Published Wednesday 30 October 2024 at 10:54
A packed programme of brand-new live gigs has just been announced to help boost Blackburn’s nightlife.
Blackburn Gigs will see more than 120 live performances take place across bars, restaurants and town centre venues from now until March 2025 as part of a new pilot.
The programme boasts a diverse range of musical talent, and it promises to attract both residents and visitors back into the heart of the town – benefiting local venues and providing a platform for local grassroots talent to shine.
Already, gigs have been announced at The Firepit, Turtle Bay, and The Drummer’s Arms as well as an original music night planned for this Saturday (November 2) at the recently re-located The Bureau Centre of The Arts in Exchange St.
One of those set to perform is Blackburn singer-songwriter Lydia Reddy (pictured) who joins the impressive line-up with talented acts from right across the North West.
Blackburn Gigs is being delivered by Actual Music in partnership with the council.
The project is being funded by Arts Council England through its grassroots music fund as well as new Government funding secured for King William Street and the surrounding area.
Launching Blackburn Gigs, Jamie Turner, director of Actual Music, said:
We’ve seen a resurgence in live music being a core part of the offer in cities across the country, and we’re passionate about developing those creative and cultural opportunities here in Blackburn.
Our aim is to showcase the grassroots artists we have locally, alongside a variety of high-quality regional acts to offer something different, while encouraging visitors to the town centre.
Blackburn has a huge amount of heritage and history in music, and we’re excited to contribute to the next chapters over the coming months and years.
Organisers say the exciting mix of acts, performing across a range of genres, will ensure that there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s an acoustic set in a cosy bar or energetic bands in larger venues.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, added:
Blackburn has a thriving cultural scene and we’re always looking for opportunities to build on that, with Blackburn Gigs being an exciting new project for the town – one we’re proud to support.
As Jamie has said, we know that having a strong live music offer is key to growing the nighttime economy in our town centre and there’s a huge amount of gigs planned between now and the end of March as part of the pilot with something for all tastes.
This adds to the packed programme we have planned for King George’s Hall in the run-up to Christmas and also builds on the ever-growing and really strong food and drink offer in the town centre with the likes of The Firepit, Akbar’s and Saffron Street being packed every weekend.
We want residents and visitors to come and make a night of it here and we’ve launched the brand-new Discover Blackburn website with Blackburn BID to help highlight all there is to enjoy.
As part of the focus on culture, Blackburn with Darwen Council recently secured £20m of new Government funding with new investment for King George’s Hall, Imperial Mill and The Exchange.
The full line-up of live music as part of Blackburn Gigs can be found at: www.blackburngigs.co.uk
There’s also inspiration for places to eat, drink and visit on the Discover Blackburn website with a full what’s on guide for the town centre.
You can view that at: www.discoverblackburn.co.uk