Remembrance 2026: Services and events across Blackburn with Darwen

Residents across Blackburn with Darwen are invited to come together in November to remember those who have served and lost their lives in conflicts past and present, with a series of Remembrance services and events planned across the borough.

Events will take place between Saturday 7 and Wednesday 11 November 2026, including Remembrance Sunday services, wreath-laying ceremonies, the traditional Two Minutes’ Silence and the Mayor’s Remembrance Concert.

Organised with the Royal British Legion and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, the commemorations offer communities an opportunity to pay their respects and reflect on the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces.

Remembrance Sunday falls on 8 November this year, while Remembrance Day will be observed on Wednesday 11 November, marking the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting on the Western Front in 1918.

Remembrance events in Blackburn and Darwen

Saturday 7 November – Darwen Market Square Service

Time: 11am
Location: Darwen Market Square, outside Darwen Town Hall

A short service of remembrance will take place outside Darwen Town Hall, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Boer War Memorial in Belgrave Square.

Sunday 8 November – Remembrance Sunday

Blackburn Cathedral

Time: From 9.30am
Location: Blackburn Cathedral

A United Service of Remembrance will take place at Blackburn Cathedral.

Following the service, a parade will form on King William Street before proceeding to the Corporation Park Gardens of Remembrance for a wreath-laying ceremony.

St Peter’s Church, Darwen

Time: From 9am
Location: St Peter’s Church, Darwen

A United Service of Remembrance will be held at St Peter’s Church, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial in Bold Venture Park.

Monday 9 November – The Mayor’s Remembrance Concert

Time: 6.30pm
Location: King George’s Hall, Blackburn

Schoolchildren from across Blackburn with Darwen will join the Salvation Army Band and local cadets for an evening of words and music in remembrance of those who have served.

Tickets are available through the King George’s Hall box office.

Book tickets:

https://uk.web.patrontools.com/_BWDVenues/Productions/37O/Performances

Wednesday 11 November – Remembrance Day

Time: 11am
Locations: Blackburn Town Hall and Darwen Town Hall

Acts of Remembrance and the traditional Two Minutes’ Silence will take place outside both town halls at 11am.

For those unable to attend in person, the Blackburn Town Hall service and Two Minutes’ Silence will also be livestreamed on Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Facebook page.

Remembering those who served

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said:

“Remembrance gives us the opportunity to pause and remember those who served and those who gave their lives in conflicts past and present.

“These events bring together people from all communities across the borough to reflect, pay their respects and ensure that those sacrifices are never forgotten.”

Council reaffirms support for Armed Forces community

Earlier in October, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council reaffirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces community when Chief Executive Denise Park signed the Armed Forces Covenant on the council’s behalf.

By signing the Covenant, the council pledged to support serving personnel, veterans, reservists and military families, recognising their contribution to the borough and the country.

The council’s Armed Forces Champions, Councillor Tony Humphrys and Councillor John Slater, said:

“We commit to uphold the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces community. We recognise the contribution that Service personnel, both regular and reservist, veterans and military families make to our organisation, our community and to the country.”

Supporting the Poppy Appeal

Residents wishing to show their support can purchase wreaths and poppies from the Royal British Legion.

For local Poppy Appeal enquiries, contact:

Blackburn Poppy Appeal

Email: blackburnpoppy@mail.com
Telephone: 07708 945870

Darwen Poppy Appeal

Email: darwenpoppyappeal@mail.com
Telephone: 07547 182624