Football fever is set to sweep through Accrington town centre once again this Saturday as Hyndburn’s hugely successful International Football Celebration reaches its exciting finale.
Following two fantastic weekends which have attracted thousands of visitors to the town centre, Broadway will once again be transformed into a football-themed family destination from 10am to 3pm, packed with free activities, giveaways and special guests.
Families can enjoy a host of free attractions throughout the day, including FREE face painting and FREE hair braiding to help supporters get match ready ahead of England’s final group game against Panama later in the evening.
The popular football challenge at the Accrington Stanley Community Trust goal will return, giving visitors the chance to test their skills and win one of 20 free replica footballs by scoring three goals in a row, while stocks last.
There will be plenty of free giveaways throughout the day, including a small quantity of FREE football horns, bucket hats and flyaway footballs, alongside 100 free ice creams available from 10am on a first come, first served basis.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to enter a free prize draw featuring an impressive range of prizes, including a PlayStation 5, a 50-inch television, an England shirt and a copy of EA Sports FC 26.
Adding to the international flavour of the event, Accrington Stanley Women’s Pakistan international Sanah Mehdi will be making a special appearance at 12pm, meeting supporters, posing for photographs and autograph signings.
Children aged 10 and under can also enjoy a special football storytelling experience throughout the day, with storytelling sessions taking place at 11am, 12pm and 1pm inside the event’s international-themed teepee, surrounded by a spectacular display of flags from around the world.
Each session will celebrate the values that make football such a powerful force for good, including togetherness, friendship and kindness, with interactive stories and musical instruments helping to bring the experience to life for younger visitors.
Adding an extra touch of magic, the football storytelling sessions will feature a special appearance from Sven, a realistic baby reindeer from Norway, helping to celebrate Norway’s success in the World Cup so far and adding to the event’s international atmosphere.
At 2pm, there will be a special football sticker album giveaway, with 100 sticker albums and 100 packs of stickers available to U12s on a first come, first served basis. This will also be a chance for collectors to swap their spare stickers.
The event will also provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of Accrington. A dedicated engagement stand will allow visitors to share their views on how the town’s £20 million Pride in Place funding should be invested, while children will be encouraged to contribute their ideas via a special whiteboard activity and through the use of Lego.
Residents can also submit their views online here: www.rdf.agency/hyndburn-feedback/
Sami Smithson, Chair of the Accrington Neighbourhoods Board, said: “It has been fantastic to see so many people coming together in Accrington town centre over the last two weekends and embracing the spirit of this international celebration, with the fabulous attractions and events that the team has delivered.”
Cllr Munsif Dad, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “We have another great day planned this Saturday, with plenty of free activities and attractions for families and football fans to enjoy. With England playing later in the evening, it’s a wonderful opportunity to start the celebrations early, enjoy everything on offer in the town centre and be part of a really positive community event.”
The second International Football Celebration event, held last weekend, also proved a huge success. Visitors enjoyed taking on the football challenge, while Accrington Stanley Women players took part in a popular meet-and-greet session that included a keepy-up challenge with young football fans.
A special international flag trail around Accrington Market also attracted significant interest, with more than 1200 stallholder visits as families explored the market and searched for flags from around the world.
The events are part of the Pride in Place project which will invest £20m into Accrington town centre, run by the Accrington Pride in Place board in partnership with Hyndburn Borough Council and funded by the UK Government.
