The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery in Rawtenstall emerged victorious at the Lancashire Tourism Awards, clinching the title of Best Cultural Venue/Organisation. The announcement came during the annual event, hosted by Marketing Lancashire at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Tuesday, February 11.
Named a finalist in August 2024, The Whitaker navigated a rigorous judging process—mystery shopping, scheduled visits, and interviews with independent assessors—before claiming the crown. The awards, spanning 27 categories, honored everything from major attractions to accessibility in Lancashire’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
Judges lauded The Whitaker for its dynamic cultural lineup, spotlighting both up-and-coming and established artists. They commended the venue’s knack for evolving its offerings while juggling innovation, inclusivity, and financial sustainability. “Their collaborations with partners, contributors, and artists have crafted something remarkable, resonating with local and national audiences alike,” the panel noted.
Gaynor Seville, The Whitaker’s Creative Director, beamed, “I’m over the moon to win this prestigious award! Massive thanks to our dedicated staff and tireless volunteers who keep the museum thriving. We’re proud the judges recognized our meaningful engagement, thoughtful programming, and community impact—goals we work so hard to hit.”
Vikki Harris, Marketing and Partnerships Director at Marketing Lancashire, emphasized the stakes: “Lancashire’s one of England’s top-visited counties, and we intend to keep it that way. It’s long been a domestic favorite, but we can’t get complacent. We want Lancashire to be today’s go-to spot, delivering such a stellar experience that visitors keep coming back.” She added, “At Marketing Lancashire, we’re driven to make Lancashire a standout destination, outshining our neighbors and rebuilding our visitor economy to pre-pandemic heights.”
This isn’t The Whitaker’s first rodeo—it previously snagged the Best Cultural Venue accolade in 2021.
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