New Discover Darwen website launched to showcase town’s events, shops and attractions

Darwen has a new website aimed at putting the town’s events, businesses and attractions in one place.

The new Discover Darwen site, along with a Facebook page and Instagram account, has been launched to cover everything from what’s on and where to eat, to shopping, family days out, parking, places to stay and the town’s history.

The website includes information on Darwen Festival of Fun, Darwen Live 2027 and the Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On, as well as free activities, an interactive map and a Dog-friendly Darwen guide.

It also brings together details on Darwen Market, local businesses, the new Darwen Community Fund and wider investment taking place in the town, with support from the Government’s Pride in Place programme.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Vice Chair of the Darwen Pride in Place Board, said: “Discover Darwen marks an exciting new chapter for the town – a town that is much-loved by its residents and visitors too.

“Thanks to Pride in Place funding, we’ve been able to create this brand-new website that celebrates the people, businesses and communities that make Darwen so special.

“While continuing to champion the town centre, Discover Darwen tells the story of the whole town, giving people a place to find out more about what’s on, where to go and what to see.

“There really is so much to discover about Darwen and this is a fantastic place to start!”

The site also covers Darwen Library Theatre, Darwen Library, the Leisure Centre and the Total Splash Out sessions that have been popular this summer.

There is also a section on sport, including Darwen Football Club, Darwen Cricket Club and Junction4 Skatepark, described as a training ground for Team GB athletes.

Andy MacNae, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, said: “Darwen is seeing real investment at the moment through the Government’s Town Deal and Pride in Place funding, which the Council and I managed to secure for the area.

“This new website brings it together in one place. Darreners can find out what is on and keep up with the latest on Pride in Place. It is good for businesses too, giving them somewhere to promote what they offer and reach new customers.

“Residents have been clear they want more done to support the town centre. This is one small part of delivering on that.

“Have a look at the new website and see what is happening across Darwen.”

Local business owner Liz Sutton, owner of Sutton’s Butchers, said: “Darwen has so much to offer, from fantastic independent businesses and community groups to great events and hidden gems that many people don’t know about.

“Discover Darwen brings all of that together in one place.

“It’s brilliant to see this investment to help support the future of the town, as it’s something that can help generate pride, encourage people to explore more of what Darwen has to offer and support local businesses.”

The team behind the site says people can also sign up for a newsletter and suggest anything they think should be included by visiting the Get in Touch page on the website.

Discover Darwen can be found at www.discoverdarwen.co.uk and on Facebook and Instagram.