For our first edition, we asked for submissions along the theme of ‘Winter Warmth and Festivities’, and the breadth of submissions bowled us over. From alternative Christmas celebrations being hosted by local organisations to beautiful photographs, poetry, and personal essays, this issue is a reflection not only of everything this time of year means to us but also of our town and all the stories it holds.

That is what we aim to do, not only with this first edition, but going forward: we want the Burnley ViewPoint to be a place that captures and reflects the voices, creativity, and hearts of our communities. To be a place where the stories that really matter to us can be told and shared. A place that cuts through the noise of clickbait and misleading headlines. 

And we weren’t the only ones with this view in mind. Our editor, Ajaz Qureshi, was keen to take our ideas directly to the people of Burnley and ask them what they wanted to see from a new online Burnley magazine.

‘We need something for local people by local people,’ Andrew, one of the local Burnley folk we interviewed, said. ‘Most of the things I know have come from word of mouth. I’d love a place where I could share those things. Perhaps monthly.’  

And perhaps, we can make this happen. 

The idea for Burnley ViewPoint first came about as part of a Burnley Words Festival workshop in June 2023. Several enthusiastic Burnley writers joined MagNorth in the Down Town meeting room for a morning discussion on Hyperlocal Journalism. The energy in the room was palpable, and it was clear that there was not only the appetite for something new (although what that ‘something new’ was - was yet to be discovered) but also the talent and enthusiasm to make it happen.

Burnley Words Festival Creative Producer, Stephie Jessop, said, ‘It was clear to me that in what was planned as a one-off workshop, we’d hit on something that people were excited about. Something that our local creatives not only wanted to contribute to, but to consume as well.’ 

Fast forward to Autumn 2024 (sometimes, good things take time), and thanks to Shared Prosperity Funding from Burnley Borough Council, and Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Volunteering Service, we have been working with Burnley Words Festival and MagNorth to bring together a group of local volunteer writers, editors, and creatives to hash out those ‘something new’ ideas a little further.

‘I already feel there is a tremendous buzz around town, with the people of Burnley who have so much they want to say and share, and where better to do that, than a local online magazine that is more than just a good read. I have no doubt it will soon become the central hub where voices, views and inspirations converge like a meet up in a coffee lounge.  It’s mega exciting.’ - Tommy A. 

We are committed to being a platform that showcases local stories and local talent, balancing news stories and coverage of events with poetry, art, and illustration. A place on the internet that truly gives you the space to reflect.

Thank you to everyone who contributed, whether by an idea, a submission, or an act of service. This issue would not have been possible without you. A special thank you is reserved for Colin Petch, whose guidance has been invaluable and pivotal in getting to this stage.

We will be publishing regular open call-outs, but we also need people to join our core volunteer team. If you feel passionate about what we are doing at the Burnley ViewPoint, we would love your help. We especially need people with expertise or an interest in marketing, social media, and/or website management. 

So, if you’d like to be a part of shaping the Burnley ViewPoint right from the beginning, please get in touch hello@burnleyviewpoint.com

We hope you enjoy this first festive offering. We will be back in the new year with more.

The Burnley ViewPoint Team

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Image - Andy Pritchard