Help Us Tell Burnley's Hidden Stories

Burnley ViewPoint was created to provide a platform for the stories, voices and experiences that shape our town. Over the past two years, we've published writing, photography, interviews and creative work from local contributors, creating a space where people can share their perspectives and celebrate the communities, places and projects that make Burnley unique.

Now we're looking to take the next step.

We are currently crowdfunding to create a new printed edition of Burnley ViewPoint, a 24-page magazine focused on uncovering and sharing hidden stories from across Burnley. These might be stories of community volunteers, local changemakers, people who have moved to Burnley and built a life here, or projects quietly making a difference that deserve greater recognition.

Alongside the printed publication, the project will support a programme of journalism and writing workshops, helping new contributors develop skills, confidence and experience in telling stories. We want to reach people who may never have considered themselves writers before and create opportunities for more voices to be heard.

As editor Ajaz Qureshi puts it:

"The ViewPoint wasn't interested in giving out narratives as much as it was interested in discovering them and sharing them back out into the world."

That belief has always been at the heart of Burnley ViewPoint. We are creating opportunities for local people to tell their own stories and share their own experiences.

The project will also support local creative talent by commissioning a designer to work on the publication and will result in 1,000 free copies being distributed through libraries, colleges, cafés, community venues and public spaces across Burnley.

For Holly, one of our volunteer editors, the project has already had a significant impact:

"It has had a great effect on my confidence and sharing my own words with our community."

As Burnley prepares for the next Burnley Words Festival during Year of Culture in 2027, we believe these stories matter more than ever. They help us celebrate the people who make our town what it is, strengthen local pride and create connections between communities that might not otherwise meet.

Burnley ViewPoint has always been a community project. The support we have received so far demonstrates how much people value having a platform dedicated to local stories, local creativity and local voices.

If we reach our crowdfunding target, we will be able to create the next printed edition, support new contributors through workshops and continue growing Burnley ViewPoint as a sustainable, community-led platform for storytelling.

As another member of the editorial team, Tommy Alfred, wrote:

"It really is about them, about this place and about local life."

If you'd like to help us uncover and share the next chapter of Burnley's story, we'd love your support.

Find out more about our Crowdfunding campaign and donate now at: https://www.spacehive.com/burnley-viewpoint-hidden-stories-of-burnley

‍