The event brought together hall trustees, managers, volunteers, sector partners and local leaders to celebrate the vital role village halls play in connecting communities to health and wellbeing, with over 60 attendees from across Lancashire taking part in a full programme of speakers, discussions, networking and practical workshops.
We were delighted to welcome Corinne Pluchino, Chief Executive of ACRE, alongside Deborah Clarke, Rural Evidence & Village Halls Manager. Together, they officially launched this year’s Village Halls Week campaign, celebrating the essential role halls play in connecting communities to health and wellbeing.
Speakers included Cllr Joshua Roberts from Lancashire County Council, Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health Lancashire, Kathryn Moffitt from West Lancashire Borough Council and Ashley Dalton MP. They shared reflections on the importance of rural community buildings, local and national public health priorities, the importance of strong community infrastructure and opportunities to strengthen collaboration.
After a delicious Lancashire hotpot and apple pie sourced from a local caterer, the day moved into two practical workshops.
Designing a Village Halls Advisory/Support Service. Led by Community Futures, this session explored what trustees value most, where support could be strengthened, and how we can develop future services in partnership with the sector.
Community Energy & Resilient Rural Infrastructure. Hosted by Lancashire County Council and joined by Bretherton Energy Co-Op, this workshop looked at community energy opportunities and how village halls can be part of a more sustainable, resilient rural future.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate and champion the vital role halls play in Lancashire’s rural communities. And congratulations to Bryning-with-Warton Village Hall, who were the lucky winners of our prize draw and will receive a £250 donation.
Village Halls Week (16-22 March) is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the incredible ways your hall connects communities to health and wellbeing
We invite you to share your photos, stories, and messages showcasing how your hall connects communities to health and wellbeing. Use #VillageHallsWeek and tag us on social media @CommunityFutures – we’d love to celebrate and share your contributions. Alternatively, get in touch with us by emailing: stephanieg@communityfutures.org.uk
Village Halls Week 2026 Sponsors
Utility Aid exists to help charities and not-for-profit organisations source energy.
They use their knowledge and experience to anticipate and solve problems.
For over 20 years, Utility Aid has helped rural organisations reduce their energy costs, reclaim overcharges, and gain control over their utilities.
They have developed a Switching Site: a quick, simple, and transparent tool that helps find energy deals to suit your organisation.
Running a community venue shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. Hallmaster takes the stress out of bookings, invoicing, and day-to-day management by giving volunteers and staff one simple, powerful online system that does it all. Say goodbye to paper diaries, spreadsheets and missed invoices — with real-time availability, easy booking approvals, automatic invoicing and clear reports, Hallmaster saves time, reduces administration, and keeps everything running smoothly, even when key people are away. Trusted by village halls, community centres, sport venues and local and district councils, Hallmaster helps you stay organised, maximise income and focus on what really matters: keeping your venue busy and your community thriving.
