Blackburn Spiral set for comeback as Cathedral Square visitor attraction
A much-missed Blackburn landmark could be making a surprise return – not as a bridge or walkway, but as a brand new “heritage attraction” in the heart of Cathedral Square.
A much-missed Blackburn landmark could be making a surprise return – not as a bridge or walkway, but as a brand new “heritage attraction” in the heart of Cathedral Square.
Blackburn Cathedral has unveiled 12 new centenary vestments designed by British textile artist Margo Selby, with clergy from across the diocese processing them into the Nave before they were blessed by the Bishop of Blackburn.
The council’s Public Health team has relaunched its Ageing Well work, with a focus on helping residents aged 50 and over stay active, connected and independent.
Folk rock pioneers Steeleye Span are heading to Blackburn as part of a major UK tour – and ahead of their Empire Theatre date, frontwoman Maddy Prior has been reflecting on more than five decades in music, new material, and why performing live still hasn’t lost its magic.

A brand new high-energy indoor attraction is set to launch in Blackburn next week – and it’s bringing a giant inflatable experience to the town.

A much-loved Darwen teacher is retiring after helping raise an incredible £100,000 for a local children’s hospice – leaving behind a legacy that has inspired generations of pupils.

Blackburn’s Yaqoob Hussain MBE is heading to Portugal to officiate at the Porto Box Cup, taking more than 50 years of boxing experience onto the international stage.

Work is due to begin on the final phase of the Griffin housing regeneration scheme in Blackburn, bringing 80 new homes to the area, including privately owned and affordable properties.

Around 1,350 students took part in a Blackburn with Darwen event aimed at helping young people spot exploitation, know where to get help and talk openly about the pressures they face.

Fourteen people from Blackburn and across Lancashire have been appointed as Honorary Canons at Blackburn Cathedral, with the new group bringing experience from parish ministry, education, architecture and ecumenical work.

A Darwen singing project that has been building confidence and wellbeing since last year is set to expand into Blackburn with weekly sessions for new parents and families at Babyzone in Blackburn Youth Zone.

A new youth provision at Audley & Queen’s Park Children’s Centre is nearly finished, as part of almost £10m of investment in facilities for young people across Blackburn with Darwen.

One of Blackburn’s most prominent restaurant venues appears to have shut its doors, with The Firepit in Cathedral Square now sitting in darkness and listed as permanently closed online.

A free new toolkit teaching primary-age children what to do in an emergency is being rolled out across Lancashire after being tested with help from Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Blackburn.

Train passengers using Blackburn and Darwen routes are being told services have become more reliable, with Northern reporting fewer cancellations and a return of more four-carriage trains on key East Lancashire lines.

Mill Hill Football Club is set for £150,000 of ground improvements at Waterfall Street after £125,000 was secured through the Government’s Local Regeneration Fund, topped up by £25,000 from the club itself.

Twelve projects across Darwen are set to receive more than £270,000 in the first round of the new Darwen Community Fund, with money going to community venues, youth work, sport, heritage and live music.

Legendary punk icon John Lydon is returning to the stage with his acclaimed spoken word show I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right, giving fans the chance to hear stories from his extraordinary career with the Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd.

A first-time buyer package has launched in Blackburn, with an exclusive event to follow at Sunnybower Meadow on 28th and 29th March. First-time buyers will receive £1,000 towards legal

People across Blackburn with Darwen are being asked to fill in a housing survey that will help decide what kinds of homes the borough needs in the years ahead.

Music fans in Blackburn can start their St Patrick’s Day celebrations in style as legendary Irish folk group The Dublin Legends bring a night of classic songs and stories to Blackburn Empire Theatre.
Music fans in Blackburn can experience the legendary songs of Eric Clapton when the acclaimed tribute show Forever Clapton comes to Blackburn Empire Theatre this spring, celebrating more than five decades of iconic blues and rock music.
True crime fans are in for a fascinating evening this March as Strange, But True Crime arrives at the Blackburn Empire Theatre.

CCTV footage shows someone throwing bedroom furniture over a fence onto private property in Blackburn. The Council is asking: do you recognise them?

Blackburn Cathedral has announced the death of Dr John Bertalot, the former Director of Music credited with helping build the Cathedral choir’s reputation and playing a key role in the landmark 1969 organ project.
Blackburn with Darwen’s council elections are back on after the Government reversed plans to postpone 30 local polls. Critics say ministers were “running scared.” Was the original cancellation justified — or undemocratic?
Twenty taxi and private hire vehicles were stopped and inspected during a late-night joint operation by Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lancashire Police, with penalty points issued to five drivers.
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is inviting people to a recruitment open evening focused on apprenticeships, graduate roles and entry-level opportunities.

A live tribute to George Harrison is coming to Blackburn Empire for one night only – featuring My Sweet Lord, Something, Got My Mind Set on You and more, performed live with the story behind the music.

The Canal & River Trust is inviting people across Lancashire to volunteer by water, helping care for canals, rivers and towpaths while making a real difference in local communities.

A man wanted on recall to prison was arrested in dramatic fashion in Blackburn after attempting to flee police, only to be chased down the pavement in Blackburn Town Centre by a mounted officer.
Local sewing and craft specialists Hobkirk Sewing Machines have launched their January Sale, with 25% off a wide range of products available both online and in store.
A well-known independent fashion boutique in Darwen has announced it will close its doors after nearly five decades in business.

Rehoming charities across Blackburn are experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand, highlighting the growing need for people willing to open their homes to rescue dogs. Against this backdrop, the makers

Panto season is back in Blackburn with a bang as Snow White opens at Blackburn Empire Theatre – and it is already a record-breaking year.

A DEPOSIT boost worth almost £17,000 could help homebuyers in Darwen to skip a rung on the property ladder.