There are some local events that bring a real sense of community to the Rossendale Valley, and the first Opera in the Park was certainly one of them.
Held in the grounds of The Whitaker in Rawtenstall over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the event brought professional opera and live classical music to the local community – completely free to attend. More than 500 people came along, with audiences enjoying performances from professional singers, musicians and local choirs despite the changeable weather. For B&E Boys, being able to support an event like this was something we were very happy to be involved with.
Helping to keep the music going
B&E Boys provided the generator needed for the stage at our own cost, helping to make the event possible and effectively sponsoring this part of the event.
It might not be the most glamorous part of putting on a concert, but having a reliable power supply is pretty important when you’re bringing a stage, sound equipment and live performers into the park! There were a few challenges on the day, including problems with the original generator which meant the stage had to be moved at short notice. Despite this, the organisers, performers, volunteers and supporters pulled together and the concert went ahead.
And judging by the response, it was well worth the effort. The team behind Opera in the Valley said afterwards:
“We want to say a huge THANK-YOU to Rossendale Borough Council, Casey and Boys for your sponsorship to help Opera in the Park happen!”
They also reported that their Facebook page had been busy in the weeks following the event, with lots of positive feedback from those who attended. For us, that is exactly what community support is about. It isn’t always about being front and centre. Sometimes it’s about providing something practical that helps a local event happen.
Making opera accessible to everyone
Opera in the Park was the idea of local businessman Colin Struthers, who wanted to challenge the idea that opera is something exclusive or inaccessible. After previously holding smaller private operatic events, Colin worked with conductor Tom Newall, Bacup-born operatic tenor Seán Ruane and a number of professional singers and local choirs to bring the event to a much wider audience.
The programme included well-known pieces that people may already recognise from films, television and advertising, alongside more traditional opera. There was also no dress code – just bring a chair, blanket or cushion and enjoy the music. That accessibility was a big part of what made the event special. People didn’t need to be opera experts, and they didn’t need to know what they were listening to. They could simply turn up, listen and enjoy an evening of live music in the park.
Performers included Seán Ruane, Sarah Helsby Hughes, Merel Magali Cox and David Cane, alongside St Anne’s Community Choir, Valley Aloud Choir, Rossendale Ladies Choir and members of Rossendale Male Voice Choir. The event also raised more than £1,700 towards supporting future events and the wider work of Opera in the Valley.
A fitting setting at The Whitaker
The event also highlighted the important role that The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery plays within the local community.
The Whitaker is much more than a traditional museum. Its development has been centred around creating a place where local heritage, art, culture, education and community activity can come together. The wider Whitaker project was built around connecting people with their past, present and future, and today the museum continues that role as a free-to-enter charitable organisation and cultural space in the heart of Rossendale.
It is a place where people can visit an exhibition, learn something about local history, take part in a creative workshop, enjoy the café or simply spend time in the park. Its programme also includes community events, talks, films, family activities and contemporary art exhibitions.
That makes it a fitting home for an event such as Opera in the Park – bringing something new to the community while making use of a space that already has such a strong connection with local people.
There’s plenty more happening at The Whitaker
Opera in the Park may have been a one-off event for 2026, but there is plenty more happening at The Whitaker over the coming months.
The autumn and winter programme includes Mini Makers: Spooky Crafts on 3 October, a heritage talk on the Gothic Landscape of the Pendle Witches on 15 October, and a film screening and Q&A with Jane Horrocks on 18 October.
The Whitaker Open exhibition opens on 17 October and runs through to 13 December, bringing together contemporary work from artists across the North West. There are also family activities, creative workshops, heritage talks and seasonal events planned throughout November and December, including Winterfest and Story Time with Santa on 5 and 6 December.
With so much happening, The Whitaker continues to be an important part of the cultural and community life of the Rossendale Valley.
Supporting our local community
At B&E Boys, we’re proud to support projects and events that bring people together and make a positive difference locally.
Opera in the Park showed just how much can happen when local organisers, performers, community groups, businesses and supporters all play their part. More than 500 people came along to enjoy an evening of live music that might not otherwise have been available to the community for free.
And, importantly, this looks like the beginning rather than the end.
The organisers have already said they hope to make Opera in the Park an annual event, alongside family music events during the winter. Fundraising is now underway to help secure the future of the event and support its wider work throughout the year.
We were very happy to play a small practical part in getting the first event off the ground – and we’ll certainly be looking forward to seeing what comes next.