Celebrating 100 Years of Blackburn Cathedral: A Centenary of Faith, Art, and Community

This year, Blackburn Cathedral proudly marks its 100-year centenary – a milestone filled with joy, reflection, and celebration. The centenary year is a unique moment in the Cathedral’s history, celebrating its past while looking forward with optimism to the next 100 years.

There was a wonderful turnout this week as members of the public were invited to the official launch of the Cathedral centenary join in the celebrations, share in this historic milestone, and be part of a journey that honours faith, art, and community. Visitors included the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Jacqueline Slater, Council Leader Phil Riley, and Chief Executive Denise Park said

Councillor Riley said:

“The Cathedral is a wonderful asset to the Borough and its going to be really exciting to see the events that we’ve got on in the centenary year and it’s something as a council we’re really keen to support.”

Chief Executive Denise Park said:

“This is Lancashire’s cathedral but we’re really proud that it’s in our borough, and at the heart of Blackburn. It is a great asset, and it seems like they’ve got a fantastic programme of events planned right throughout the year and I look forward to coming and seeing many of the exhibitions and things that they have on offer”

Over the centenary year, Blackburn Cathedral will host more than 1,000 acts of worship, welcoming people from across Blackburn and beyond. At the heart of the celebrations is a desire to honour the Cathedral’s many relationships with its diverse community, reflecting a century of connection, inspiration, and service.

The centenary will be marked in many ways throughout the year, culminating in a year-long celebration of the life, history, and community of Blackburn Cathedral. Highlights include a series of art exhibitions such as The Longest Yarn, Time by Luxmarlis, A life-size replica The Turin Shroud, Fabric of Faith, A Table for the Nation, Parishes in Bloom, the 500th Anniversary of the Tyndale Bible, and Archives Uncovered.

Music will also play a central role in the celebrations, with classical and choral concerts, as well as lunchtime recitals, bringing together performers and audiences to celebrate the Cathedral’s rich cultural heritage.

Visit the Blackburn Cathedral Website for more information