admin, Author at Blackburn Life

Business

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.

admin Mon 12 May, 2025 1 Comment

News

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.

admin Tue 06 May, 2025 No Comments

Cadets Charlie and Will Ferguson standing beside a biography board honouring their great-grandfather, Corporal William Tweedale, at VE80 Fest in Witton Park.

Community

Emotional Encounter at VE80 Fest: Family Discovers Tribute to WWII Relative

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.

admin Tue 06 May, 2025 No Comments

News

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.

admin Tue 06 May, 2025 2 Comments

Entertainment

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.

admin Fri 02 May, 2025 No Comments

Entertainment

Big Soul Night Cancelled at King George’s Hall

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

admin Thu 01 May, 2025 No Comments

Council

Appeal Lodged Over Refused Gypsy Caravan Site – What It Means for Action at Hall Moss Farm

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.

admin Thu 01 May, 2025 No Comments

Business

Blackburn BID Seeking New Manager as Role Becomes Vacant

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

admin Wed 30 Apr, 2025 No Comments

Entertainment

The UK’s tallest transportable observation wheel has arrived in Blackburn town centre – and it’s HUGE!

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

admin Wed 30 Apr, 2025 No Comments

Community

From Injury to Triumph: Blackburn Runner Completes First Marathon on Her Birthday

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.

admin Wed 30 Apr, 2025 No Comments

Community

Workers’ Memorial Day Marked in Blackburn with Darwen

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.

admin Tue 29 Apr, 2025 No Comments

Business

Blackburn Times Up for Sale – Is Blackburn Set to Lose Another Town Centre Bar?

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

admin Mon 28 Apr, 2025 1 Comment

Council

Roadworks Set to Begin as Major Bus Route Upgrades Continue Across Blackburn with Darwen

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.

admin Thu 24 Apr, 2025 No Comments

Council

Good Ofsted Judgement for Blackburn with Darwen’s Children’s Services

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.

admin Wed 23 Apr, 2025 No Comments

Food & Drink

Former Electric Church to Be Transformed into Chaii Tea Café

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

admin Wed 23 Apr, 2025 No Comments

Music

West End Star Lee Mead Brings His Showstopping New Tour to Blackburn

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.

admin Tue 22 Apr, 2025 No Comments

Business

Opinion: M&S at Whitebirk – The Best Outcome Blackburn Could Hope For

There’s no doubt the news that Marks & Spencer will leave Blackburn town centre will be met with disappointment by many. For decades, M&S has been a cornerstone of high street shopping in Blackburn, a familiar name on a changing landscape. But when it comes to the future of the brand in our borough, the newly approved move to Whitebirk is, in truth, the best Blackburn could have hoped for.

admin Sun 20 Apr, 2025 5 Comments

Competitions

Make a Splash – Name Darwen’s Giant Inflatable and Win Big!

Something HUGE is making a splash at Darwen Leisure Centre – and you could be the first to try it out!

admin Wed 16 Apr, 2025 No Comments

Family

Comics, Capes & Chaos! Free Comic Book Day Returns to To the Batcave

To the Batcave, Blackburn’s independent comic book haven, is gearing up for one of the most exciting days in the geek calendar – Free Comic Book Day 2025!

admin Wed 16 Apr, 2025 No Comments

Comedy

Steptoe and Son Bring Classic Comedy to Blackburn Stage

A legendary sitcom is coming back to life in Blackburn this spring, as Steptoe and Son – LIVE! hits the stage at Blackburn Empire Theatre on Thursday 24 April 2025.

admin Tue 01 Apr, 2025 No Comments

Council

Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Shares Eid Greetings

The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Brian Taylor, has shared a special message to mark Eid ul Fitr, one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar.

admin Fri 28 Mar, 2025 No Comments

Council

Major Upgrades Set for Sunnyhurst Woods in Darwen

Work is set to begin on a significant improvement project at Sunnyhurst Woods in Darwen, with upgrades to the main path forming part of the wider £100m Darwen Town Deal.

admin Fri 28 Mar, 2025 No Comments

Family

Linda Lusardi Leads a Magical Line-Up of Family Shows at Blackburn Empire This Easter!

This Easter, the Blackburn Empire Theatre is the place to be for fun, laughter, and a little bit of magic for the whole family – and leading the way is none other than TV legend Linda Lusardi, starring in the sparkling Easter pantomime Sleeping Beauty on Sunday 13th April.

admin Thu 27 Mar, 2025 No Comments

Community

Blackburn Librarian Shortlisted for Prestigious National Award

Blackburn with Darwen’s Community History Librarian, Mary Painter, has been shortlisted for a Libraries Connected Award – a national recognition celebrating the achievements of exceptional library staff across the UK.

admin Thu 27 Mar, 2025 No Comments

Magic

Magic Comes to Town: Masters of Deception Hits Blackburn

Magic comes to town this Sunday as Masters of Deception brings mind-blowing illusions to the Blackburn Empire Theatre.

admin Wed 19 Mar, 2025 No Comments