How The Making Rooms is helping put Blackburn firmly on the creative map!
Published on Tuesday 5 December 2023 at 11:29 am
As far as weeks go, it doesn’t get much better than it did last week for The Making Rooms in Blackburn.
Sport, culture & leisure
Blackburn Festival of Light set for tipis takeover!
Published on Saturday 2 December 2023 at 9:25 pm
The team behind the ever-popular Blackburn Festival of Light are set to bring a brand new event to the town centre this Christmas.
‘Best ever’ Darwen Christmas lights switch on event with N-Trance!
Published on Monday 20 November 2023 at 12:26 pm
Darwen’s Christmas lights switch-on has been hailed the ‘best ever’ by crowds who turned out in their thousands for headliners N-Trance.
Blackburn’s historic fire-hit church set to be ‘resurrected’
Published on Friday 17 November 2023 at 10:46 am
Impressive plans have been passed to transform Blackburn’s St John’s church into a brand new Innovation Hub.
Blackburn’s fired up for Christmas with Winter Wonderland tipis!
Published on Tuesday 7 November 2023 at 2:21 pm
Blackburn’s stunning Cathedral Quarter is set to be transformed into a Winter Wonderland this Christmas under the cover of huge festive tipis.
Showstopping Christmas lights switch on event planned for Blackburn!
Published on Thursday 19 October 2023 at 4:30 pm
A show-stopping, foot-tapping musicals extravaganza is on the cards for this year’s Blackburn town centre Christmas lights switch on!
N-Trance set to headline Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On!
Published on Tuesday 17 October 2023 at 12:12 pm
Get ready to set your Christmas spirit free at the Darwen lights switch on with headline act, N-Trance!
Work starts on new Akbar’s restaurant in Blackburn
Published on Thursday 5 October 2023 at 7:19 pm
It’s official – Akbar’s is set to open a brand new restaurant in Blackburn’s £50m Cultural Quarter.
Seeing double: £4m plans revealed for youth facilities in Blackburn with Darwen
Published on Tuesday 3 October 2023 at 1:05 pm
Darwen Youth Centre could almost double in size as part of impressive £3m plans revealed today.
Blackburn Youth Zone event is ‘Wonderful Electric’
Published on Tuesday 3 October 2023 at 10:17 am
Blackburn Youth Zone has revealed an exciting new creative collaboration with celebrated artist Jamie Holman and curator Alex Zawadzki.
Darwen’s iconic Jubilee Tower set to celebrate its 125th birthday!
Published on Thursday 21 September 2023 at 2:34 pm
Sunday will mark 125 years since Darwen Tower was officially opened – read our special Shuttle feature written by celebrated Darwen historian, Harold Heys:
September 24th marks the 125th anniversary of the official opening of Darwen Tower after 16 months of hard graft by a small team on the windswept moors.
First-look at how Blackburn’s historic fire-hit church could be transformed
Published on Friday 15 September 2023 at 9:50 am
New images show how Blackburn’s St John’s church could be transformed into an impressive new Innovation Hub.
Blog post: Blackburn with Darwen’s People’s Jury ‘Get it Done’
Published on Wednesday 23 August 2023 at 4:52 pm
In this new blog, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Climate Change Projects Officer, Chloe Green, updates on the People’s Jury and their role in the recent National Festival of Making.
Tributes paid to volunteers who ‘made things happen’ at the National Festival of Making
Published on Sunday 30 July 2023 at 7:25 pm
The Mayor and Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council both joined crowds at Blackburn Library on 19 July in a celebration of almost 100 volunteers who helped ensure the recent success of Blackburn’s fifth National Festival of Making, and its first as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.
Filed under: Artists | arts | Arts Council England | ational Portfolio Organisation (NPO) | CIC | Creative | Culture | Festival of Making | heritage | Leader | manufacturing | mayor | National Festival of Making | NPO# | Riley | Volunteers
New Go Ape swings into action in Blackburn!
Published on Thursday 20 July 2023 at 11:44 am
The brand new Go Ape Treetop Adventure in Witton Park is now open!
Our Leader, Deputy Leader, Chief Executive and Deputy Mayor were amongst those invited to the official opening on Saturday (July 15th).
Queen’s Park welcomes new safety, play and trail equipment
Published on Monday 17 July 2023 at 10:23 pm
Significant improvements to a children’s play area and cycle trail have been unveiled in Queen’s Park in Audley, featuring a range of measures to improve safety and usability.
Filed under: bikes | Cycle | cycling | Parks | Play | playground | Queen's | Queens Park | recreation | safe | safety
Record visitors ‘make’ festival weekend a huge success!
Published on Tuesday 11 July 2023 at 10:35 am
Record crowds turned out to the National Festival of Making this weekend – filling the streets of Blackburn town centre.
‘Check’ out the new outdoor area at Blackburn’s Checks & Greys!
Published on Friday 7 July 2023 at 10:49 am
The new Bishop of Blackburn is encouraging residents to ‘flock’ to the Cathedral’s café to enjoy impressive improvements to its outdoor area.
Raising the roof on Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery!
Published on Monday 3 July 2023 at 5:39 pm
The scaffolding is up and work has started on vital repairs to the roof at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery.
Borough to be part of ‘world’s toughest’ race competitions again this weekend
Published on Wednesday 28 June 2023 at 4:22 pm
The Bolton IRONMAN UK route, which runs across parts of Darwen and Belmont, and updated road closures have been announced.
Countdown is on to the National Festival of Making!
Published on Wednesday 28 June 2023 at 4:16 pm
Start making plans – the National Festival of Making is this weekend and not to be missed!
July opening for Blackburn’s new Go Ape!
Published on Friday 9 June 2023 at 2:36 pm
Go Ape is set to open its brand new high ropes experience in Blackburn’s flagship park this summer.
Darwen’s ‘hidden gem’ celebrates 70 years as John Lewis textile factory
Published on Saturday 3 June 2023 at 10:41 am
A thriving Darwen textile mill is celebrating 70 years as part of the John Lewis Partnership.
Howzat! Impressive £250K transformation of Darwen Cricket Club facilities revealed!
Published on Saturday 3 June 2023 at 10:40 am
Darwen Cricket Club’s impressive clubhouse transformation is now well over the line with help from the Darwen Town Deal.
National Festival of Making ‘Art in Manufacturing’ commissions revealed
Published on Friday 19 May 2023 at 1:57 pm
Top artists are set to work with three of Blackburn with Darwen’s leading businesses as part of the National Festival of Making’s ‘Art in Manufacturing’ programme.
Award-winning festival is back for 2023!
Published on Tuesday 16 May 2023 at 12:06 pm
Make space in your diary – the National Festival of Making is back for 2023 and it’s not to be missed!
First-ever Western film to be celebrated in Blackburn
Published on Wednesday 10 May 2023 at 2:55 pm
An impressive new piece of art celebrating the world’s first-ever Western film is set to be installed – right here in Blackburn!
Akbar’s on the menu for Blackburn’s £50m Cultural Quarter
Published on Thursday 23 March 2023 at 7:51 pm
Blackburn with Darwen Council is in advanced discussions with Akbar’s to join its £50m new Cultural Quarter.
Blackburn artist Jamie Holman recognised for putting Blackburn on the map
Published on Monday 13 February 2023 at 9:00 am
Jamie Holman is this year’s recipient of the prestigious One Voice Leader’s Award.
The top accolade, supported by Blackburn with Darwen Council, acknowledges individuals or an organisation that has shown strong leadership, enhanced the reputation of the town and shown a strong cohesion ethos.
Filed under: Art | Artists | award | awards | Jamie Holman
Council’s bid to buy Blackburn’s iconic Imperial Mill revealed
Published on Thursday 2 February 2023 at 9:20 am
Blackburn with Darwen Council is seeking to buy a landmark mill in Blackburn – safeguarding its future for employment and new cultural opportunities.
Blackburn Cathedral chosen by the BBC to broadcast services this Christmas
Published on Monday 12 December 2022 at 2:38 pm
Blackburn Cathedral has been chosen by the BBC to host its Christmas services and for the first time in the corporation’s history it will be broadcasting at the same venue on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Filed under: Blackburn Cathedral | Blackburn Cathedral Square | Christmas
£2m arts and culture funding secured for Blackburn with Darwen
Published on Friday 4 November 2022 at 11:55 am
The leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has today welcomed a £2m boost for the boroughs arts, culture and creative industries.
Darwen music venue needs a ‘little help from its friends’
Published on Friday 21 October 2022 at 3:30 pm
Sunbird Records is calling on the community to rally behind it as it bids to be part of a new £3.5m grassroots music venue initiative.
Olympians set to train at Darwen skate park saved from closure
Published on Friday 7 October 2022 at 12:20 pm
Olympians are set to descend on Darwen next week to train at a skate park which has gone from being one of the smallest in the country to one of the very best.
Blackburn’s ‘Jane Austen’ to be celebrated at new Museum event
Published on Tuesday 27 September 2022 at 6:57 pm
Dorothy Whipple was perhaps Blackburn’s greatest writer.
In fact, J.B. Priestley once described her as ‘the Jane Austen of the twentieth century.’
‘Key to Darwen’ returns to town’s library
Published on Tuesday 23 August 2022 at 4:59 pm
Ceremonial artefacts gifted to Darwen Library benefactor, Andrew Carnegie in 1908 have gone on display in the town.
Art Open 2022 : Calling all local artists
Published on Tuesday 23 August 2022 at 1:47 pm
Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery are calling for local artists to showcase their work in its first-ever Art Open Exhibition on October 1st.
Queen’s Baton Relay set for royal welcome in Blackburn with Darwen!
Published on Monday 4 July 2022 at 1:29 pm
The countdown is on to Blackburn with Darwen welcoming the Queen’s Baton Relay – part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
THIS SATURDAY: Blackburn Pride 2022
Published on Tuesday 14 June 2022 at 12:25 pm
We’re so proud to welcome Blackburn’s first ever official Pride event on Saturday 18th June.
Don’t miss out on what will be a spectacular day of fun and celebrations.
THIS WEEKEND: National Festival of Making
Published on Friday 10 June 2022 at 12:56 pm
Who’s ready for National Festival of Making this weekend?
WHAT: National Festival of Making
WHEN: Sat 11th & Sun 12th June, 11am-5pm
WHERE: Blackburn Town Centre
Come and join us in a unique celebration of making, from the kitchen table to the factory floor.
‘Spezial’ Liam Gallagher 40ft mural unveiled in Blackburn
Published on Wednesday 1 June 2022 at 5:12 pm
Blackburn is now home to an iconic new mural of Liam Gallagher.
The giant image of the singing superstar is based on a photograph taken back stage at his recent intimate gig here.
‘Make’ your weekend at The National Festival of Making
Published on Monday 30 May 2022 at 1:25 pm
The award-winning festival returns to Blackburn Town Centre on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June, with free fun for all the family.
Olympic facility set for official opening in Darwen
Published on Wednesday 25 May 2022 at 10:37 am
The £1.2m transformation of a skate park in Darwen is just weeks away from completion.
And, already two international events have been booked at Junction 4 Skatepark – which is set to host Olympic trials and attract visitors from around the world.
One month to go until National Festival of Making!
Published on Friday 13 May 2022 at 3:38 pm
The free family festival will return to Blackburn for its fourth edition on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June.
Rovers shows its support to Ukrainian evacuees
Published on Friday 29 April 2022 at 3:55 pm
Blackburn Rovers have invited members of the local Ukrainian community to attend Saturday’s final home game of the season as a further gesture of support to those affected within the local area.
Filed under: Blackburn Rovers | Ukraine | Ukraine Russia conflict
Funding announced for new roof at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
Published on Saturday 12 March 2022 at 7:41 am
Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery is set to benefit from £365K of Government funding to help replace its aging roof and safeguard the museum’s 148 year old extensive collection.
Applying for a street party to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee
Published on Tuesday 1 March 2022 at 5:14 pm
The borough’s gearing up for a royal weekend of celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and you’re all invited to join in!
Filed under: city bid | Queen | Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Pinocchio is dancing into Blackburn in Northern Ballet’s latest ballet for children
Published on Monday 28 February 2022 at 5:05 pm
Pinocchio, the newest children’s production created by Northern Ballet will soon be visiting Blackburn as part of a major national tour from February to April.
Filed under: Children's events | King George's Hall | Theatre
LGBT+ History Month 2022
Published on Wednesday 23 February 2022 at 4:51 pm
This LGBT+ History Month, we’re highlighting the fantastic services and support available across our borough for this community.
Julia Donaldson’s bestseller Zog transformed for live show in Blackburn
Published on Wednesday 23 February 2022 at 2:56 pm
Much-loved children’s book ‘Zog and the Flying Doctors‘ will be brought to life on stage in Blackburn this May!
Filed under: books | children | Children's events | events | King George's Hall | Live Shows | shows | Theatre | Zog