In a Facebook post, the events team have said
"Barnoldswick Town Council can confirm that Bands on the Square is unlikely to go ahead this year.
Although the event was approved on 5 November 2025, outstanding issues relating to planning, safety arrangements and insurance have not been resolved to the required standard.
In particular, appropriate insurance is not yet in place, and the Council has a duty to ensure all public events meet necessary safety and governance requirements.
The Council remains supportive of community events and is committed to ensure future events are properly planned, insured and safe.
We thank the organisers, performers, volunteers, sponsors and community members for their continued support and recognise the disappointment this may cause."
The cancellation is believed to have come about following a meeting last month when the long-standing clerk of 14 years, Jo Geldard, dramatically quit mid-meeting. article link
She cited that risk assessments were not done prior to the 2025 BOTS event and staff members were assaulted, spat at and abused, accusing Councillor David Whipp of not doing enough to protect staff.
The saga continues...
Follow us on Facebook for unfiltered local updates
LINKS
Barnoldswick Town Council Events page