Culture 26: Celebrating Halton-Made Creativity

Believe it or not, Halton has so much Culture at its core, with deep ties to some of the great British indie legends, like The Beatles, world-renowned writers such as Lewis Carroll, famed for his Alice in Wonderland series, all the way to being a leader in the UK’s chemical industry.

Culture doesn’t have borders, it has bridges. It is made in Halton, and Halton made me.

This is the heartbeat of Culture 26, a bold new campaign that shines a spotlight on the creativity, heritage and innovation rooted in Halton borough. It’s not just what we will do, it’s what we’re already doing. From Viking pride to Tiktok creators, from garage bands and painted arches, Culture is made here. Culture is made by us. Culture is Halton.

Halton’s DNA is made through culture, it’s rich, historical, uniquely layered and has influenced creativity for generations. From writers and producers inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, to music that echo the legacies of The Beatles, Freddie Mercury and The Stone Roses. Halton’s culture has put it on the map, from featuring in iconic British TV shows like Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of crips, Mersey Beat, Hollyoaks and the Spike Island film inspired by the 1990 Stone Roses concert in Widnes of the same name. The beautiful, picturesque borough of Halton is cemented in Hollywood as a top tier filming location, with its scenery used in Danny Boyle’s 2004 hit film Millions and multiple ITV, BBC and Netflix productions. However, it doesn’t stop there, hidden within Halton are stories of royalty, craftsmanship, nature, innovation, sport and heritage. This is a borough that never stops creating.

What is Culture 26?

Culture 26 bridges the gaps that defines Halton’s culture. Is it art from the various monthly craft workshops? Is it the music recorded at The Studio? Is it the dance and theatre productions held at The Brindley? Is it the literature from Lewis Caroll? Is it the independent restaurants and cafés feeding the borough? Yes! And it’s so much more than that!

What to expect in 2026

Culture 26 is a year long celebration of everything that makes Halton unique. It’s a movement and a promise to capture and share the stories, skills, spirit and identity that define the residents. We’ll wear it, paint it, sing it and dance it, with pop-up performances, community-led exhibitions, youth-led projects, workshops, and talks.

Culture is who we are when no one’s looking and what we become when everyone’s watching, it’s homegrown in Halton’s soil, science streets and stories. From the industrial to the creative revolution, we’re never afraid of new ideas and we welcome everyone who bring their skills, vision and experience. Culture 26 will celebrate the borough’s local talent, amplify the unheard voices, create spaces for connection and support the wellbeing and community pride of Halton’s residents to support awareness, drive inclusivity and participation of cultural activities.

We learn from international artists who found their groove here, the superstars that found their move and the creative pioneers that have nothing left to prove. Halton’s culture is bold, connected and reflections the natural beauty of life that travels far beyond our borough lines. Our bridges proudly fill in the gap for modern growth; ideas are weaved into reality and scientific innovation is catalysed here. So, walk with dinosaurs, discover fools’ gold, discover new artists and try something new. We are the makers and the shapers, the growers and builders, the artists and traders, the triers and succeeders. 2026 is not just another year in the diary, it’s a year where we reach new heights and welcome everyone together.

Culture 26 is Halton. Culture 26 is you.

Follow the journey at VisitHalton.co.uk #Culture26.

Halton’s annual festival at Runcorn Hill Park.

6th & 7th June 2026

With the return of the Music & Performance Marquee and new for Culture 26, the Creative Marquee supported by Cultivate Halton Network.

To participate as a performer or creative contact [email protected] or [email protected]