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 pays tribute after death of former music director Dr John Bertalot
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 elections back on after Government U-turn on postponement plans
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?
Blackburn Cathedral pays tribute after death of former music director Dr John Bertalot
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 elections back on after Government U-turn on postponement plans
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.
Older Blackburn News
Did you miss out? Here are some of the older stories and news about Blackburn and Darwen
Something About George heads to Blackburn Empire for one-night tribute to George Harrison
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.
Volunteer by Water: help care for canals and rivers across Lancashire
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.
Watch the moment a wanted man is chased along a pavement in Blackburn town centre by mounted police
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.
Blackburn News Archive
All the archived stories from Blackburn Life – News about Blackburn and Darwen
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.
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.