said: “Exercise isn’t just about keeping fit. It’s great for your mental health, meeting people, reducing your risk of illnesses later in life and inspiring others.

“The Workout & Wellbeing Festival is a great opportunity for the community to come together and try new activities, learn about health and wellbeing and see it’s never too late to get fit and lead a healthier lifestyle.”

Victoria McCoy, Health Improvement Officer with the re:fresh team, added: “We encourage everyone to move in their own way and there will be something for all ages and abilities.”

Printed programmes for the event are available from around the town centre, including the Ask Me Point in The Mall, Blackburn Central Library and the Leisure Centre.

Alternatively, you can download it from www.blackburnbid.co.uk/wellbeing.