North West 4x4 Response

28/10/2026

Thank you for the write up Blackpool 999s

28/10/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Claire Holland, NW002.

Claire, aged 49 and based in Lancashire, was a valued part of our North West 4x4 Response family. She initially served as an active responder before health challenges meant she could no longer continue in that role. She then focused her energy on the Committee and fundraising, where she made a real difference in raising awareness of our work and securing the support that allows us to keep serving the emergency services and our communities. She was our Fundraising Queen.

Claire’s contribution will be remembered with real gratitude by all of us who had the privilege of working alongside her.

Our thoughts are with Claire’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Claire. You will be missed by your NW 4x4 Response family. 🧡🧡🧡

27/10/2026

25/10/2026

EVENT CANCELLED

Unfortunately tonight’s Rivington Festival of Lights has had to be cancelled. See Rivington Heritage Trust’s post for refund details, or how you can opt to donate your ticket costs for the upkeep of the Gardens.

The winds from Storm Boelo are continuing to blow, with trees down in forests & woodlands, some buildings becoming unsafe, advertising signage and garden furniture where it doesn’t belong, and the coast being wild.

If you’re going out today, plan well.

🌟 𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 - 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘'𝐒 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃 🌟
Due to the forecast high winds associated with Storm Boelo, we have had to cancel tonight's Festival of Light (Sunday 25th October 2026).

The safety of our volunteers, staff and visitors must always come first and we do not feel it would be safe to proceed with the event.

We know this will be disappointing news and we are very sorry for any inconvenience this has caused. We share your disappointment. Our staff and volunteers have spent many hundreds of hours preparing for this year's Festival of Light, which is also our biggest annual fundraiser in support of the Gardens. Refunds will begin to be processed as soon as possible.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐬

If you'd prefer to support the continued upkeep of the Gardens rather than receive a refund, you can choose to donate all or part of your ticket value.

Simply email [email protected] with your name, the number, date and value of the tickets you bought and the amount you would like to donate, using DONATION as the email subject.

24/10/2026

To coincide with the potential disruption tonight from Storm Boelo, for 1 night only… we’re available 25/7.

The clocks go back overnight, so either an extra hour in bed, or an extra hour out on shift.

24/10/2026

Storm Boelo is hitting the North West today. Amber Weather Warnings have been put in place by the Met Office today and Sunday.

Our Control Team is monitoring the situation, Responders are prepared and will be despatched if requested by our local Government Agencies.

24/10/2026

EVENT CANCELLED

Sorry to say that this evenings Rivimhton Festival Of Light has also been cancelled.

Public safety is the priority, with the high winds from storm Boelo expected,and the event taking place in woodlands, organisers cannot take the risk to the public and volunteers who work the event.

IF the Festival goes ahead on Sunday, tickets from Friday and Saturday will be valid.

Please check with Rivington Heritage Trust Sunday morning to see if the Sunday event can go ahead.

🌟 𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 - 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐘'𝐒 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃 🌟
Due to the forecast high winds associated with Storm Austen, we have again had to make the very difficult decision to cancel tonight's Festival of Light (Saturday 24th October 2026).

The safety of our volunteers, staff and visitors must always come first and we do not feel it would be safe to proceed with the event. We know this will be disappointing news and we are very sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment this may cause.

A decision on whether Sunday evening can proceed safely will be made tomorrow morning, based on the latest weather information and site conditions.

If you had tickets for Friday or Saturday, you can use them on Sunday if you wish, in the event that Sunday goes ahead.

Please note we won't be able to respond to individual messages. All ticketholders have been emailed directly with more information and ticket and refund options.

23/10/2026

EVENT CANCELLED

Please be aware, this evenings Rivington Heritage Trust Festival Of Light has been cancelled due to Storm Austen. Fingers crossed the weather passes without doing too much damage and it is allowed to continue for the weekend.

🌟 FESTIVAL OF LIGHT - FRIDAY'S EVENT CANCELLED 🌟

Unfortunately, we are very sad to say that due to the forecast high winds associated with Storm Austen, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel tonight's Festival of Light (Friday 23rd October 2026).

The safety of our volunteers, staff and visitors must always come first and we do not feel it would be safe to proceed with the event.

We know this will be disappointing news and we are very sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment this may cause.

A decision on whether Saturday and Sunday's evenings can proceed safely will be made on the morning of each day, based on the latest weather information and site conditions.

Please note we won't be able to respond to individual messages about refunds or whether events are going ahead. We kindly ask that you refer to your emails for the latest information.