Burnley ViewPoint is a community-led magazine and online platform dedicated to sharing the stories, voices and experiences that shape our town. Managed by Burnley Words Festival and supported by a team of volunteer editors, the project has spent the last two years publishing writing, photography, interviews and creative work from local contributors. We are currently crowdfunding to create a new printed edition focused on uncovering hidden stories from across Burnley, while also providing journalism and writing workshops to support new contributors. With less than £900 left to raise, we asked members of the Burnley ViewPoint editorial team to reflect on what the project means to them and why they believe it matters.
Why Burnley ViewPoint Matters
When we launched Burnley ViewPoint, we weren’t simply creating a magazine. We were creating a space for local people to tell their own stories.
Too often, Burnley is talked about by people from outside the town. We wanted to create a platform that celebrated the people, places, projects and experiences that make Burnley what it is, through the voices of those who know it best. Since launching online, Burnley ViewPoint has published writing, photography, interviews and creative work from contributors across the community. Last year, we took the next step and produced our first printed edition.
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Copies quickly disappeared from libraries, cafés and community spaces. Contributors saw their work published, in some cases for the very first time, and readers saw familiar places and experiences reflected back at them.
As we work towards a second printed edition, we asked some of the volunteer editors who have helped shape Burnley ViewPoint what the project means to them.
For Holly, Burnley ViewPoint has been a chance to develop confidence and discover new possibilities as a writer and creative practitioner. Through contributing her own work and joining the editorial team, she has developed new skills and found greater belief in her own voice.
“Being a part of Burnley ViewPoint is letting me grow into who I am, as an artist and speaker for the outstanding projects we have nestled in our town.”
Holly Craig, ViewPoint volunteer editor
For writer and editor Ajaz Qureshi, Burnley ViewPoint fills an important gap. He describes it as a space where stories can be discovered rather than dictated, allowing local people to share their own experiences and perspectives. He believes the project helps connect people who may never otherwise meet, while creating a lasting record of Burnley’s people, places and concerns.
“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.”
Ajaz Qureshi, ViewPoint Volunteer Editor
Tommy Alfred reflected on arriving in Burnley and quickly recognising the wealth of untold stories that exist within the town. From community projects and local achievements to everyday acts of kindness and resilience, Burnley ViewPoint provides a place where those stories can be shared, celebrated and preserved.
“The online edition has got people interested, and the printed version has got people excited.”
Tommy Alfred, ViewPoint volunteer Editor
What unites all three reflections is a belief that Burnley ViewPoint is about more than publishing. It is about participation. It is about confidence. It is about local pride. Most importantly, it is about ensuring that local people have the opportunity to tell their own stories.
As Burnley looks ahead to the Year of Culture in 2027, we believe these stories matter more than ever.
We are currently crowdfunding for a new printed edition of Burnley ViewPoint, focused on uncovering hidden stories from across the town. The project will support new contributors through journalism and writing workshops, commission local creative talent, and distribute 1,000 free copies across Burnley.
If you would like to support the next chapter of Burnley ViewPoint, you can find out more and make a pledge through our crowdfunding campaign.
Supporting Burnley ViewPoint will have an impact beyond a single publication. The success of this campaign will demonstrate that local people value community storytelling and want to see more cultural opportunities in Burnley, helping us attract future investment and develop new projects through Burnley Words Festival. Every contribution helps us create the next edition while building a stronger foundation for literary and cultural activity across the town.