Free activities for all at the Borough’s markets!

This May half term, head down to Blackburn or Darwen market for an array of free activities.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council are pleased to be working once again with local company Culturapedia to bring culture to the heart of our communities. From a calligraphy workshop to the telling of an old tale in a new way, there’s something for everyone.

Fancy learning calligraphy? Join Razwan Ul Haq for a workshop on Arabic Nastaliq Calligraphy. Razwan is an Artist and Author whose prime focus is Arabic Calligraphy, particularly the Nastaliq script. He has received training in calligraphy from different Masters of Arabic and his commissions include work for the Queen, and Land Art for the inaugural Tour de France of Britain. His work has appeared in various platforms including Channel 4, BBC Radio 4, The Times, ITV and USA Today.

On Saturday 25th May: 11am-3pm at Darwen Market and Wednesday 29th May: 11am-3pm at Blackburn Market Razwan will provide a hands-on workshop. Have a go at using traditional bamboo pens and hand mixed ink. Everyone is welcome! You don’t need to know any Arabic to create the beautiful shapes and patterns.

If sitting back and observing is more your thing, you can watch a new retelling of a traditional tale – The Elves and the Shoemaker by Joyce Branagh & Helen Longworth. When two magical elves, Red and Lo, arrive to help the local shoemaker, they realise they need to put themselves into someone else’s shoes to understand what the customers need. But will Lo learn enough to make the perfect pair of shoes and earn their magical hat bell?! Come along and find out! The show will explore empathy and kindness, with songs and silliness. Watch it at Darwen Market on Wednesday 29th May: 11am & 1.30pm and Blackburn Market on Friday 31st May: 11am & 1.30pm.

And if you still want more entertainment, you can watch The Flying Buttresses also known as Hodman and Sally. On Friday 31st May: 11am – 3pm at Darwen Market and Saturday 1st June: 11am – 3pm at Blackburn Market this pair of cheeky travellers will be walking around inside and outside, captivating those they come across. From the country of Oblivia, they will attempt to understand the new and baffling world around them. Having lived happily for hundreds of years, Hodman and Sally have ventured out in search of fame, fortune and friendship, enjoying a second youth touring the world with their possessions strapped to their backs.

We’ll look forward to seeing you there! For more information, you can visit our Facebook pages – Blackburn Market and Darwen Market