Annual Christmas ‘works’ break set to boost Blackburn festivities

This Christmas is set to be a fun filled busy time for Blackburn Town Centre.

Following on from last year’s successful embargo of road and maintenance works, the Council is pleased to announce that the same will come into force for its entire works between December 5^th and January 5^th. This will mean that all Council infrastructure work around Railway Road and Blackburn Bus Station will cease as roads will be opened up to motorists to help prevent delays in the Christmas period.

Seen as a Christmas thank you to all those who have been patient throughout the year as Blackburn undergoes a transformation, this embargo will allow residents to enjoy all the very many things on offer this Yuletide.

On King William Street, the Market, Town Hall, Library and Museum, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Blackburn BID (Business Improvement District) are hosting a number of free fun filled activities for residents and families to enjoy.

From the 29^th November till December 20^th a series of festive Saturdays will see Blackburn host a fairy tale feast, a makers market, a Victorian Christmas and a festive family fun day.

Furthermore from November 26^th Father Christmas will be in his grotto in the Mall until Christmas Eve.

Sunday opening for Blackburn Market are Sunday 30^th November, Sunday 7^th, 14^th, 21^st December – 10.30am – 4.30pm. It is open Christmas eve – 8am – 4.30pm and 8.30am – 4.30pm on New Year’s Eve.

On December 6^th a celebration of all things local, independent and specialist will come to town as part of the global Small Business Saturday event.

The Mall will also be opening late to shoppers as many rush to complete Christmas Shopping or get those last minute items opening till 8 pm every Thursday and on 19^th,20^th,22^nd and 23^rd December

With other events around the Borough at King Georges Hall and the Cathedral, Christmas and New Year will be an exciting time for the Blackburn.

Councillor Maureen Bateson Executive Member for Regeneration said:

People have had to be very patient over the past twelve months as works continues on the both the bus station and the Cathedral quarter development.

“We hope this embargo and the continuation of free parking at weekends and after 3pm week days can go in some way to help reward this patience and make life a little easier as people celebrate the festive period.

“The bus station is scheduled to open in March and a lot of complex activity preparing for this is taking place off-site.

“The Cathedral Quarter and the Cathedral Square are taking shape and we can look forward to these new additions to the Blackburn skyline.

“It certainly is an exciting time for Blackburn.