The Lancashire Fitness Festival combines workshops, high-energy sessions and community connection in one unforgettable weekend. We chat to the festival’s founder and FitPro presenter, Holly Lynch, about the journey, logistics, lessons learned and advice for other fitness professionals wanting to create their own events.
FitPro: What inspired you to create the Lancashire Fitness Festival and what was the original vision behind it? How has that evolved since those early days?
Holly Lynch: I’ve always loved summer fairs, outdoor festivals and being outside. I had been to a few outdoor events that had a holistic vibe – sound baths, cold dips, running activities and similar wellness experiences. I really liked the idea of taking that atmosphere and translating it into something fitness-focused, with a real summer fair energy: bunting, festival stages and a mix of activities for people to participate in.
The original vision was to create an amazing fitness-based summer fair in a beautiful outdoor location, with greenery, tent, and an open, inclusive feel. Over time, this vision has evolved. We’ve added more variety in classes and activities, introduced more stages and zones, and incorporated entertainment elements. However, the core idea hasn’t changed: it’s about creating a fun, accessible and memorable experience where people can enjoy fitness in a community-focused, relaxed environment.
FP: What gap did you see in the fitness events space and what does this festival stand for beyond just being an event?
HL: I noticed that many fitness events at the time were very corporate or product-focused, often catering to workplace teams or brands looking to recruit instructors. While those have their place, there wasn’t really an event for the everyday fitness enthusiast, someone who wanted to try new things without pressure, or for instructors looking to explore the industry in a fun, informal way.
The festival stands for creating a genuinely fun, inclusive and accessible experience. It’s not about obligation or competition. It’s a space where anyone can enjoy a wide range of fitness activities. Fitness professionals gain insight, make connections and experience a variety of techniques, but the primary aim is to make sure every attendee leaves feeling inspired and enthusiastic. It’s about building a community and generating energy that extends beyond the weekend itself.
FP: When you first started planning, what did you think creating an event would involve and how different was the reality once you got into it?
HL: Initially, I thought it was straightforward: get instructors, schedule sessions, sell tickets and the event would happen. In reality, it’s a massive undertaking. There are countless logistical elements to consider:
- Securing a facility that can comfortably host attendees and has sufficient amenities, like toilets and parking
- Ensuring insurance and liability coverage are in place
- Choosing a ticketing platform that handles payments securely and tracks attendees
- Co-ordinating presenters and managing expectations for stage setup, equipment and timing
Every aspect, down to the layout, signage and sound, requires detailed planning. We created endless spreadsheets, set up team meetings and booked well in advance. Hiring professionals for sound, staging and lighting made a huge difference – one bad microphone or poorly planned stage layout can completely change the experience.
Year one was the most significant learning curve. Once it was done, it became a blueprint. We could see what worked, what needed refining and how to scale or add new elements for subsequent years. Without experiencing that first leap, you don’t fully understand the scope of planning an event like this.
FP: You faced some real challenges early on, including having to change locations multiple times. Can you talk us through that journey? Were there moments you thought it might not happen and what kept you going?
HL: Absolutely. We had two location changes during the planning phase. The first venue we chose didn’t align with our timeline and plans, making it unfeasible. Then, roughly 15 weeks before the event, our second venue unexpectedly closed. That was a real challenge and caused a lot of sleepless nights.
I remember in March April time, sitting down and thinking, “Should we postpone?” It felt overwhelming but we had already started building momentum and we didn’t want to let people down. Luckily, the third venue we secured was supportive and enthusiastic and, within a week, contracts and management meetings were completed.
The experience reinforced the importance of flexibility, resilience and having a supportive network. Those lessons were invaluable when planning year two and beyond, as we knew how to handle the unexpected without derailing the event.
FP: What surprised you most about the logistics – whether that’s tech, administration or overall co-ordination – and have you found any systems or shortcuts that made things easier the second time around?
HL: I was genuinely surprised by how much forward planning and organisation were needed. There’s no such thing as over-preparation. Detailed spreadsheets, accessible links for all teams and clear schedules were crucial.
We found some tools particularly helpful. Ticket Tailor handled secure payments and kept all attendee details in one place. Gymcatch was perfect for session bookings, preloading all classes, managing capacity and even offering early-bird access.
Trusting professionals made a huge difference. Walker Audio handled sound flawlessly, ensuring mics worked with sweat and movement. Professional signage companies gave the festival a polished, cohesive look. Supporting local businesses also strengthened our community connections, which is a big part of the festival’s ethos.
FP: Financing and sponsorship can make or break an event. How did you approach this and what would you do differently now?
HL: Financing was challenging. We initially self-funded, using a small fund from our business. This wasn’t enough to cover everything, so we reached out to local businesses for sponsorship, both financial and in-kind. We were fortunate to receive substantial support.
The biggest lesson? Just ask. The worst answer is “no” but, if you don’t ask, you won’t get support. Over time, as ticket sales and attendance grow, sponsorship becomes less critical but, in the early stages, it’s essential. For future events, I’d continue building relationships early and ensure agreements are clear regarding expectations from both sides.
FP: You secured an incredible lineup of presenters from day one. How did you make that happen and how much did your industry experience and relationships influence that?
HL: My industry experience was invaluable. Having presented at major events like the International Fitness Showcase gave me direct contacts with instructors across the UK. I reached out to a variety of presenters to ensure diversity in session styles and levels.
We also made it a priority to understand presenters’ specific needs – stage dimensions, lighting for glow-in-the-dark classes, microphone requirements. Being transparent about what we could provide and what they needed to bring helped build trust. The fitness community’s enthusiasm was incredible; many were excited to support a new, fresh event. Keeping sessions varied – from HIIT and functional training to dance fitness – ensured attendees remained engaged and inspired.
FP: Looking back at your first event, what were your biggest learnings and what did you consciously change, refine or scale back for the next one?HL: Marketing and timetabling were key lessons. Year one focused locally; for year two, we have expanded distribution and targeted outreach. Session lengths have been slightly shortened and longer breaks have been added for networking, which attendees loved last year.
The Saturday night entertainment was a hit last year and we plan to rotate each year to keep things fresh. Collecting real-time feedback during the event was invaluable – it allowed us to refine experiences immediately. Listening to attendees and swallowing pride are essential steps in creating a festival that continues to grow and improve annually.
FP: You’ve had an award-winning career in the fitness industry. Are there any standout moments that have shaped you and did any events you’ve attended inspire elements of what you’ve created?
HL: Definitely. Presenting at the International Fitness Showcase in Blackpool and leading workshops shaped my approach. I’ve engaged with instructors across experience levels, from new entrants to seasoned pros, which has informed what works in an event setting.
I’ve ‘magpied’ elements I loved from past events: specific workouts, branding experiences, even the atmosphere created by presenters and participants. Awards are nice but the real motivation is passion – creating something meaningful and enjoyable for the fitness community in Lancashire.
FP: You’ve built this alongside your husband, Endrit. What’s it like working so closely together across both Empower HQ and the festival, and how do your strengths complement each other?
HL: Endrit and I have worked together for almost 15 years. I focus on organisation, spreadsheets, checklists and formal communications, while he visualises the bigger picture, picks up on what I might miss and provides a male perspective, which is particularly useful in group X, which is quite female driven.
He’s also very people orientated, making him invaluable during the event for on-the-ground support. The last month before the festival is intense and having him fully involved allows me to focus on logistics, knowing he’s handling other aspects. A strong support team, combined with our partnership, has been crucial to the event’s success.
FP: In your opinion, what makes a fitness event truly memorable and how have you tried to bring that to life with the Lancashire Fitness Festival?
HL: Variety, uniqueness and atmosphere. Our festival mixes indoor and outdoor spaces, disco lights, bunting, festival stages and live music. Combining workouts, brand experiences and entertainment creates a full sensory experience.
Last year, we even had a heatwave, adding to the summer festival feel. Creating memorable moments is about environment, variety, energy and making attendees feel connected and engaged throughout the weekend. We’ve put in an order for the sunshine for this year!
FP: For fitness professionals who would love to create their own event, what advice would you give and what are the biggest pitfalls to avoid?
HL: Go for it – it’s challenging but rewarding. Secure a location, ensure financial feasibility and put contracts in place. Connect with your local community early to build support and ticket sales.
Keep marketing authentic; avoid overly corporate messaging. Organisation is key – spreadsheets, financial tracking and reliable teams are essential. Identify your unique selling point to stand out and work with your community – you don’t want to be in competition with other events. You all want to be attending each other’s events and you want each to be different so that the community wants to go to all the events on offer in the area. Expect long hours and hard work, but collaboration and community engagement are critical for success. Flexibility, resilience and learning from mistakes make the difference between an event that just happens and one that becomes a highlight in the fitness calendar.
FP: What’s your long-term vision for the Lancashire Fitness Festival and what would success look like over the next few years?
HL: We want the festival to grow annually, with more stages, zones and bigger names. Success is creating a thriving, engaged community where presenters and attendees genuinely enjoy themselves, provide feedback and return each year. Innovation and freshness are key; the festival should remain a standout event in the UK fitness calendar while staying true to its fun, inclusive roots.
FP: Looking back on the journey so far, what are you most proud of and has it all been worth it?
HL: I’m proud of our resilience in year one. Despite location changes, financial pressure and logistical challenges, we created an event that matched our vision – joyful, inclusive and inspiring. Seeing attendees leave energised, motivated and connected made every sleepless night worthwhile.
The festival isn’t just about us; it’s about creating a space for the community to generate energy, connect and grow. Knowing people want to return and participate in future years confirms that all the hard work has been meaningful and worth it. I’m proud of our team, grateful for every attendee and excited for what’s next.
FP: And finally, for anyone considering attending in 2026, when and where is it, what can they expect, how much are tickets and why should FitPro professionals make this a must-attend event?
HL: The Lancashire Fitness Festival runs from the 11th to 12th July at Oakhill Leisure & School, Whalley near Clitheroe. Full weekend access is £110; Saturday only is £75; Sunday only is £55. Attendees can try a huge variety of sessions: pole dancing, aerial, HIIT, kettlebells, functional training, yoga, Pilates, sound-based workouts, Clubbercise and more.
For fit pros, it’s ideal for networking, learning new techniques and gaining inspiration. You can interact directly with presenters and brand creators, pick up fresh ideas and reinvigorate your passion while having fun in a supportive environment.
Holly Lynch
Holly Lynch BSc(hons) MSc, PGCE is an award-winning PT, a business owner and a cat mum. She is part of the FitPro National Trainer team for MOSSA UK. Her passion to help people and excel in her career has seen her recently awarded as Female Personal Trainer of the Year. Holly works alongside her husband and team in their Empower HQ personal training and fitness studio in Barrowford. She is a college lecturer, presenter, trainer and ambassador for many fitness brands.
