Children running and having fun

About US 


Burnley Leisure & Culture is a not-for-profit charity serving the Burnley area, offering services in fitness, health, sport, and the arts. Dedicated to enhance quality of life by supporting wellbeing, celebrating culture, and ensuring everyone in the community has the chance to get involved and succeed.

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Our impact so far…

We employ a team of more than 100 friendly, fully qualified staff. We’re supported by a board of trustees who are drawn from the local community and share our passion for sport and culture in Burnley. Our vision is simple – to make a real difference to the communities we serve.

Read our impact report

Inspiring change & empowering communities

OUR VISION and mission

Our longstanding vision is for healthier happier communities. We are committed to improving health and wellbeing and we achieve this by providing high quality active wellbeing and cultural services. As a charitable trust we exist for public benefit and strive to lead, grow, and inspire.

OUR Purpose

The provision of leisure and cultural services for public benefit. Underpinned by its purpose, Burnley Leisure & Culture has 2 clear roles that inform our Strategic Objectives: Deliver high-quality leisure and culture services and facilities and to lead, grow, and inspire.

Meet the BLC team

Donna Livesey standing in the park

Donna Livesey

Chair & Community Trustee

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Chair of the Board at Burnley Leisure and Culture, Donna Livesey has worked in Community Sport Development for 21 years, including the Sport England-funded Active Communities Programme in Lancashire and is a member of the Active Burnley Forum, prioritising Burnley as an Outdoor Town. Donna is a volunteer at a women’s charity, a voluntary sector sports club and cultural trust.

Ben Butterworth standing in the park

Ben Butterworth

Vice-Chair & Community Trustee

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As the Deputy Chair of Burnley Leisure and Culture Trust, Ben brings extensive expertise in the Facilities Management and Construction industries to the table. His experience spans across both public and private sectors, with notable emphasis on supporting healthcare and education sectors in Burnley and the broader East Lancashire region. Ben is skilled in leading diverse teams, developing and implementing estate strategies that enhance customer service to foster growth and environmental sustainability.

Picture of Susan Minten

Susan Minten

Community Trustee

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Sue has a range of experiences in sports facility management across various public sector organisations. With a strong foundation in managing and operating sports facilities, she successfully transitioned into academia, where she specialises in teaching and researching sports leadership and sports operations management. She also delivers executive education programmes, where she collaborates with prominent sports organisations, including those in football, cricket, and horse racing.

Picture of Helen Tyson

Helen Newman

Community Trustee

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Helen has over 16 years of experience in PE, School Sport, and Physical Activity (PESSPA). She manages the Burnley School Sport Partnership and serves as the School Games Organiser, aiming to positively impact children’s lives through sport. Helen works closely with schools to enhance PE and sport provision, ensuring effective use of the PE and School Sport Premium. Recently, she was seconded to TaAF to lead the active schools workstream, where she helps embed movement throughout the school day. Passionate about play and movement, Helen believes in their power to improve children’s overall well-being.

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Ryan Bradley

Community Trustee

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Information coming soon.

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Sharron Haworth-Pearson

Community Trustee

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Qualified in learning disability and mental health nursing with a long career in the NHS and CQC (regulatory body) managing diverse teams and services. Currently working for the Ministry of Justice as a Tribunal Member for SEND tribunals, specialising in health and social care issues.

Volunteer for Childline as a counsellor and the National Trust as a room guide at Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham.

Is a member of Padiham Leisure Centre and has attend fitness classes there for many years.

Supporter of The Dogs Trust and The Canal and River Trust.

Picture of Callam Barnes

Callam Barnes

Community Trustee

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Experienced senior manager with a proven track record in target-driven environments, having successfully navigated complex situations involving balancing third-party priorities and delivering results under pressure.

Uzma Raziq

Community Trustee

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Uzma is a Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator working locally – as well as nationally and internationally – to build stronger communities that are more connected across East Lancashire. Her focus is on the Arts and Cultural sector but she also works closely with education, health and wellbeing, and climate change. Uzma aims to raise aspirations and grow skills that create opportunities by developing networks and supporting local community change through collaboration.

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Alun Lewis

Council Trustee

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Information coming soon.

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Martyn Hurt

Council Trustee

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Martyn is a passionate advocate for Burnley, having served as a Green Party Borough Councillor for the Trinity Ward since 2021. Despite living with a progressive neurological condition, Martyn remains committed to making Burnley a more inclusive and accessible place for all. His decades-long history of community involvement, and dedication to the town, are evident in his work as Councillor, and he hopes to show the same commitment as a Trustee.

Judith Caine

Employee Trustee

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Judith brings two years of experience in the leisure industry, building on a strong foundation in retail and the licensing trade. Recently promoted to Site Manager for Burnley Leisure & Culture, she demonstrates a proactive and solutions-focused approach, underpinned by her key strengths: positivity, a strong sense of responsibility, natural organisational skills, and a talent for resolving challenges.

Paul Foster

Chief Executive

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Paul took over as BLC Chief Executive in April 2024 following 3 years as Deputy CEO. Hugely passionate about Burnley and the position of the Trust in supporting the health and wellbeing of residents, he has played a key role in shaping the organisation since its inception in 2014. Paul also has a shared role within Sport England’s place partnership for Pennine Lancashire and is proud to have enjoyed over 30 years’ experience in the leisure industry, from working on poolside to Chief Executive.

Scott Bryce

Chief Executive

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Scott is a highly experienced leader with over 35 years leisure industry experience, driving strategic and commercial success of BLC and is known for his innovative approach to business planning and delivering record-breaking financial growth. An effective strategist, Scott excels in developing BLC’s market-leading facilities and is passionate about the community’s well-being. He has forged strong partnerships with local and national stakeholders to further BLC’s mission of promoting healthier lifestyles for all. Scott is a passionate, personable, and visionary leader, known for creating positive working environments, operational excellence and driving forward innovative projects ready to elevate further growth with BLC.

Cheryl Goodman

Head of Community & Wellbeing

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Head of Community & Wellbeing, Cheryl, is a health and leisure professional with experience in managing sports, recreation, and health initiatives. Skilled in strategic planning and implementation, and known for aspiration, adaptability, and a commitment to nurturing growth and promoting healthier lifestyles through accessible physical activity.  Nature and the outdoors hold significant importance to Cheryl, and she is dedicated to integrating this passion into her professional work.

Martin Dixon

Head of Finance

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Martin Dixon has managed the accounts of the organisation since 2014, and moved over to Burnley Leisure & Culture in May 2022, as the Finance and Business Manager. His professional background is rooted in finance, having previously served as a Financial Business Partner at Burnley Borough Council and as Finance Manager at Burnley Youth Theatre. Martin’s work at Burnley Leisure & Culture involves budget management, financial forecasting, and preparing the annual statements of accounts. He is committed to continuous growth and eager to take on new challenges that drive organisational success, and has recently taken on the Head of Finance role.

CHARLOTTE STEELS

Head of Culture

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As Cultural Manager for BLC, Charlotte leads the development and delivery of Burnley’s Cultural Framework through forming partnerships and coordinating borough-wide cultural activities. With 20 years’ experience in the cultural sector, Charlotte is passionate about creating opportunities and supporting local communities to thrive through cultural engagement. With experience in fundraising, heritage redevelopment and regeneration, strategic planning, cross-sector partnerships and community engagement, Charlotte is also a trustee of two local heritage charities, contributing towards sustainability and growth.

See the entire team

A place to eat,
connect, and relax

Step into a space designed for connection, conversation, and comfort. Whether you’re here to savour delicious food, catch up with friends, or simply unwind after a long day, BLC offers a welcoming atmosphere that blends flavourful dining with a sense of community. Come for the food, stay for the moments that make life a little brighter.

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celebrate theatre & culture
at burnley mechanics

where the stage comes alive and culture takes center stage. From riveting theatre performances to vibrant music, dance, and community events, this is a place to be inspired, entertained, and connected. Whether you’re a devoted arts lover or discovering something new, every show and event here celebrates creativity, storytelling, and the rich cultural spirit of Burnley.

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Children attending a reading group

bringing people together through community and events

From lively workshops and social gatherings to seasonal festivals and special events, we create spaces where people connect, share, and celebrate together. Whether it’s forging new friendships, learning something new, or simply enjoying the energy of being part of something bigger, our events are all about bringing people closer and making every moment memorable.

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See what’s new at Burnley Leisure & Culture

Stay up to date with all our latest news, helpful guides, and important updates, and discover what’s happening across our leisure, health, sport, and cultural services.

ACTIVITY TIMETABLES

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WHAT’S ON AT BLC?

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Get fit, get rewarded.
Download the BLC app.

Easily book and manage your activities, stay on top of your account, discover exciting new experiences, and keep up with the latest news and events – all in one place, anytime, anywhere.

  • Book & manage your activities
  • Manage your account
  • Discover new activities
  • Stay up to date with the latest news and events
  • Free to download and easy to use
  • And much more!
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