Once a symbol of Blackburn’s Victorian pride, the Corporation Park Conservatory now stands boarded up, rusting and forgotten. But that could all change — and your opinion could help shape its future.
Big plans are rolling out across Blackburn with Darwen – and it’s not just about filling potholes.
In August 2023, it was announced that Blackburn was set to welcome a new drive-thru restaurant from popular Canadian coffee and doughnut brand Tim Hortons. Hopes were high for a swift opening at the proposed site on Townsmoor Retail Park — the former home of Carphone Warehouse. The plans promised 50 new jobs, a new food and drink destination, and a much-needed boost for the retail park.
New figures show that Blackburn motorists continue to face some of the highest petrol and diesel prices in the region, reigniting long-standing concerns that the town’s drivers are being unfairly penalised at the pump.
Music fans in Blackburn are in for something truly special this summer as a brand-new stage show about the legendary John Lennon arrives at the Blackburn Empire Theatre for one night only on Thursday 12 June 2025.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Something HUGE is making a splash at Darwen Leisure Centre – and you could be the first to try it out!
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!
A brand-new exhibition celebrating 150 years of Blackburn Rovers Football Club has opened at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery—just yards from where the club was first formed in 1875.
A much-missed bus service is making a welcome return in Blackburn – nearly a decade after it was withdrawn.
Refurbishment work is set to begin at Darwen Town Hall, following Council approval of plans to upgrade the building and prepare it for the relocation of joint Council and NHS services.
Witton Country Park will come alive this May Bank Holiday as Blackburn hosts a major community celebration to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Magic comes to town this Sunday as Masters of Deception brings mind-blowing illusions to the Blackburn Empire Theatre.
Join the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Brian Taylor, for two exciting charity quiz nights in support of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and Papyrus Prevention of Suicide in the Young. Gather your team, test your knowledge, and help raise funds for these vital causes while enjoying a night of friendly competition.
Blackburn is bracing for yet another loss, with the announcement that NatWest’s branch in Copy Nook / Audley will close its doors for good on 12th May 2025.
Serving & supporting the local community for over 10 years.
