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 Cathedral appoints 14 new Honorary Canons from across Lancashire
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.

Begin2Sing to bring free singing sessions for new parents to Blackburn
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.

Blackburn Cathedral appoints 14 new Honorary Canons from across Lancashire
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.

Begin2Sing to bring free singing sessions for new parents to Blackburn
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.
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Older Blackburn News
Did you miss out? Here are some of the older stories and news about Blackburn and Darwen

Blackburn school helped test new emergency lessons for Lancashire children
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.

Northern cancellations fall on Blackburn line as overcrowding starts to ease
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 FC lands £150,000 boost to bring senior teams back home
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.
Blackburn News Archive
All the archived stories from Blackburn Life – News about Blackburn and Darwen

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.
Brookfield Vale is nearing sell-out with just one home remaining at Countryside Homes’ only Blackburn development.

Huge Black Friday deals have arrived at Hobkirk Blackburn, with discounts across Brother sewing, quilting and embroidery machines — including bundle offers and 0% finance. These savings run until 1 December.

Savers is opening a new Blackburn store — and the first 500 shoppers will walk away with a free £5 voucher. Here’s what you need to know.
Father Christmas will visit The Mall Blackburn over three festive Saturdays this winter, meeting families, posing for photos, and spreading Christmas cheer — no booking required.

Christmas magic arrives in Blackburn this weekend as the Blackburn Empire Theatre raises the curtain on its spectacular new pantomime, Snow White.

East Lancashire Hospice invites you to its Christmas Fayre on Sunday 16th November — a festive family event filled with gifts, crafts, treats, and Santa’s Grotto, supporting local hospice care.

Blackburn-based Outdoor Action Ltd has been nominated for Best Online Retailer in the Great Outdoors Reader Awards 2025 — celebrating local passion for adventure and community spirit.

Over 30 events this week across Blackburn & Darwen – from Remembrance Day tributes to art, music, theatre, and festive celebrations. Discover everything happening 10–16 November 2025.

Blackburn Empire Theatre’s volunteers have been named Group of the Year at the 2025 Community Volunteer Awards, honouring more than two decades of dedication to local arts and culture.

This November, Blackburn Drama Club brings suspense and intrigue to the Blackburn Empire Theatre with their latest production, Pack of Lies.

A £20 million Pride in Place plan has been unveiled for Darwen, setting out priorities for investment in the town centre, parks, skills, and community projects over the next decade.

What’s happening in Blackburn & Darwen this week? From Remembrance services and 1940s variety shows to community choir performances, spiritual experiences under Gaia, and candlelit concerts — it’s a week full of reflection, remembrance and inspiration.

Blackburn Cathedral has established a Safeguarding Improvement Board to oversee reform following years of safeguarding failings and the 2025 INEQE audit, which found arrangements “inadequate and requiring immediate action.”
Remembrance events and services will take place across Blackburn and Darwen this November, giving communities the opportunity to honour those who served and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Homebuyers could celebrate Christmas in their new home thanks to Bovis Homes’ commitment to reducing upfront costs.

Blackburn Gilbert & Sullivan Society is welcoming new members for its next production, Patience, coming to Blackburn Empire Theatre in April 2026.