Backing from the Blackburn BID has helped to support one of the oldest brass bands in the country celebrate their 175th anniversary in grand style at the launch of this year’s Blackburn Heritage Festival.
The BID have supported the hire of the main hall at King Georges Hall, which will be the setting for the grand concert marking Blackburn and Darwen Band’s 175 years of music making.
The concert will be compered by Coronation Street celebrity, Blackburn’s Peter Gunn and will include dancing by students from DAPA and readings by local actors.
Secretary of Blackburn with Darwen Brass Band, Sue Speakman said the band is pleased to be taking part in the town’s largest celebration of history: “The Blackburn Heritage Festival gives us a great platform to celebrate the bands important anniversary this year. Following the response we received at last year’s festival, we are looking forward to kicking off a whole host of activities taking place across the town.”
Formed in 1840, Blackburn with Darwen Band are one of the oldest brass brands in the country and one of the most popular bands in the North West.
Blackburn BID Manager, Harriet Roberts, said: “The band are a key part of the history of the area and we’re delighted to be able to include them in the festival to kick off this year’s events.”
The band, who are of varying standards and ages kick off the festival on Friday, 11 September at 7:30pm – 9.30pm at King Georges Hall. Tickets cost £5 and are available here.
