GATHER@ is a multi-venue music and culture festival produced by LATER@ LIVE CIC, bringing established artists and emerging talent to independent venues across Rossendale.
Our first festival took place on 26–28 June 2026, with more than 35 artists across 10 venues, seven free events and a 60% female-led programme. Three headline shows at Horse & Bamboo sold out, while audiences explored live music, workshops and creative activities across the Valley.
The programme included Dave McCabe, John Bramwell, Muireann Bradley, Dominie Hooper, A. S. Fanning, Ellen Beth Abdi, LIINES, YAANG, Sky Valley Mistress, MEDUULLA, Transmission Towers, Blossom Caldarone, Lily Rae Grant and FREEQUENCY3, alongside local artists and rising talent.
From our all-female Sunday matinee to late-night performances, a puppet rave at Haslingden Market and music at MANR at The Whitaker, the weekend brought people together to discover artists and places they might not otherwise have found.
Thank you to every artist, venue, volunteer, supporter and ticket buyer who helped make it happen.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2027
We’re now working behind the scenes on the next gather@ festival with further events planned throughout the year.
We’ll be building on what began in June: bringing more music to independent venues, creating opportunities for local and emerging artists, and developing ways for young people to get involved in performing, photography, filmmaking and live events.
Free events will remain an important part of gather@, helping more people enjoy live music whatever their financial circumstances. We’ll also continue our commitment to a programme that is at least 50% female-led, with opportunities for LGBTQ+ and non-binary artists.
Through LATER@ LIVE CIC, our long-term ambition is to grow a festival that connects Rossendale’s towns and villages and gives artists, audiences and independent venues more reasons to come together.
Follow this page for new events, artist announcements and ways to get involved. Every ticket, donation and shared recommendation helps us build towards next year.
A music festival put on for music lovers, by music lovers.
