Organised by the St Helens Archive Service as part of the Creative Underground project, the festival featured 32 exhibition stalls showcasing the area’s diverse heritage, from its industrial roots in mining and glassmaking to its significant contributions to the railway and rugby league.

A vintage bus from the North West Museum of Road Transport and classic cars displayed outside the town hall captivated attendees, while traditional Victorian entertainment group, The Extraordinary Victorians, performed songs from remisient of the time, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere.

Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture, and Heritage, expressed his delight at the festival’s success, noting that the event attracted visitors from across the Liverpool City Region and beyond.

The festival’s success highlights the community’s deep appreciation for its heritage and the importance of preserving and celebrating the stories that have shaped St Helens.

The event honoured the past and fostered a sense of pride and unity among residents, highlighting the borough’s enduring legacy in the heart of Merseyside, whether it is mining, canals or Merseyside Break Dancing history. 

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The announcement of funding to support children and young people through investment in breakfast clubs and support for elite and grassroots sport through investment in multi-use facilities are welcomed by the sector, as a way to encourage greater daily physical activity for all generations.

Integral to this is a highly skilled sport and physical activity sector workforce, and the recognition today of the role of skills development in driving economic growth is positive.

The NSPG (National Sector Partners Group has continually demonstrated the value of increasing levels of physical activity among the population in direct savings for the NHS, increased productivity and wellbeing benefits. Sport England’s recent social value report detailed that our sector is directly responsible for generating over £100 billion in social value and relieving pressure on the NHS through £10.5 billion a year in health and social care savings. 

Sources: Chancellors Autumn Budget, NAVCA, Youth Sport Trust and The NSPG