Published Friday 10 October 2025 at 12:12
There’s an exciting line-up of free family-friendly events, creative workshops, live performances, and cultural experiences in Blackburn town centre this October half-term – offering something for everyone.
From pumpkin carving and den building to live music, origami workshops, and magical puppet shows, the town will be buzzing with activity across The Mall, Blackburn Market, Blackburn Cathedral, the Library, Museum & Art Gallery, The Bureau and other key venues.
Highlights of the half-term programme include:
- Pumpkin Carving Workshop – Saturday 25 October, The Mall
Blackburn BID invites you to join Sand In Your Eye to carve your very own spooky pumpkin masterpiece — all materials (and pumpkins!) are provided for free. - Origami Butterflies & Weaving Workshops – Saturday 25 & Monday 27 October, Blackburn Market
Get hands-on with creative crafts and make your own colourful butterfly or woven artwork to take home. - Magical Market Stall Theatre – Friday 31 October, Blackburn Market
Expect puppetry, clowning, and surprises as a mysterious stall brings stories and laughter to life. All Blackburn Market activities are supported by Arts Council England. - Gaia Earth Sculpture – 6 October–16 November, Blackburn Cathedral
Experience artist Luke Jerram’s breathtaking 7-metre illuminated Earth sculpture, created with NASA imagery. - Nature of Gothic – until 13 December 2025, Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery, Blackburn Museum’s most ambitious exhibition ever , featuring national treasures
- British Textile Biennial – until 2 November, British Textile Biennial (BTB) is a free festival of contemporary art, commissioning artists and designers from all over the world to make work inspired by the context and legacy of the textile industry in East Lancashire and its global impact, often in the places that were created by it.
- Live Music & Performance – Including Canadian folk star Allison Lupton (15 November at Rhode Island Coffee), the Medusa Quartet at Blackburn Library (24 October) and vibrant family theatre throughout the town.
- Creative Workshops – Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery, explore printmaking and calligraphy inspired by the Nature of Gothic exhibition – and in Blackburn Market try natural dyeing with botanical pigments.
- Ice Skating Competitions at Planet Ice – 7–18 October
Witness dazzling routines at the solo dance and synchronised skating championships.
And there’s even more to discover — from cinema blockbusters and bowling to events and activities at Blackburn Youth Zone.
Nicola Clayton, Chair of Blackburn BID Board, said:
This half-term is the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy creative and cultural activities in the heart of Blackburn and most of them for free!
We’re proud to work with our BID partners to promote such a vibrant programme that brings our town centre to life and showcases everything it has to offer.
Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council & BID Board Member added:
It’s fantastic to see so many free events and activities taking place right across Blackburn this half-term.
Our town centre continues to go from strength to strength, and this shows just how much there is to enjoy for residents and visitors alike – from great family entertainment to a brilliant retail and food offer that keeps people coming back time and again.
Visitors are encouraged to make a day of it by enjoying shopping in The Mall, Blackburn Market and at our wonderful local independents, sampling delicious food and drink from town centre cafés, bars and restaurants, and exploring the wide range of retail and leisure opportunities right here in Blackburn.
Whether you’re looking for fun family days out, creative inspiration, or simply a chance to experience the buzz of the town centre, Blackburn has it all this half-term.
You can check out the full programme and times at: www.discoverblackburn.co.uk