Chorley Live goes online for 2020

The award-winning event, which brings the town centre to life with two nights of live entertainment in October, would have taken place on October 2 and 3, but instead a number of performances will be streamed live on Facebook.

Organisers Chorley Council and the Creative Network have been working hard to provide entertainment and showcase some of the performers who wow the crowds each year.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Deputy Leader of Chorley Council, said: “Like many things this year we’re having to adapt and do things differently and while we can’t bring you Chorley Live this year we’re going to be streaming some of the performers live on Facebook so you can enjoy them from home.

“Everyone has been really understanding given the restrictions we face and we had no option but to cancel the event.”

The event attracts thousands of people to Chorley town centre over the first weekend in October with live entertainment taking place in dozens of venues ranging from pubs and restaurants through to the library and markets.

Visitors pay £5 for a wristband that gets them into every venue over both nights with all generations of the family able to enjoy everything from choirs to heavy metal and everything in between.

Nigel Stewart, of the Creative Network and who created the concept for the event, said: “The event has got better and better each year and its success is beyond my wildest dreams. We would have loved to have been able to host this year’s event but the well-being of all the artists, venues and visitors is the most important thing here.

“While we won’t be hosting the event in person we’re going to stream a number of performances live through the ‘Living Room Live 2020 Facebook group and this will help to raise the profile of the acts, who have had a really hard time during lockdown, and mean people can enjoy the entertainment from their living room.

“While I know it’s difficult for everyone at the moment you can bet we’ll be back for one hell of a party next October.”

People can watch the free ‘living room live’ event by joining the ‘Living Room Live 2020’ Facebook group. Performances will take place on both the Friday and Saturday evening.