Blackburn Visitor News & Events

Christmas gift donations are urgently needed at SPARK Recovery.

New award news to come out of Blackburn BID.

Children’s Festival at Blackburn Library competition is now underway

Blackburn BID Member Blackburn Cathedral is now an “Eco Church”. The Cathedral was awarded Bronze status in this national scheme designed to assist the Church of England’s commitment to achieving ‘net zero’ by 2030.   Eco Church encourages more than carbon reduction, it offers an holistic approach to sustainable living such as using Fairtrade products, maintaining a diverse ecology in the […]

The Exchange Blackburn are hosting their first Christmas Tree Festival!

A show-stopping, foot-tapping musicals extravaganza is on the programme for this year’s Blackburn town centre Christmas lights switch on!

Blackburn BID are hosting Spooktacular Pumpkin Carving Workshops on Saturday 28 October from 10.30am to 3.30pm on King William Street, Blackburn.

Management at Blackburn BID member The Mall are delighted to welcome Just Cuts back to the centre under new ownership.

Oops, looks like the Lancashire Telegraph have published the wrong link. Please click here for more details about The Escapade: Professor Lucardo’s Magical Adventure arriving soon in Blackburn town centre…

Are you ready for The Escapade: Professor Lucardo’s Magical Adventure.

The free, fun, escape room style trail event will take place include 10 puzzles in 10 venues across Blackburn town centre between 4 Aug to 2 Sept 2023.

The Escapade: Professor Lucardo’s Magical Adventure

Children from across the county have been getting crafty with ‘in the garden’ themed activities in The Mall Blackburn.

Green-fingered little ones can get hands on with lots of ‘in the garden’ related free arts and crafts at The Mall Blackburn this half term.

Blackburn’s Peter Jackson the Jeweller gifted 40 tickets for Blackburn Rovers last home game of the season to Blackburn and Darwen YouthZone.

Speak Their Name is a project for people bereaved by suicide.  It aims to bring people together to remember their loved one.

Blackburn with Darwen Dementia Action Alliance will be hosting 4 information stands in national Dementia Action week 2023.

Age UK is pleased to launch it’s new Wayfinder service to offer support to anyone aged 50 or over with a dementia diagnosis.

Our Tree Buddy Volunteers will lead an urban tree walk around Blackburn town centre this Sunday 30 April 2023.

Children have been having a really wild time in The Mall Blackburn as part of its free programme of activities this Easter.

Our Tree Buddy Volunteers will lead an urban tree walk around Blackburn town centre on Sunday 30 April 2023. 

Our Tree Buddy Volunteers will lead an urban tree walk around Blackburn town centre on Sunday 30 April 2023. 

The Mall Blackburn is hosting a week long, really wild, free programme of activities this Easter – and you’re invited!

Age UK BwD appealing for voluntary board members

BwD Council’s brand new Shuttle Extra magazine is out now.
You’ll see that lots of BID members feature, including Boutique by Vee, The Mall Blackburn, Ainsworth Jewellers, Checks & Greys and more!

Our Easter event this year will take place on Easter Saturday the 8th April. ‘Spring into Blackburn’ will include Zoo2U animal experience, Birds of Prey, Crafts workshops, Roaming Easter Fairies giving out goodies, and hopefully a climbing wall

We’re delighted to announce that Blackburn BID were named as a finalist in the ‘Power of One’ category of the national Good Retail Awards 2023. Read why here…

When we say the word Blackburn, what kind of things pop in your mind? If we were to say lobster, cocktails and steak on a stone – you’d be surprised, right?

The Entertainer in Blackburn has got plenty of events, offers and celebrations to welcome you to in the next few weeks – starting with some half term entertainment to keep the whole family happy.

Turtle Bay Blackburn celebrates One Love with Caribbean inspired Valentine’s & Galentine’s Bottomless Dinner + menus. Guests can join Turtle Bay from Sunday 12th – Tuesday 14th February, and everyone’s invited.

Last chance to get on the nice list and visit Santa at The Mall Blackburn

Christmas is set to be a real cracker in Blackburn with Darwen with the launch of a brand new campaign bursting with free events and giveaways!

Finch Bakery welcomed crowds of sweet-toothed fans all day long in The Mall Blackburn, as they opened their newest bakery in the shopping centre on Thursday.

The Blackburn Gingerbread Trail, 2-31 December 2022

This year’s Blackburn Lights Switch On has been designed with reducing energy consumption at its heart. The annual festive event, which is something thousands of people from Blackburn and surrounding areas look forward to each year, has been designed to be sensitive to the challenges facing people this year – including the price of energy.

Find out about all the wonderful events and activities taking place this Christmas time in Blackburn Town Centre 2022

Dance fever is set to sweep through Blackburn when Strictly’s AJ Odudu turns on the Christmas lights in her hometown. Read more here…

Blackburn BID are asking visitors to the Blackburn Glitter Ball Christmas Lights Switch On event to donate tins and toys to help families in need this Christmas.

Finch Bakery brings tantalising treats to The Mall Blackburn

Lego: Build A Gift, Give a Gift  – This Week!   On Wednesday 16th November between 4 pm – 5 pm we are running another Lego Make and Take event but with this being the season of giving everyone who shares an image of their creation with #BuildToGive Lego will donate a Lego set to charity. That’s right you get to Build A Gift and Give […]

Involve your business in the Spend Christmas in Blackburn giveaway by offering a social media prize.

The Mall Blackburn is once again supporting Secret Santa in its bid to deliver toys to the area’s most underprivileged families this Christmas. A donation station has been set up outside The Mall’s Ask Me Point as part of the 2022 toy appeal and shoppers are being asked to drop off presents for more than 1,000 children across the borough.

Blackburn Central Library Update November with events, exhibitions, book recommendations and free courses.

Something spooky enveloped Blackburn town centre this October half term, with not one but three free Halloween events to keep families entertained.

Titan wows the crowds with wisecracking antics at The Mall Blackburn – fresh from Britain’s Got Talent appearance

Christmas Toy Emporium to appear at The Mall Blackburn. A mysterious shop with a magical room that can tell children if they have made it onto Santa’s nice list, is set to open in The Mall Blackburn this Christmas.

Whether you’re planning a week full of activities or are looking for FREE activities to keep the kids occupied, entertained or inspired, look no further! There is plenty to do in Blackburn Town Centre this half term and just in time for Halloween – the big question is, witch activities will you choose?  Don’t miss Blackburn BID’s FREE Halloween events […]

Caribbean restaurant and bar Turtle Bay Blackburn has launched its Christmas offering and its sun-kissed tropical escapism all the way.

BBC to broadcast live from Blackburn Cathedral on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Tree Buddy Urban Tree Walk – Saturday 15 October 10am

Blackburn Children’s Literature Festival Storytelling Trail – Saturday 8 October From 1.30pm

Blackburn BID is once again bringing a fang-tastic line up of Spooktacular Blackburn programme of events. Blackburn Town Centre will g-host a series of free events for families in the lead up to halloween. But the question is witch will you choose?

The Mall Blackburn has an out of this world line-up of free activities this half-term, which will culminate in a visit from Britain’s Got Talent’s super-sized semi-finalist Titan the Robot!

We are inviting Primary and Secondary pupils to submit a piece of work between Thursday 13th and Saturday 15th October.

This year’s Blackburn Festival of Light event will be taking place on Saturday 17 December and will include a parade around the town centre made up of artists, community groups, musicians, performers and members of the public all with their amazing light creations – large and small!

Newground Together Employment Hub in Blackburn, which matches job seekers and businesses looking for new recruits, is marking its three-month milestone.

The cast of Blackburn Empire’s Cinderella delight shoppers during the launch of this year’s Pantomime with a visit to Blackburn Town Centre.

Following rumours of an energy prize freeze, over 150,000 businesses from across the UK are urging Government to act on spiralling energy costs which are proving more detrimental than the pandemic.

HOWL event: Saturday 17th September 2022 (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM)

Find out what’s on in September at Blackburn Central Library – lots of FREE activities for families to get involved with.

Quiet hour extended to six days a week at The Mall Blackburn

There’s more nautical fun to come at The Mall Blackburn this weekend as its two week Summer Daze free arts and crafts continues.

Voting is open for The Mall’s Retailer Awards

The Mall Blackburn has introduced more ways for people to support East Lancashire Hospice with the launch of a new charity wall, contactless payment points and a super-sized coin donation box.

RHS Judges were welcomed to a sun-soaked Blackburn by the Councils gardening team and partners including The BID, The Mall and the Cathedral, as the town centre is nominated for another prestigious ‘Britain in Bloom’ award.

Summer Daze wash ashore at The Mall!

Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside – and this year Blackburn is bringing the sand to you! Between 12 August and 28 August, Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID) is hosting a Sand Sculpture Trail across Blackburn Town Centre that’s free for families to visit.

16 Family Events & Activities for a Fun-Filled Summer! Explore a Sand Sculpture Trail                           FREE Friday 12 to Sunday 28 August Blackburn BID presents an amazing sand sculpture trail in Blackburn town centre this summer.  The event will take place from 12 to 28 August 2022 and include 10 sand sculptures with the theme of ‘summer holidays’ plus an amazing […]

On the first Thursday of every month between 1 and 4 pm at the Employability Hub on the ground floor of Blackburn Library, you can access support to help you map out your career journey and plan your route to making it happen.

FREE digital access to ‘The Firebird’ by Michael Rosen from English Touring Opera

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge from The Reading Agency in partnership with local libraries.  This year it’s called ‘Gadgeteers‘, and it runs from 1st July until 30th September, and children age 4 – 12 read 6 library books.  They can also read eBooks on the libraries’ free BorrowBox app, or listen to stories on BorrowBox or library CDs.  Along the way they collect stickers and other prizes for each […]

Blackburn BID is launching an exciting new green initiative centred around protecting the town centre’s precious tree population. A limited number of volunteer places are available to train alongside expert Horticulturist and teacher, Sue Jeffries, to become a ‘Blackburn Tree Buddy’ and help create a series of fun guided tree walks around the town centre. Run over 5 weeks, volunteers […]

Age UK Blackburn with Darwen are holding an evening of fun and fashion on Friday 15 July to fundraise for their services across the local community.

The Festival of Making was a roaring success last weekend! In order to make next year’s festival even bigger and better, festival organisers are asking visitors to complete an online survey and share feedback. Those completing the survey will be in with the chance to win £100 of high street vouchers.  You can find the survey here:  https://festivalofmaking.co.uk/evaluation/

Blackburn’s first Pride event launches this weekend.

Meet Beth Hartland – a beauty expert who has worked in the industry for 15  years. Beth, 29, the face behind Hartlands House of Beauty & Grooming based in Blackburn town centre, has worked in the beauty industry since leaving school aged 15. Beth has always worked in Blackburn, starting her career working as a Saturday girl on Blackburn Market […]

The Chancellor has announced the introduction of a temporary, targeted, Energy Profits Levy to support the rise in the cost of living.

Here are the finalised road closures and map for the Festival of Making, taking place on 11th and 12th June 2022.  Please find below a clarified list of road closures and their dates and times for the National Festival of Making this weekend.   ROAD CLOSURES From 11:59pm on Friday 10th June till 11:59pm on Sunday 12th June, barriers will be in place […]

Plans for the first ever Blackburn Pride event, taking place on Saturday 18 June are progressing nicely. Find out the latest here…

Award-winning comedian Rob Brydon and his eight-piece band will be performing their show ‘Rob Brydon – A Night of Songs & Laughter’ at King George’s Hall on 15 July.

Paul Young will take fans behind the lens in a unique show that will coincide with the publication of his autobiography. He will visit Blackburn’s King George’s Hall on Thursday 23 Mar 2023 as part of a major tour in 2023, called Behind The Lens.

Generous builders re-work Madness song ‘our house’ after gifting new home to children’s hospice.

The Mall Blackburn has teamed up with Blackburn BID to bring a Platinum Arty Party to the town to mark the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen’s accession to the throne.

The National Festival of Making takes over Blackburn town centre with an explosion of maker and digital technologies, have-a-go workshops, food stalls, international performances, art exhibits, music, food and markets. ⁠  In 2019 over 100 volunteers came and supported the event to give visitors to Blackburn and the festival the best possible experience. ⁠ This year they need your help as they return […]

Community Rail Lancashire is joining community groups and volunteers across Britain for this year’s Community Rail Week, running 23-29 May, to encourage people to ‘give the train a try’.

Blackburn Youth Zone’s 10th Anniversary Ball raises £30,000. Find out more…

Martin Kemp returns to Blackburn’s King George’s Hall on Friday 17th June 2022, as he trades his bass for the decks and spins the biggest and best hits from the 1980s!

The Mall Blackburn is introducing a weekly quiet hour every Tuesday 9am-10am, from May 17th.

Blackburn with Darwen Dementia Action Alliance will be available for people within Blackburn with Darwen to find out more about the available support and local community services.

All BID and town centre businesses are invited to take part in a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee shop window dressing competition. Your window should be ready by Saturday 28 May and the competition will run for 2 weeks

Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Blackburn town centre by helping to create some amazing street art in Blackburn town centre.

On Saturday 25 June 2022, from 10am to 2pm, BwD Adult Learning are holding an open day at Bank Top NLC, Arthur Way, Blackburn, BB2 1QP and Audley and Queens Park NLC, Pringle Street, Blackburn, BB1 1SF.  For more information, call Bank Top NLC on 01254 581175 or Audley Queens Park NLC on 01254 507720.

Have you ever had a photo printed on a coffee? No? Well now you can! Caffee Impresso – on the corner of Museum Street and Exchange Street in Blackburn town centre – serves hot and cold drinks, and sweet and savoury cakes and treats. Their speciality is being able to put any picture or photo or company logo on the hot drink. You can even take a selfie and the coffee elements act as the ‘ink’ on the white foam top.

Latest Consumer Alerts for May 2022 from Lancashire Trading Standards.

Find out more here

Blackburn will become home to a two-day battle – but don’t worry… it will be part of a friendly Warhammer-style tournament. Bat Cave, on Town Hall Street, a Blackburn BID member, will be welcoming 16 people from around the world to play 15mm Ancient Wargaming – a game of skill and luck using 15mm historical miniatures.

Next month veterans from Blackburn will be retracing the journey of one of the last remaining WWII dispatch riders to commemorate D-Day – but they need more donations.

We’re delighted to let you know plans for celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Blackburn town centre.

The Mall Blackburn has welcomed a new food vendor specialising in delicious Belgian waffles (Waffwich) mini dutch pancakes and creamy shakes. World of Waffle (WOW) is based in Victoria Court behind the Ask Me Point and is already delighting customers with mouth-watering on-the-go treats which are all 100% vegetarian. WOW owner Harunrashid Khepi and Bushra Khepi are qualified dessert chefs. […]

On Saturday 18th June 2022, Blackburn Pride Committee will host their first Official Blackburn Pride event to champion Inclusivity, Empowerment, and Togetherness. Find out how you can support it…

Blackburn’s Veterans Living History Museum (VLHM) are currently organising and fundraising for ‘Op Banham’.

The guy everyone can do an impression of is back with a brand-new stand-up tour. Josh Widdicombe’s new stand-up show arrives in Blackburn on Monday 23rd May 2022.

Tour De Moon Convoy to come to Blackburn – 19th May 2022

The National Festival of Making event will take place this year on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June 2022, 10am to 6pm, in Blackburn town centre.

Jack Dee’s live tour, “Off the Telly”, was cut off in its prime when the pandemic hit the UK last spring. Coming to Blackburn on Sat 30 Apr 2022. Tickets available here: https://bwdvenues.com/whats-on/jack-dee-2022/ SYNDICATED INTERVIEW BY JAMES RAMPTON He takes up the story…. “It’s been such a surreal journey. I had just got the tour started and was playing to bigger rooms, having […]

Earth Day 2022: 10 ways you can invest in our planet in Blackburn town centre.

Love to Ride – Supporting more people to ride & Bike Month Challenge 1st – 31st May 2022

The Insights Family provide ethical GDPR and COPPA compliant real-time global data on kids, parents and families which enables organisations to identify opportunities, mitigate risks and make smarter decisions.  They have released a report called ‘Making it Matter – Why Every Organisation Needs to be Family First’.  The report states that according to UNICEF, there are 2.3 billion kids aged […]

The Mall Blackburn’s first major Easter event for over two years is already proving extremely popular as little visitors let their creativity run wild with a host of free craft activities in an Alice in Wonderland-inspired space. Families are making the most of the school holidays, despite the weather, with indoor activities taking place every day until Friday 15th April […]

Nearly Lear at Blackburn Central Library Friday 22 April 2022

Farleys has joined a number of well-known corporate brands in signing the Pledge To Be Seen, a campaign run by visible difference and disfigurement charity Changing Faces.

Seven ‘former’ upstanding members of the community did some jail time to raise more than £2,500 for Age UK Blackburn with Darwen.

Blackburn train station walk-through film highlighted for Autism Acceptance Week – running 28 Mar – Apr 3

A remarkable interpretive singer, Kate Rusby’s soulful vocals resonate with the wistful beauty of an earthbound angel.

Kate brings her unique show to Blackburn’s King George’s Hall on Friday 8 April 2022.

The Mall Blackburn is gearing up for its first major Easter event for over two years and is looking forward to welcoming little shoppers to its free Wonderland of Fun!

Blackburn BID is inviting you to meet Alice and her friends for an amazing Easter Wonderland Adventure!

A brand new family home worth £250,000 is being given away in a prize draw to raise money for Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley.  The three-bedroom home in Feniscowles, Blackburn, has been donated by Kingswood Homes and unlike other competitions of this nature, 100% of ticket sales will go to the charity – helping seriously ill children from across […]

The Mall Blackburn has teamed up with community interest company Access Ability’s Dis-Labelled project to launch a treasure hunt to raise awareness and educate little shoppers on the lead up to Hidden Disability Day, which will take place on Thursday 24th March.

Monday 7th March 10.30-3.00pm  Blackburn Youth Zone Jubilee Street, Blackburn BB1 1EP The Super Slow Way Linear Park is an ambitious vision that hopes to demonstrate how the Leeds & Liverpool Canal corridor can be developed as a major asset for the communities that live in this part of East Lancashire. Over the next six months a series of projects […]

The Animal Guyz bring their entertaining and educational show “Animal Antics” to King George’s Hall, Blackburn, this Sunday 6th March 2022.

Reginald D Hunter is back with a brand-new show, and there’s no time for niceties. Unafraid to tackle head on the subjects the rest of us skirt around, Reginald is the voice of his generation – searingly honest, brutally funny and uniquely placed to commentate on the unfolding meltdown of life as we know it.

Don’t miss the chance to become The Mall’s Charity of the Year

Pinocchio, the latest children’s production created by Northern Ballet will soon be visiting Blackburn as part of a major national tour from February to April. It’s the perfect introduction to ballet!

An update from the Blackburn BID executive board, presented via Microsoft Teams on February 2022.

Join expert forensics lecturer Jennifer Rees to explore one of Forensic Psychology’s most troubling topics.

The Mall Blackburn is celebrating World Book Day’s 25th anniversary by giving away £250 worth of books to a deserving school, nursery or community group.

The new live show “Zog and the Flying Doctors” transforms the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestseller into something the whole family can enjoy.
Coming to Blackburn’s King George’s Hall on Sat 7 May & Sun 8 May 2022.

Newton Faulkner has announced a brand-new tour “Feels Like Home” which comes to Blackburn’s King George’s Hall on Sunday 2 October 2022.

The National Festival of Making have launched The Big Reinvention Challenge – a collaboration with creative educators Little Inventors.

Blackburn with Darwen Council have published their Local Plan 2021 – 2037 for consultation. The Local Plan includes the Blackburn Town Centre East Framework / Masterplan

The Prime Minster Boris Johnson has made a statement to the House of Commons about ‘Living with Covid-19’.
Read more here

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has made the decision to put a temporary road closure in place along Blakey Moor and the front of King George’s Hall, as a precautionary measure following weather warnings.

The Queen of British Comedy, Dawn French, returns to the stage in Blackburn this autumn with a brand-new solo show.

The Mall Blackburn is kicking off its search for an official charity to support in 2022.

FREE re:fresh family fun activities this half term taking place across the borough of Blackburn with Darwen

Love Blackburn: One of the fantastic prizes up for grabs is a table for two to enjoy a 3-course bottomless valentines at Turtle Bay Blackburn on Monday 14 February.

During February Blackburn BID are delivering the ‘Love Blackburn’ social media campaign including competitions to promote town centre businesses and organisations.

Blackburn BID AGM invite for 24 Feb.

Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID) is delighted to have been named as a finalist in the ‘Retail District’ category of The Good Retail Awards 2022.

Dirty Dusting is a heart-warming feel-good comedy that will have you rolling in the aisles and smiling every time you answer the phone!

CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT AND BAR LAUNCH CARIBBEAN FESTIVITIES Turtle Bay has launched its Christmas menu and it features jerk favourites with  a festive twist plus brand new “Rum Drums” to share!  The island-style restaurant and bar are bringing their famous Caribbean good times to the festive season and it’s all about keeping things laidback and easy.  After a ‘restriction-heavy’ Christmas in 2020, Turtle Bay […]

Osmonds’ Hitmaker, Songwriter and Singer brings Greatest Hits Tour to Blackburn

The Mersey Beatles will be returning to Blackburn’s King George’s Hall on Saturday 3 September 2022 and tickets went on sale this Friday

On Friday 17th December, theatres in the UK will come together to toast the wonderful world of pantomime on social media. Find out more about the fantastic Snow White panto here in Blackburn.

The Mall Blackburn is reminding shoppers that they can request free, discreet packages of menstrual products at its Ask Me Point.

How To Get Tested For Covid Over Christmas and New Year

Tickets to board the Santaland Express at The Mall Blackburningum have officially sold out.  The brand-new Christmas adventure has been a massive hit with Santa fans of all ages, with 2,418 children passing through the magical, make-believe train station. Its popularity saw organisers add a further 104 tickets last Wednesday, which were snapped up within 48 hours.  Rave reviews have been […]

Paul Chowdhry’s tour is Extended and Looks at the Funny Side of Lockdown

Legendary Manchester band Happy Mondays have announced they a 23-date tour for October and November 2022 and tickets are already selling fast. They arrive in Blackburn on Sunday 13 November 2022.

QUEENZ are coming to Blackburn as part of their UK tour!

Limited seats remaining for Santaland Express at The Mall Blackburnigum

7 Reasons to Visit Blackburn this Christmas

A merry Makaton Christmas from The Mall – Santa and the elves use simple signs for SEN visitors

Father Christmas alights at The Mall Blackburnigum

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced new temporary and precautionary measures to deal with Coronavirus following the emergence of the Omicron variant in the UK. This means that: From 4am tomorrow (Tuesday 30 November) face coverings will be compulsory in shops and other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers, as well as on public transport unless individuals are exempt from […]

This Christmas the magic continues in Blackburn town centre. Following on from last year’s multi-award nominated campaign this year the Christmas events in Blackburn promise to be even more magical. Find out more here…

The 100th Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal raised a record amount of money in The Mall Blackburn, which was nearly triple the total in 2020.

Blackburn’s Landmark exchange building

East Lancashire Hospice would like to invite you to stand with us and others who will be remembering loved ones and making a ‘Light Up A Life’ dedication this year.

The Mall Blackburn is excited to take families on a brand-new magical Christmas adventure for 2021.

All hands to the deck for the first Treasure Trove weekend at The Mall!

The critically lauded, The Australian Pink Floyd Show bring their tour to Blackburn on Sunday 28 November 2021 featuring tracks from Pink Floyd’s classic albums.

Leee John of Imagination brings Music and Lights to Blackburn

Returning to Blackburn this November with his Mind over Muscle Tour, Ant Middleton will share personal stories and how to live without limits. Coming to King George’s Hall, Blackburn on Friday 26th November 2021, is best known for his role as chief instructor on television’s SAS: Who Dares Wins. Ant has become a master of adventure and endurance on and off-screen, […]

Renowned for an endless string of soulful yet socially aware hits …Forgotten Town, Ideal World, Born Again, Harvest for the World, What’s in a Word, Hooverville, Words, Father, The Bottle and many more, The Christians bring their tour to Blackburn on Friday 12th November 2021. The Christians enjoyed huge acclaim in the late 80s and early 90s both in the UK and Europe […]

Monster Mayhem Blackburn – they’re coming…

Staff and young people from community charity Blackburn Youth Zone unveiled their own branded lorry as they drove home the benefits of haulage careers with a charity supporter. Find out more here…

G4 will be back on the road in 2021 with their biggest and best Christmas tour to date! Experience sumptuous harmonies in an idyllic, festive setting at King George’s Hall, Blackburn on Wednesday 24 November 2021.

Our The Snowman™️ and The Snowdog brick models are now located in 16 BID member shops and businesses throughout the town centre.

The Knife Angel comes to Blackburn 4-29 November. Find out more about the impressive sculpture here…

All aboard for Treasure Trove weekends at The Mall! They will be giving away £3,000 and treating little buccaneers to a swashbuckling time this November.

The Circus of Horrors brings their 25th Anniversary show to Blackburn’s King George’s Hall on Saturday 6 November 2021.

A range of pop-up stalls will be trading in Blackburn Market every Saturday as everyone looks forward to the festive season.

Stick Man is leaving his family tree to play two performances only at King George’s Hall on Sunday 14th November.

Children from across the county have enjoyed The Mall Blackburn’s magical scarecrows Belle and Scratch as the shopping centre’s week-long Harvest festival gets underway.

King George’s Hall in Blackburn are delighted to welcome Direct from Dublin, the fantastic stars from The Commitments, to the theatre THIS SATURDAY.

Comedian John Bishop is encouraging people to ‘Say Hello’ ahead of his show at King George’s Hall in November.

Following a visit from artist collective, “Eye of Newt” last Saturday, Blackburn Market is pleased to welcome them back with a miniature theatre production.

The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Cllr Derek Hardman was joined by Mayoress, Colette Hardman, to officially open a unit dedicated to raising money for the 100th Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in The Mall Blackburn.

Sarah Millican’s shows are always popular in Blackburn – and due to massive demand, an extra date has been added to her Bobby Dazzler Tour at King George’s Hall.

A Blackburn Community Interest Company, is a finalist in the Persimmon Homes 2021 Building Futures award. Find out how you can help here…

Strange things are happening this half term on Blackburn Market, as the Cabinet of Curiosities arrives.

The Blackburn 10K is returning on Sunday 12th December 2021. This 10k race starts and finishes inside Ewood Park and runs around Blackburn town centre.

The Blackburn Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) seized a samurai sword and a large amount of cannabis growing equipment during a rain in Clayton Street, Blackburn.

Little scarecrows are being invited to The Mall Blackburn’s free Harvest Festival this October half term. The shopping centre will become the home of magical scarecrows Belle and Scratch as they embark on a week-long journey of exciting workshops from Monday 25th October until Sunday 31st October.

The Mall Blackburn has unveiled a colourful rooftop display and a stunning memorial wall to celebrate the lives of loved ones lost throughout the course of the pandemic.

Blackburn has a spooktacular trail lined up for families visiting the town centre this Halloween. Monster treats – including skull lollies and spider rings – are up for grabs for those ghouls and boys who find all the clues on our Creepy Creatures Trail.

The Mall Blackburn has installed a new Collect+ terminal so shoppers can order COVID-19 test kits prior to travelling abroad.

Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal returns to The Mall Blackburn

The Mall Blackburn is joining the battle against local period poverty by giving away free, discreet packages of menstrual products at its Ask Me Point.

Steve said he been painting seriously for four years and two days – spurred on by a heart attack.

A talented artist who took second prize in this year’s Paint The Town event said anyone can paint.

Art and design student Aelwyn Whitehead-St Pierre was named winner of the under 17s category of this year’s Paint The Town.

Talented youngster Eliza Salam was crowned second in the Under 16s category of the Paint The Town competition.

Carole Pugh has been crowned the People’s Choice winner in this year’s Paint The Town competition – voted for by the public.

Vicky McLeish could be the next Banksy of Blackburn after bringing some brightness to the back alley near her home.

After the success of last year’s Paint the Town @ Home, artists were invited to send in their submissions from home, using a variety of mediums to showcase and celebrate people, places or architecture of Blackburn.

The Mall Blackburn is joining forces with local community interest company Dis-Labelled to help to reduce the stigma around invisible disabilities.

Whether you’re heading off to college for the first time or returning once again, it’s essential to make sure you’re fully prepared for the term ahead. You may have decided which clothes and shoes you’re taking for the first few nights out, but it’s important to hit the ground running when planning for lectures and studying too – after all, you are there to learn.

Hobkirks Sewing Machines will be hosting their very own Macmillan Week to help raise money for charity.

The Darwen Street shop – an Aladdin’s cave of sewing items – will have the kettle on and treats at the ready from Monday 20 to Saturday 25 September.

The Mall Blackburn has launched a community consultation to create a new green space on top of its car park as part of its celebrations for The Great Big Green Week. Throughout Monday 20th September shoppers can complete a questionnaire outside Primark to have their say on what they want to see as part of the project, which is being backed by Newground, Blackburn BID […]

The Utilita store in The Mall Blackburn has teamed up with Blackburn Fire Station to promote Gas Safety Week with lots of advice and help for shoppers.

Age UK Blackburn with Darwen is offering older people over 60 who have not made a will the opportunity to do so.

In July 1913, the foundation stone of King George’s Hall was laid by King George V. After part of the still-under-construction building was used as a field hospital during the First World War, the concert hall finally opened its doors to audiences in October 1921.

Masters of Martial Arts Academy is celebrating the completion of a £50,000 investment in their training facilities in Blackburn town centre.

Shone Productions Ltd announces star cast for Blackburn’s Biggest Ever Pantomime. Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at King George’s Hall. From 6 until 31 December 2021.

Forget Manchester City vs Arsenal this weekend – the real big football match happened this week at Blackburn Youth Zone.

Young shoppers visiting The Mall Blackburn have enjoyed a week of fun-filled dinosaur activities – with more yet to come. To coincide with the amazing brick model dinosaurs currently roaming the streets of Blackburn, The Mall is hosting another week of dinosaur activities including walk-abouts, crafts, face painting and balloon modelling. Fifteen amazing brick model dinosaurs known as the Brickosaurs […]

Following the easing of COVID restrictions, the Ask Me Point is open once again to assist shoppers at The Mall Blackburn, with the customer services team offering more services than ever before.

All young people aged 16 to 17 in England are to be offered a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Monday 23 August to give them the vital protection provided by the vaccine before returning to school in September.

From today, 16 August, you will not be required to self-isolate if you live in the same household as someone with COVID-19. Find out if that affects you here…

Turtle Bay Blackburn is getting ready to welcome guests back from the 24th September and they are on the hunt for a whole team of front and back of house superstars to join the team!

A new community help hub in Blackburn town centre was formally opened today (Wednesday, July 28th) as Blackburn with Darwen Council continues its response to the coronavirus pandemic. The ribbon was cut on the hub – based in the Mall opposite Marks & Spencer – this afternoon and it is now available to offer free, regular, rapid coronavirus testing as well as a range of support to local residents to move forward with their lives in a variety of ways.

Some of our BID members are hosting ‘fringe events’ which will be promoted in the Brickosaurs Trail booklet – would you like to get involved?

Community support organisation Secret Santa has been named The Mall Blackburn’s charity of the year for 2021. Find out more here…

Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID) has won a regional Public Sector PR Award for ‘Saving Christmas from Covid’.

Families across Lancashire are being invited to enjoy a weekend of amazing feel-good music shows to welcome you safely back into Blackburn town centre. The ‘Welcome Back to Blackburn’ summer shows will run between 30 July and 1 August on stage on King William Street.

o help celebrate and promote the Brickosaurs brick model trail coming to Blackburn (#Brickburn) from 20 August, we are launching a children’s Design-A-Poster competition.

We have an exciting programme of FREE events planned for this summer in Blackburn town centre. Please let us know if you would like to be more involved or would like to have more information about any of them:

Brickburn is back… and it promises to be T-Rexcellent! his summer, families will be able to see ferocious dinosaurs walking the earth once again in Blackburn town centre, renamed #Brickburn for the event.
Fifteen amazing brick model dinosaurs will form the Brickosaurs trail that will be located around the town centre between 20 August and 1 September.

From today, you can now get the COVID-19 vaccine if you’re aged 18 or over. You can book appointments at a vaccination centre or pharmacy now, here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ .

Blackburn BID are currently pulling together a promotional package for Summer in Blackburn town centre 2021.

Don’t miss your chance to attend A Colourful Window’ Beginners Abstract Painting workshop with Sana Maulvi.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has launched a public consultation survey about the draft BwD Walking and Cycling Plan – a plan to increase uptake of walking and cycling in the borough. Find out more

Artist Steve Crowther will be hosting a workshop on Wednesday 23rd June, 6.30-9pm. The live event will be held on Zoom and will give participants an introduction to Urban Sketching with the aim to encourage participants to have a go and register for this year’s Paint The Town event on 26 June.

As rates of Covid cases rise across Blackburn with Darwen, everyone who lives, works or studies in areas with BB1 and BB2 postcodes are strongly encouraged to take a COVID-19 PCR test, whether they are showing symptoms or not, to help track the spread of the latest Variant of Concern.

Clarification on advice for Blackburn with Darwen

Vaccination update and vaccination bus timetable

UPDATE: Blackburn NOT in local lockdown

The Vaccination unit on Penny Street car park, opposite the Bus Station and Brown Street car park, have 200 spare Pfizer covid vaccines available until 8pm today and are happy for ANYONE to walk in to get one. Vaccines are available to anyone over the age of 18.   Please encourage all your members of staff who haven’t been vaccinated to visit […]

The Mall Blackburn is excited to announce the grand opening of their new Bubble CiTea kiosk opposite The Works in Victoria Court.

An illustrated map plotting the locations of Blackburn’s green spaces will soon be available as part of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing Campaign.

Inclusive Community by Juvairiyya Patel

National Festival of Making 2021 Commission: Illustrations by Daniel Nelson

National Festival of Making 2021 Commission: 10 Sculptures Created with the local Community by Ellie Barrett

‘Everyday Life’ by Victoria Riley

‘Cardboard Blackburn’ by Tim Neath

‘With love from Blackburn’ by Stella Boothman

‘We’re looking forward’ by Robert Howell

‘For The Community, By The Community’ by Laura Edwards

The Crowd by Feona Hadcroft

Red Roses by Anna Jakovleva

The Power of Colour by Emma Colbert

Narrowboat Sign by Dale Cocker

Blackburn is being transformed into one giant art gallery – as the Creative Spaces project is unveiled.
Thirteen artists are in the process of creating work or installing existing work, all along the theme of ‘community’.

As part of Creative Spaces project, find six ‘Storylogs’ concealed in Blackburn town centre. Each log welcomes you to the town centre in its own unique way and reflects on the town’s communities and various heritages.

Blackburn Youth Zone and its local partners is relaunching its Youth Ambassador programme for local 12-16 year olds.

One of the most exciting rising stars on the comedy circuit, Tez Ilyas, is set to return to his hometown Blackburn on 27th November 2021 with a brand new and highly anticipated stand up show, ‘The Vicked Tour’.

To mark Step 3 of the Roadmap our of lockdown (providing it takes place on this date), we will be delivering ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ throughout Blackburn town centre to visitors.

We are pleased to inform you about The Blackburn Drive-In Experience – running Fri 7 to Sun 9 May. Find out how to get tickets here.

We are working with Blackburn with Darwen Council to deliver the Creative Spaces project funded by the Recovering High Streets fund.
Artists are being commissioned to create and/or display their artworks linked with the theme of ‘Community’ in the town centre in empty / public spaces for a period of 12 weeks starting from 17 May.

Shops, hairdressers, barbers, beauty salons, gyms and outdoor hospitality businesses in Blackburn and Darwen Town centres gave customers a warm welcome back today as they re-open their doors.

Michelin-star Chef Nigel Haworth is helping Blackburn Youth Zone pack ingredients ahead of 500 food parcels being delivered to families this weekend.

Services available for those affected by suicide

The Government has updated the ‘National Lockdown: Stay at Home’ Guidance to confirm how the rules will change on 29 March 2021 (Part two of Step 1 on the Roadmap out of lockdown).

Show your support to an art project by five up and coming artists, inspired by Blackburn

Go BIG with your words of inspiration and hope!

Inspire Blackburn and Darwen with your poetry as Of Earth And Sky hits the streets in metre-high letters, on park lawns and town centre billboards.

OPEN CALL for submissions on the theme of ‘COMMUNITY’ for a ‘Creative Spaces’ project in Blackburn town centre.

A stunning piece of art, illustrating the community spirit shown in Blackburn during the pandemic, has been installed in the heart of the town centre.

Award-winning author and poet Christina Gabbitas is continuing her World Book Day celebrations – by helping Blackburn with Darwen primary schools access her books.

Michelin star chef is helping Blackburn Youth Zone feed over 4,000 families this Easter

Book your tickets for All swinging, all singing featuring Ray Quinn. This concert spectacular celebrates the fabulous music and tells the incredible story of the world-famous Rat Pack.Led by a bona fide star of swing music, ‘Ray Quinn’. Featuring all the greatest hits of Sammy Davis Jnr, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and many more timeless classics from the stars of […]

Blackburn with Darwen has received a government grant to support families and children and other vulnerable adults through the winter period to access food, support with utility bills and other essentials to help keep people warm and fed. This project is known as the COVID Winter Grant Scheme.

To mark this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week (1–7 February) organised by the charity Place2Be, The Mall Blackburn has launched their ‘My 2021 Time Capsule’ campaign.

A 27ft sculpture, made out of 100,000 bladed weapons, will be outside Blackburn Cathedral in November – COVID permitting.

The Bureau Centre for the Arts are looking to collaborate with other youth service providers in Blackburn – but would like your feedback. If you have or work with children aged 7 and under please complete this survey…

Two markets in Lancashire have joined forces to support struggling families with children eligible for free school meals.

Christmas cheer is always top of the festive agenda at The Mall Blackburn, so when Covid-19 stopped its magical grotto going ahead management got in touch with the big man himself to see if he could help them out.

‘Monument 2020’ by Elliott Flanagan – an Art film reflecting on the loss of social interactions in lockdown – will be projected on to the side of Blackburn Town Hall.

The Mall Blackburn has donated £2,000 to support work to tackle food poverty in the local area this winter. Read more here…

Blackburn BID member and partner Change, Grow, Live are working on a couple of important projects this Christmas, and they’re after your help…

The Mall Blackburn has offered its warmest congratulations to everyone who has volunteered and supported the Royal British Legion Blackburn Poppy Appeal this year. The Mall Blackburn stepped in to help the fundraising by donating and decorating the outside of an empty retail unit – and it paid off! Even though the unit was only partially open because of the […]

Blackburn BID and its members are spreading some Christmas cheer this year as we launch our ’12 Days of Christmas’ giveaway.

Santa is sending out an SOS after his reindeer escaped in The Mall Blackburn. The nine naughty reindeer are scattered across the shopping centre and can be found making mischief in the windows of some of the stores.

After the cancellation of its magical grotto due to Covid-19 restrictions, management at The Mall got in touch with their friend Santa and asked him if he would create personalised videos for children who have gone the extra mile or deserve a treat.

Actual Music are delighted to announce the release of a new Christmas song and music video – written, produced & performed by musicians representing Musique Agency, from across Lancashire and the North-West.

Time to Read presents a live conversation with Sarah Butler, author of Jack and Bet (Picador).

Festive Cheer from Blackburn Market with the return of Pop-up Markets this Saturday

Award-winning author Christina Gabbitas will be visiting The Mall Blackburn for a two-day, socially distanced, book signing on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December.

The Health Secretary Matt Hancock has just made a statement to the House of Commons regarding the ‘regionally-differentiated’ Tier system which will come into place from Wednesday 2 December. Lancashire, Blackpool, and Blackburn with Darwen will be in the Very high (tier 3).  While there have been improvements in some areas, case rates and the proportion of tests which are positive for […]

Picture: Laura Diffey, Marketing Manager and Jason Cothliff, Ask Me Point Supervisor at The Mall Blackburn.  The Mall Blackburn is extending its opening hours to support retailers and give shoppers more time to get everything they need for Christmas. It will reopen on Wednesday 2nd December and stores will be able to operate from 8am-8pm every night, excluding Sundays, until Wednesday […]

The Believe in the Magic of Blackburn town centre book, written by Christina Gabbitas and illustrated by Ursula Hurst was officially launched on Friday (20 November) and is now available for sale!

A specially commissioned book about Blackburn town centre – which launches this Friday – will be brought to life via a live stream.

Holme Street, a themed pop-up markets area in Blackburn Market, will reopen on Saturday 5th December.

Members from Blackburn Youth Zone were featured on CBBC Newsround discussing how support from vital services such as Blackburn Youth Zone have supported them and their families during the coronavirus crisis.

Can you support a BYZ member this Christmas? Find out you can help here…

Blackburn will be paying its respects by holding a light projection show in the heart of the town.

Blackburn Youth Zone have welcomed Fagan & Whalley to their patron network.

Visitors are being asked to Believe in Blackburn town centre as this year’s Christmas celebrations are reimagined.

With Halloween just days away some spooky spectres have appeared in The Mall Blackburn! Read more about the ghost trail here…

A specially commissioned book about Blackburn town centre will be brought to life this Christmas via an interactive trail for families.    Believe in the Magic of Blackburn Town Centre, written by award-winning local author Christina Gabbitas, features a make-believe family and their adventures in the centre of Blackburn.    The book, available to buy from 20 November, forms the backbone of […]

The Bureau Blackburn are looking for people to feature on the big screen – well, projection – for this year’s Blackburn Festival of Light virtual parade.

The Mall Blackburn has stepped up to support Blackburn Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal by donating and decorating a unit to boost fundraising.

The Government has published details of the Job Support Scheme.  It can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-job-support-scheme/the-job-support-scheme Some key points are:- The Job Support Scheme provides different types of support to businesses according to their situation. Businesses that are operating but facing decreased demand can get support for wages through JSS Open. Those businesses that are legally required to close their premises as a direct […]

The Mall Blackburn has extended the deadline for local schools to enter its competition to win £250 worth of supplies.

Lancashire highly likely to go in to tier 3.

The Government has issued more information about the new local COVID alert levels which come into force on Wednesday 14 October. Read more here…

King George’s Hall is amongst the venues to receive lifeline grant from Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund.

Blackburn Market has announced the re-opening of pop-up craft and gift markets just in time for Christmas.

The Mall Blackburn is giving local schools the chance to win £250 worth of supplies by asking pupils to create posters highlighting the need for people to stay safe in the coming months. With separate categories for primary and secondary schools, there are also individual prizes of a Kindle or a Virtual Reality headset for the children that produce the […]

The government has summarised the changes which apply nationally at the following link. Find out how this affects you here.

Key points of the new national COVID-19 restrictions.

Updates to the impact and response to Coronavirus – including care bubbles, penalties and isolation payments.

Shoppers have less than a week left to win a whole host of prizes, including a £250 shopping spree, at The Mall Blackburn.

Blackburn and Darwen are at the forefront of a national fundraising campaign that has been launched by the Theatres Trust in partnership Crowdfunder.co.uk to save theatres across the UK.

Rob Lamberti will be performing a celebration of the songs and music of George Michael at King George’s Hall on Friday 9 July 2021.

The Government has updated the guidance regarding what you can and cannot do in Blackburn with Darwen, to reflect the changes to social contact brought into force today.

“By Skill and Hard Work”, the BYZ Community thrives through the pandemic to reach the most vulnerable

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has delivered a Coronavirus Press Conference with the Government’s current response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

To support this year’s theme of ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’ we will be sharing information across our social media channels to help raise awareness around suicide and suicide prevention.

Social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in England from Monday amid a steep rise in coronavirus cases across the country.

The Mall Blackburn is giving shoppers the chance to win a £250 shopping spree as well as a whole host of other prizes to say thank you for their ongoing support.

The Government are to implement new payment for people on low incomes in areas with high rates of COVID-19, who need to self-isolate and can’t work from home. Payments of up to £182 to be made to people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and their contacts.

Jonathan Pie’s critically acclaimed sell out show Fake News returns, updated and remixed for a post-Corona world. His live show arrives in Blackburn at King George’s Hall on 29th May 2021 and tickets are on sale now.

The government have issued some further guidance regarding the extra restrictions in Blackburn. Some key points are detailed here…

The Government and local leaders in Oldham, Pendle and Blackburn have agreed additional measures to curb the spread of coronavirus, while removing Wigan, Darwen and Rossendale from intervention.

The Mall Blackburn is bucking the national trend by celebrating two new store openings. Just Cuts and Minoti held launch days this week and are already proving very popular with shoppers.

Take a look at the targeted approach to Blackburn lockdown restrictions here…

Blackburn town centre BID’s ‘Brickburn’ campaign was a finalist in the ‘Public Sector’ category of North’s PRCA Dare Awards. Read more here…

New alley gates have been installed off Northgate by Blackburn BID to reduce fly tipping and anti-social behaviour. Read more here…

The Government has announced further easing of lockdown measures which were postponed on 1st August will now take place from tomorrow (15 August) but ”these changes will NOT apply in any protected area for which there are local restrictions”.

We have lots of updates to share with you today – ranging from Shop Local, Test & Trace, and details of the Greatest Bank Holiday Show!
Find out more here:

The current rules on social gatherings are to continue in East Lancashire, West Yorkshire and Leicester, following a review of all local restrictions yesterday (Thursday) by government and local authorities.

Dominic Harrison, Director of Public Health for Blackburn with Darwen, has written a column for the Lancashire Telegraph. Read it here…

Curtis Stigers brings Contemporary Jazz to King George’s Hall in Blackburn in 2021. Find out how to get tickets here…

Last night the government and North West local authorities are acting together to control the spread of Coronavirus. From today, if you live in affected areas, you should follow new rules when meeting people who you do not live with. Affected areas in Lancashire are:- Blackburn with Darwen Burnley Hyndburn Pendle Rossendale In these areas you should not: Meet people you do […]

Clinically extremely vulnerable patients in Blackburn with Darwen who are currently on the Shielded Patient List are being sent letters and text messages by the Government to advise them that they need to continue staying at home until further notice.  This may affect your colleagues, staff, friends or family members. Coronavirus levels in this area continue to remain higher than […]

The Government has announced that further lockdown easing measures are being postponed in Blackburn with Darwen.

Blackburn with Darwen Council have released updated guidance around face coverings in readiness for them to be compulsory in shops and supermarkets from Friday (24 July)

Blackburn Council’s Arts & Heritage Manager Rebecca Johnson is leading on a project to create 300 ‘Creative Connections’ boxes for year 6 students in Blackburn to support them during the summer and preparing for High School in September.

Updated guidance from Blackburn with Darwen Council regarding safety in the workplace, and face coverings.

The Mall Blackburn is supporting a Burnley woman who is part of a nationwide group that is working to ensure the victims of Covid-19 are remembered.

Blackburn Youth Zone has been featured on ITV to highlight the needs of local children and young people during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson is holding a press conference at the moment, at which he has announced changes to lockdown restrictions. Click here for more details.

Businesses in Blackburn town centre are taking extra steps to make sure they are Covid-safe. Following the announcement of face coverings to become mandatory in shops from 24 July, and the announcement of extra measures for Blackburn and Darwen to help prevent a local lockdown, customers are asked to wear face coverings in the Mall, the Market and businesses across […]

BREAKING NEWS: New steps to help prevent a local lockdown for Blackburn with Darwen.

Update on self-employment income support scheme and face coverings in shops. Find out more here…

Change, Grow, Live – funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council and supported by Blackburn BID – have appointed a new REACH worker for Blackburn town centre. Find out more…

The new mobile testing unit for Blackburn with Darwen is open at Witton Park Academy from Monday to Friday this week, from 11am to 6pm. Find out more here.

The latest data shows that footfall levels in Blackburn are recovering at a faster rate than in many other areas and so Blackburn appears in the top ten of high streets returning to previous levels of activity, at number 6, whilst some of the UK’s biggest cities such as Manchester and Birmingham are in the bottom ten.

It was announced last night that Britain’s arts, culture and heritage industries will receive a £1.57 billion rescue package to help weather the impact of coronavirus.

In the news, Blackburn with Darwen area is ranked at number 9 in the list of areas with the highest rate of infections and suggestions it could be ‘days away from local lockdown’ as a result. Click here to see the response from the Council.

Blackburn Central Library is reopening from Monday, 6 July. Here’s a message from the library service…

The government has released guidance for people providing ‘close contact services’, to be able to open and operate ‘covid safely’. Find out more here…

hris Duval from The Mall Blackburn has been working hard to keep the centre clean

Congratulations to the winners in the under 18’s young people category for Paint The Town 2020, organised by The Bureau Centre for the Art.

The Bureau Centre for the Arts awarded £30,000 to develop a music programme for pre-school children with their families.

He said: “Following government advice, we have been reopening Argos stores on high streets and retail parks in the Republic of Ireland since 18th May and in Northern Ireland since 8thJune.  “We have learnt a lot from these stores about how customers want to shop with us and we will keep listening to customer feedback as we start to open more […]

One-way systems, hand sanitiser stations and Safety Ambassadors are in place ready to welcome visitors back to Blackburn town centre from Monday. Find out what other changes to expect here.

The Mall Blackburn is looking forward to welcoming shoppers as more of its shops begin to open, starting from Monday June 15th.

The markets in Blackburn and Darwen will reopen to the public on Monday 15th June 2020 – but there will be changes. Find out more here…

The voting for this year’s People’s Choice category is now open for this year’s Paint The Town @ Home art competition. Find out how to vote here:

A new digital reading offer is available to help children beat those lockdown blues, have fun, and keep their reading skills sharp at the same time while many schools and libraries remain closed.

Blackburn BID is proud to have been presented with an award from the outgoing Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen for its services to local businesses during the outbreak.

How much do you know about Blackburn? As a bit of fun during the lockdown, we’re inviting you to take part in our Blackburn quiz.

Following the easing of government restrictions, The Mall Blackburn will be operating under normal trading hours from Monday 15th June. Customers are advised to check www.themall.co.uk/blackburn for individual store details.

King George’s Hall has recently been overwhelmed by the memories shared on their social media channels of concerts people have enjoyed in Blackburn in years gone by.

Management at The Mall Blackburn have paid tribute to staff that have worked tirelessly to ensure that the centre remained partially open throughout the Covid-19 crisis to enable the local community to benefit from the services of the essential retailers.

Paint The Town @ Home, organised by The Bureau Centre for the Arts and supported by Blackburn BID, is going to take place on Saturday 30th May. Find out more about the fantastic online workshops and demos from professional artists that you can access for free in the coming weeks in the run up to the event.

The Show Must Go On, as Local Venues Launch “Lockdown Live”. King George’s Hall and Darwen Library Theatre are launching a new initiative to keep us entertained until singers, bands and performers can return to the stage. Blackburn & Darwen Lockdown Live launches this Sunday.

The Bureau Centre for the Arts, supported by Blackburn BID, Blackburn with Darwen Council Arts & Heritage and the Blakey Moor Townscape Heritage project are delighted to bring you Paint the Town @ Home on Saturday 30 May 2020!

Blackburn Market’s food traders received hundreds of orders in less than 24 hours, when a new online ordering system was launched in record time.

Just because you are apart from friends & family does not mean you cannot celebrate Easter with an annual Easter Egg hunt with them.

Ainsworth Jewellers are on the hunt for museum-worthy memorabilia spanning their 150-year history.

Blackburn Cathedral will be taking their Mothering Sunday workshop online!

It is with much regret that we announce the postponement of the Blackburn Cathedral Flower Festival planned for June this year.

Children from Holy Trinity C of E School in Darwen got a taste for the working world as part of an initiative at The Mall Blackburn.

Blackburn’s Community Clothing is leading the way when it comes to sustainable, ethical garments.

Blackburn Rovers Community Trust (BRCT) are hosting the ‘Sleep Out for Blackburn 2020’ event – and they’re looking for people to take part.

It is with regret that the Blackburn Workshops and Wellbeing Festival, due to take place 23-29 March, has been postponed due to Coronavirus.

Win a £200 shopping spree by taking a pic with the woman in your life at The Mall Selfie Wall

Behind a shopfront in Darwen Street, Blackburn, lies a mini museum capturing 100 years of textile history. Find out more here…

A new events and themed pop-up markets area at the heart of Blackburn Market has been named Holme Street.

Step Back in Time to The Golden Era of Rock ‘n’ Roll when “Lipstick On Your Collar” heads to King George’s Hall in Blackburn!

Blackburn Cathedral Flower Festival has announced a unique opportunity for UK flower fans, as Tom De Houwer confirms a demonstration and installation at the June 2020 event.

Lots of little shoppers have taken advantage of the free fun on offer at The Mall Blackburn this half-term – and there is plenty more to come!

The annual Sing Together concert series returns for a record breaking run this March at King George’s Hall. Find out more here:

Boyzone and Westlife will be joining forces and playing some of their biggest hits this Friday (28th February 2020) at Blackburn’s King George’s Hall.

The Mall Blackburn has teamed up with the organisers of World Book Day to bring stories to life on World Book Day (Thursday 5 March) and ending on Sunday 8 March.

A Lancashire Beekeeper brought their products and fascinating stories about beekeeping to Blackburn Market at the weekend.

The International smash hit “Spirit of the Dance” is bringing its spine tingling anniversary show to King George’s Hall in Blackburn on Wednesday 26 February at 7pm.

There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained at The Mall Blackburn this February half-term with a whole host of free ‘make and take’ activities.

A town centre café has taken inspiration from Blackburn’s textile history when choosing a new name. The Café With No Name – formerly Café Northcote in Cathedral Quarter – has now reopened its doors as Checks & Greys.

Santander will be hosting a free first-time buyer education events at their Blackburn branch on 15 Feb at 11am.

Kiefer Sutherland heads to the UK for a string of UK dates – arriving at King George’s Hall in Blackburn on Saturday 22nd February 2020. Find out how to book tickets here.

Experience all the hits from the amazing career of Luther Vandross at King George’s Hall on Saturday 15 February.

A week-long programme of activities is planned to mark the launch of the Health Hub @ Blackburn Library – which aims to bring health and digital support to the community of Blackburn with Darwen.

Following his five-star, Olivier Award-nominated, hit one-man show, My Family: Not The Sitcom David Baddiel returns to the stage with a brand new one-man show, Trolls: Not The Dolls.

A growing number of gardening groups competing in this year’s RHS Britain in Bloom competition are prioritising the regeneration of urban areas as communities recognise the value of green spaces to people and planet.

Following multiple sell out UK and Irish Tours with the original “ultimate girls’ night out”, Menopause The Musical® will be coming to King George’s Hall with their nationwide tour Cruising Through Menopause.

Festive selfie snappers have helped to raise a massive £2,000 for Blackburn’s Secret Santa mission. Earlier this month, The Mall Blackburn launched an appeal to ask people to take pictures at its new selfie wall wearing their favourite Christmas Jumpers, with a donation being made to the Secret Santa community interest company for each one uploaded to its social media […]

HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Blackburn for the ‘Festival of Light’ lantern parade.
The event is now in its eighth year, having grown from a small event run by one artist working with the council to a large celebration event this year.

Audiences in Blackburn are being treated to an array of entertainment over the festive period – with a three week pop up festival incorporating music, arts and fashion.

Hardy runners braved a chill Sunday morning to complete a 5K Santa Dash fun run around the town centre.

The Mall Blackburn is ready for the most wonderful time of the year!

Preparations started in early spring and the finishing touches are now being made for the biggest and best Christmas yet!

Kathryn Boyes at Blackburn Sports and Leisure Centre.

A number of fantastic prizes were up for grabs at this year’s Blackburn Paint the Town 2019 challenge – and we are delighted to announce the winners.

A Blackburn based community interest company is appealing for donations to help build a giant Teddy Bear Mountain for vulnerable children this Christmas.

The second annual Blackburn Santa Dash is taking place on Sunday 8 December in Blackburn town centre as part of the ‘Believe in Blackburn town centre’ Christmas programme.

Following the success of 2018’s inaugural Purple Tuesday campaign, The Mall Blackburn is once again joining retailers across the nation to mark the UK’s official accessible shopping day.

Today (Tuesday 12th November) sees the shopping centre mark the start of its pledge to train all frontline staff in Autism Awareness in the coming months.