Breaking News in Blackburn
Stay informed with the most pressing and breaking stories from Blackburn. From major events to urgent updates, find it here.

Blackburn’s After-Hours Identity Crisis: Where Do We Go From Here?
Blackburn’s nightlife has taken another hit with the closure of The Rock Box on King William Street. More than just a bar, The Rock Box had become a focal point for Blackburn’s live music scene and a rare haven for fans of rock and alternative culture. Now shuttered after months of financial difficulty, its closure raises bigger questions about Blackburn’s ability to sustain drinking venues and night-time culture in a rapidly changing town centre.

Five-Star Hit Irish Annie’s Heads to Blackburn After Rave Liverpool Premiere
After a roaring start in Liverpool, complete with standing ovations and five-star reviews, Irish Annie’s is heading to the Blackburn Empire Theatre for one night only — and audiences are in for a real treat.

An unexpected and moving moment unfolded at Blackburn’s VE80 Fest in Witton Park, as a family visiting the event discovered a tribute to their own wartime relative on display at the Veterans Living History Museum CIC exhibition.

Considering your next home? Bovis Homes will provide tips for those looking to upsize, downsize or move up the property ladder at its special Home Movers weekend on 10th – 11th May.
Older Blackburn News
Did you miss out? Here are some of the older stories and news about Blackburn and Darwen

Hobkirk Launches Exclusive Sewing & Embroidery Offers This Spring
Hobkirk Sewing Machines in Blackburn is offering a series of exciting deals throughout May – perfect for sewing enthusiasts looking to upgrade their equipment or try something new.

Standing Ovation for ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in Blackburn – A Must-See Musical Hit
A full house, a standing ovation, and wave after wave of applause — Beauty and the Beast has roared into Blackburn Empire Theatre with style, spirit, and spectacle.

VE80 Fest Gears Up for a Massive Day of Music, Community and Commemoration in Blackburn
Witton Park in Blackburn is preparing to host one of the region’s most anticipated community events — VE80 Fest — marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
Blackburn News Archive
All the archived stories from Blackburn Life – News about Blackburn and Darwen

The highly anticipated Big Soul Night Out scheduled for Saturday 24 January 2026 at King George’s Hall in Blackburn has been cancelled.

An appeal has been lodged against the Council’s refusal of planning permission for an unlawful caravan site in Darwen – and while the appeal is underway, the Council’s enforcement action to remove the site is effectively paused.

Hobkirk Sewing Machines is offering a limited-time 20% discount on some of its most popular sewing threads — perfect for keen sewists planning their next project.

Blackburn’s Business Improvement District (BID) is recruiting for a new BID Manager, following a change in leadership.

Catch it in Cathedral Square from this Saturday for 5 weeks – covering both May Bank Holidays, VE Day, and half-term.

Blackburn Road Runners’ Lynne Knowles had more than one reason to celebrate last weekend — not only was it her birthday, but she also completed her first-ever marathon at the Manchester Marathon, overcoming a major injury along the way.

Workers’ Memorial Day was marked in Blackburn with Darwen this week, with a ceremony attended by union members, local representatives, and supporters from across the borough.

Another of Blackburn’s town centre bars could be set for change, with the Blackburn Times on Northgate now up for sale.

Improvement works across key junctions in Blackburn with Darwen are continuing as part of a major investment in local bus services – but residents are being advised to expect some disruption while the upgrades take place.

Children’s Services in Blackburn with Darwen have received a ‘Good’ rating across the board from Ofsted, marking a significant step forward since the previous inspection in 2022.

A former live music venue in Blackburn town centre is set for a new lease of life – as a new Chaii tea café.

Blackburn will welcome a familiar West End face this July, as singer and actor Lee Mead brings his brand-new live show, The Best of Me, to the Blackburn Empire Theatre on Friday 4 July 2025.