Breaking News in Blackburn
Stay informed with the most pressing and breaking stories from Blackburn. From major events to urgent updates, find it here.
Spies, Secrets and Lies – Cold War Drama Comes to Blackburn Empire
This November, Blackburn Drama Club brings suspense and intrigue to the Blackburn Empire Theatre with their latest production, Pack of Lies.
£20m Pride in Place plan sets out vision for future investment in Darwen
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.
Spies, Secrets and Lies – Cold War Drama Comes to Blackburn Empire
This November, Blackburn Drama Club brings suspense and intrigue to the Blackburn Empire Theatre with their latest production, Pack of Lies.
£20m Pride in Place plan sets out vision for future investment in Darwen
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.”
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Older Blackburn News
Did you miss out? Here are some of the older stories and news about Blackburn and Darwen
Remembrance events across Blackburn with Darwen
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.
The ultimate gift: celebrate Christmas in a new Blackburn home
Homebuyers could celebrate Christmas in their new home thanks to Bovis Homes’ commitment to reducing upfront costs.
Blackburn Gilbert & Sullivan Society invites new members to join 2026 production of Patience
Blackburn Gilbert & Sullivan Society is welcoming new members for its next production, Patience, coming to Blackburn Empire Theatre in April 2026.
Blackburn News Archive
All the archived stories from Blackburn Life – News about Blackburn and Darwen
Thousands of packets of illegal cigarettes and tobacco were seized from a Blackburn shop during a major Lancashire Police and Trading Standards operation targeting businesses selling illicit goods.
Blackburn with Darwen Council has clarified that it has no involvement in any plans to change the use of the Islington Hotel and has not been informed of any proposals to repurpose it for asylum accommodation.
Looking for things to do in Blackburn & Darwen this half-term? 🎃 From spooky Halloween fun to live music, dance showcases, and one of the region’s biggest bonfire events — our What’s On Guide is bursting with things to enjoy this week. Check out all the events or add your own for free!
Lingerie by Eve’s Gin & Shopping Evening returns to Blackburn this November, with exclusive offers, free gifts and a friendly night of festive shopping.
Blackburn and Darwen Police are reminding residents to keep Halloween fun and respectful, with extra patrols planned and advice for safe trick-or-treating across the borough.
Beautiful South’s Briana Corrigan brings her distinctive vocals to Blackburn Empire Theatre this October for an intimate evening of story and song.
The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal has launched in Blackburn and Darwen, with community hubs now open in The Mall and Darwen Market to honour those who served and support Armed Forces families.
Police officers from the Blackburn with Darwen Neighbourhood Team have carried out a day of action across Darwen and the rural areas, working alongside a number of partners to tackle community concerns and enforce road safety.
It’s that time of year again — when half of us cheer for an extra hour in bed and the other half groan about the nights drawing in.
Local sewing and craft specialists Hobkirk Sewing Machines have announced a new range of Brother machine offers, with up to £200 off selected models for a limited time.
The full line-up for Blackburn’s Christmas Lights Switch-On has been confirmed, featuring a packed day of entertainment, a new undercover market, and a spectacular projection show to launch the festive season.
A new name in health, home, and beauty retail is moving into The Mall Blackburn—Savers is set to open soon in the former Bodycare unit, bringing its big brand discounts to the heart of town.
Discover events in Blackburn & Darwen for 20–26 October 2025: musicals, comedy, markets, folk legends, Halloween fun, and more. Over 30 events this week!
Dance music star Kelly Llorenna will headline this year’s Darwen Christmas Lights Switch-On, bringing her powerhouse vocals and festive sparkle to Darwen Market Square on Saturday, November 15.
A Blackburn man has been jailed for 16 years after grooming and raping a 12-year-old girl he met on Snapchat.
Lancashire Police have confirmed a formal complaint has been lodged after officers detained a woman in the car park of Jamia Ghosia Mosque in Blackburn on Friday evening.
Explore Blackburn’s top events for 13–19 October 2025! 🎭 From comedy legends and live music tributes to family fun and local festivals, find out what’s on this week.
Looking for things to do in Blackburn & Darwen this week? 🎭 From Freddie Mercury tributes to stunning cathedral concerts, comedy nights, craft workshops and exhibitions — there’s something for everyone. Over 30 new events have been added recently, and it’s completely free to list your own!
The future of Claire’s Accessories in Blackburn has now been confirmed – and it’s not good news for fans of the high street fashion brand.
Ready to warm up your winter with one of Blackburn’s most iconic runs? The Winter Warmer 10k is back for 2026 – and it’s bringing the heat (and the hills)!
Blackburn’s literary roots will be celebrated this month as local-born author Iqbal Hussain returns to town for a special event at Blackburn Central Library.
One of the UK’s oldest bakery brands, Cooplands, has returned to local hands following its sale by Blackburn-headquartered EG Group, bringing to an end a four-year chapter of corporate ownership.
The Hare & Hounds in Lammack—long a friendly off-route stop from Blackburn’s old Revidge Run—will call last orders for the final time on Sunday 5 October, closing due to the retirement of owner Ian Robertson MBE. As the last pub linked to the Revidge Run, its goodbye marks the end of a familiar chapter in the town’s pub history.
Claire’s Accessories has been rescued from the brink of collapse – but the future of the Blackburn branch remains unclear as it was not named among the 156 stores saved in the deal.
Looking for things to do in Blackburn & Darwen this week? 🎉 From Oktoberfest to Adele tributes, textile festivals to comedy nights, this week is buzzing with music, drama, family events and community fun. Over 30 fresh events have been added to the guide — and it’s free to add your own!
A brand-new initiative is launching at the Blackburn Empire Theatre to help bring people together through Community • Friendship • Fun.
Looking for things to do in Blackburn & Darwen this week? 🎉 From powerful West End vocals and Elvis tributes to relaxing sound baths, comedy shows, gaming tournaments and The Great Gatsby Ball — it’s all happening in town! Explore 20+ events added this week and discover what’s on from Mon 22 to Sun 28 September.
Blackburn’s Bodycare store will close for good this week, marking the end of another high street favourite. With the Darwen store already gone, it’s a sad moment for loyal shoppers across the borough.
Blackburn’s MP, Adnaan Hussain, has been thrust into the spotlight after Jeremy Corbyn’s new party, Your Party, was rocked by explosive claims of a “sexist boys’ club” from co-founder Zarah Sultana.
Blackburn with Darwen Council has moved to quash rumours circulating on social media about the future of the former Gate Bar and Grill on Livesey Branch Road. The Council has
Have you visited yet? East Lancashire Hospice has opened a sparkling new charity shop in Blackburn – and locals are already loving it. With bargains and a worthy cause, here’s why you should drop by.
The magic of Christmas came early this year as the cast of the Blackburn Empire Theatre’s 2025 pantomime, Snow White, gathered at the historic Hoghton Tower for the official launch of the show.
Looking for things to do in Blackburn & Darwen this week? 🎉 Blackburn’s biggest and busiest What’s On Guide is back — with events for every taste and age! From gothic exhibitions and live music to comedy gigs, drama, Pokémon tournaments and wellbeing workshops, it’s all happening right here.
Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery is preparing to launch what’s being described as its most ambitious exhibition to date — a breathtaking showcase of rare books, manuscripts, artworks, and ceramics that explores how nature has inspired creative expression across centuries, cultures, and religions. The Nature of Gothic opens this weekend and runs through to December.
Plans are underway that could bring the biggest shake-up to Blackburn with Darwen’s local government in over 50 years — potentially ending its status as an independent council and merging it into a much larger East Lancashire authority. Residents, businesses and community groups are now being urged to have their say before final proposals are submitted in November.
Looking for things to do in Blackburn & Darwen this week? 🎉 Blackburn’s biggest and most exciting What’s On Guide is back — featuring comedy clubs, music legends, soul tours, and a huge 3-day community festival! Plus, new events are added every day. It’s also free to add your own events to the guide!