Princess Royal officially opens Darwen Youth Zone during royal visit

The Princess Royal visited Darwen on Friday 30 October 2026, officially opening the town’s new Youth Zone and visiting local organisations celebrating the area’s industrial heritage, community work and history.

Her Royal Highness undertook four engagements during her visit, calling at Herbert Parkinson Limited, Darwen Youth Zone, Darwen Heritage Centre and Friends of Darwen Cemetery.

The visit provided an opportunity to recognise the work of local businesses, volunteers and community organisations, alongside investment in facilities for young people.

The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Mahfooz Hussain, Council Leader Councillor Phil Riley and Chief Executive Denise Park were among those welcoming The Princess Royal to the borough.

Princess Royal opens Darwen Youth Zone

One of the main engagements was the official opening of Darwen Youth Zone, the new multi-million-pound facility providing activities, support and opportunities for young people.

The centre, supported by government funding, aims to give young people a welcoming place to develop skills, build confidence and take part in a range of activities.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, attended the Youth Zone visit.

He said:

“For years, the Council have been committed supporters of the Youth Zones both in Blackburn and in Darwen and It was absolutely tremendous to showcase the Darwen Youth Zone to the Princess Royal. This is a government supported multi-million-pound new youth centre in the heart of Darwen which aims to give young people a place to feel at home in and to learn skills that will last for a lifetime.”

Celebrating Darwen’s textile heritage

The Princess Royal also visited Herbert Parkinson Limited, the historic Darwen textile manufacturer which is part of the John Lewis Partnership.

The business combines Darwen’s long-established textile manufacturing heritage with modern production methods and skilled craftsmanship.

Denise Park, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, joined the Mayor and Mayoress for this part of the visit.

She said:

“This was a really special visit and we are honoured that we got to shine a spotlight on Darwen for The Princess Royal. Herbert Parkinson is one venue that continues to reflect our proud heritage alongside state-of-the-art textile processes and is a thriving example of UK design, quality and craftsmanship.”

Visits to Darwen Heritage Centre and cemetery volunteers

Her Royal Highness’s engagements also included Darwen Heritage Centre and Friends of Darwen Cemetery.

Both organisations play a role in preserving and celebrating the town’s history, with volunteers helping to maintain important local heritage and community connections.

Darwen Town Board, formerly chaired by Herbert Parkinson Managing Director Tracey Alcock, has committed £250,000 to support local projects, including investment in Darwen Heritage Centre and the new Youth Zone.

A special occasion for Darwen

Councillor Mahfooz Hussain, Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, welcomed the opportunity to showcase the town and its organisations.

He said:

“It was an honour to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Darwen and to represent the people of Blackburn with Darwen on such a special occasion.

“The visit was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Darwen’s heritage, its skilled workforce and the dedication of those supporting our community and creating opportunities for our young people. Everyone involved can take great pride in welcoming Her Royal Highness and showcasing their work.”

The royal visit brought together four different aspects of life in Darwen, from its continuing textile industry and local history to the volunteers supporting the community and the opportunities being created for future generations.