Darwen Library Theatre is set to get an almost £1m boost as part of the government’s new Arts Everywhere Fund.
Planning a night out? See the live What’s On in Blackburn calendar.
The funding, announced today as part of more than £16 million for cultural venues and initiatives across the country, will help push forward the Darwen project, which is already backed by millions from the Darwen Town Deal.
Planning permission is already in place for the scheme, with the new money helping to deliver the finishing touches. That includes an upgraded bar area, new seating, better lighting and rigging, plus a new cinema-style set-up.
Blackburn with Darwen Council chief executive Denise Park, whose authority runs the theatre, said the venue has been a popular one for more than 25 years.
“Millions of pounds has already been committed through the Town Deal for the town’s Carnegie library and the Library Theatre, so it’s fantastic that we’ve now secured a further £990,000 through the Arts Council’s Creative Foundations Fund – part of £1.5 billion pledged through the government’s Arts Everywhere Fund,” she said.
“Venues like Darwen Library Theatre are incredibly important to our communities and vital to the future success of our town centres. This investment will allow us to carry out the works needed to safeguard its future while further enhancing what’s on offer.”
Darwen Library Theatre stages live music, comedy, variety and stage shows, along with National Theatre Live screenings. Acts due over the coming months include 911, John Lydon and Matilda Jr, plus comedians Susan Calman, Mark Watson and Rich Hall.
It is also home to its own Comedy Club and the Don Banks Variety Show, and has already announced Elf and Safety as its Christmas show for 2026.
The venue is a regular part of Darwen Live, the largest free music festival in the country, which returns next month over the weekend of May 23rd and 24th.
Nearby, the new Youth Zone is expected to officially open this week. Barnfield Construction has also been appointed as contractor for the wider Darwen Town Deal work, including refurbishment of Darwen Market Hall, the annexe and the multi-storey car park.
Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, said the Arts Everywhere Fund is aimed at protecting cultural spaces for the future.
“I want everyone, everywhere to feel a sense of pride about where they come from,” she said. “Cultural organisations across the North West are important custodians of local identity and play a key role in the story we tell ourselves as a nation.”
“Our Arts Everywhere Fund is delivering on our commitment to support cultural assets across the country, increasing access and preserving them for future generations.”
Arts Council England’s Rebecca Ball said the investment would help cultural organisations continue to deliver arts and culture in their communities.
For tickets and what’s on, visit www.bwdvenues.com.
