Leisure and Active Travel Events

Getting Rossendale active: the impact of our Active Travel and Leisure Grants

From cycling and walking to dance and community sports, Pride in Place funding helped local organisations bring people together, try something new and get active during the excitement of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Through the Active Travel and Leisure Grant, clubs and community organisations in Rawtenstall, Waterfoot and Crawshawbooth were supported to run activities that made sport and movement more accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for local people.

Small grants, local impact

Four funded activities created opportunities for residents of different ages and abilities to be active, meet others and discover what is available in their local area.

community events and activities supported

£1,250

awarded to local organisations

137

recorded attendances across the four events*

children and young people attending the WAVE Adventure cycling event

More than just getting active

The activities helped residents do more than take part in sport. They created opportunities to build confidence, spend time together and connect with local organisations and facilities.

Trying something new

People had the chance to try cycling, dance, walking and a range of sports in friendly, accessible settings.

Building confidence

Activities encouraged participants to develop skills, including children learning to ride a bike independently.

Bringing people together

Families, friends and residents of different ages came together through shared activities and local events.

Discovering local facilities

Residents found out about activities and venues on their doorstep, with some planning to return and take part again.

Supporting local organisations

Small grants helped community groups deliver activities and build connections with local clubs, venues and partners.

Creating lasting opportunities

Organisers reported new members and volunteers, alongside plans to run further activities beyond the funded events.

The projects in action

Four events making a difference

Each grant supported a different way for local people to get involved, with organisers adapting their plans to meet the needs of participants and the wider community.

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WAVE Adventure cycling activity

Helping children and young people build cycling confidence.

WAVE Adventure

Building confidence on two wheels

WAVE Adventure welcomed 53 people to a mobile cycling event, including 38 children and young people. The session gave families an opportunity to be active together and helped children develop their cycling skills in a supportive environment.

Organisers reported that 50 attendees were new to the organisation and 32 had not previously taken part in the activity. Forty-seven attendees were residents of Rawtenstall, Waterfoot or Crawshawbooth.

“Thanks so much for teaching my daughter to ride — she is so much more confident now to ride independently.”

Looking ahead: The event helped introduce residents to local cycling opportunities, with new volunteers and members reported as part of its legacy.

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Waterfoot Walk and Beyond

Walking, exploring and connecting with the local community.

Waterfoot Walk and Beyond

Getting outdoors and connecting locally

The community walk brought people of different ages together to enjoy activity and spend time in their local area. Organisers adapted the plans to include the duck race in the park, helping participants connect with other activity taking place in Waterfoot.

Although fewer people completed the full walk than expected, the event still introduced new participants to the activity and helped build links between local venues and community events.

Refreshments were purchased from local businesses, including The Yard in Waterfoot and All on Board in Stacksteads.

Looking ahead: Organisers plan to repeat the walk, with further opportunities to work with local partners and community events.

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Cotton Shed Theatre Company Danceathon

Making dance welcoming, social and accessible.

Cotton Shed Theatre Company

Dance bringing different cultures together

The Danceathon welcomed 24 participants for a lively session that made movement accessible to beginners and experienced dancers alike. Participants explored dances from different cultures, including an African sun dance, the New Zealand Haka and Indian dances, using props and group activities to help everyone join in.

The event created a relaxed space for families and people of different ages to be active together, learn something new and enjoy a shared experience.

“Thank you for a lovely evening, we had a lovely time.”

Looking ahead: Cotton Shed Theatre Company would like to build on the event by offering more family dance opportunities.

IMAGE PLACEHOLDER
Whitewell Bottom Community Association Sports Day

Offering a range of sports and activities for the community.

Whitewell Bottom Community Association

Keeping sport accessible whatever the weather

When heavy rain meant the original plans needed to change, organisers adapted the event to offer a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Participants could try football, basketball, tennis, badminton, table tennis and games including pool, table football and air hockey.

The event gave residents a chance to try different sports in a community setting, with free food and drinks helping to make it a welcoming day for families.

One 10-year-old participant also completed a sponsored challenge of 100 basketball lay-ups to help raise money for Rossendale Razorbacks Junior Basketball Club’s trip to Ireland in 2027.

Looking ahead: Organisers plan to develop a full basketball event, building on new links with clubs who helped provide sports equipment.

Enjoyment, confidence and new discoveries

Feedback from participants shows the value of creating welcoming opportunities to get involved, learn new skills and discover local activities.

“This was chill.”
WAVE Adventure participant

“Didn’t know this facility was available locally — we will be here very regularly from now on.”
WAVE Adventure participant

“We had such a fab time.”
Cotton Shed Danceathon participant

Making activity part of everyday community life

The grants have helped local organisations test ideas, reach new participants and create positive experiences around physical activity. From children gaining confidence on a bike to residents discovering new sports and dance, the events showed how small, community-led activities can help people feel more connected to where they live.

Through Pride in Place, Rossendale Borough Council is working with local communities and partners to support activities that make a difference in Rawtenstall, Waterfoot and Crawshawbooth — during the Commonwealth Games and beyond.