Breaking News in Blackburn
Stay informed with the most pressing and breaking stories from Blackburn. From major events to urgent updates, find it here.

What’s On in Blackburn: Monday 6 October – Sunday 12 October 2025
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!

Claire’s Accessories to Close Blackburn Store as National Chain Shuts 145 Shops
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.
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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-Based EG Group Sells Iconic Yorkshire Bakery Back to Management Team
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.

Last Pub of the Revidge Run Closes: Hare & Hounds, Lammack shuts this weekend
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.

Future of Claire’s in Blackburn Uncertain as Rescue Deal Leaves Some Stores in Limbo
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.
Blackburn News Archive
All the archived stories from Blackburn Life – News about Blackburn and Darwen

The Hallé return to Blackburn this March as part of the 2019/2020 Classics Series to celebrate the 250th birthday of Beethoven.

Lot’s of choice this week. Dance fans are in for a treat with Spirit of the Dance at King George’s Hall, comedy fans could head to Darwen to see Mark Thomas and those wanting a touch of pop Nostalgia can enjoy BoyzLife in Blackburn.

Jason Manford, who was recently unmasked from behind his singing persona of the Hedgehog, is getting back to his roots with a comedy tour.

Paul Weller is set to return to Blackburn on 7th November 2020 as part of his latest tour.

Blackburn Cathedral Flower Festival has announced a unique opportunity for UK flower fans, as Tom De Houwer confirms a demonstration and installation at the June 2020 event.

The annual Sing Together concert series returns for a record breaking run this March at King George’s Hall.

A Lancashire Beekeeper will be bringing their products and fascinating stories about beekeeping to Blackburn Market this Saturday (22nd February 2020).
The Finest Honey, now based in Darwen, got hooked on the magical world of the honey bee and the incredible product that comes from it…”Liquid Gold”!

Stand-up mischief and storytelling at its best from Mark Thomas at Darwen Library Theatre

Two of the biggest boy bands join forces in theatre production of their biggest hits on Friday 28th February 2020 at Blackburn’s King George’s Hall.

Behind the blue curtain – Daniel, a refugee from Eritrea, now training to be a nurse; Rahmiya, a second-generation Muslim doctor; and David, elderly white cancer patient and discredited academic, fretting about his cat, Roger.

Blackburn Market features free kids crafts and activities on Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week. Some of the biggest boy bands of the 90s arrive at King George’s Hall and The Chase’s Paul Sinha brings his stand-up comedy show to Darwen.

BBC TV came to Blackburn Cathedral way back in 2018, and now the show will finally be broadcast – tonight!

Paul Sinha brings his latest tour show, Hazy Little Thing Called Love, to Darwen Library Theatre on Saturday 22nd February.

Everything Bublé is a tribute to the Canadian megastar Michael Bublé featuring all the big hits from the early days right through to his latest hits.

The International smash hit “Spirit of the Dance” celebrates 21 fabulous years as one of the most successful dance shows ever

Tom brings his new show to Blackburn’s King George’s Hall on Thursday 20th February 2020.

The highly acclaimed Russian State Opera returns with the perfect tragic Aida, an opera with breath-taking melodies.

Blackburn Life have this week launched the Blackburn Life Awards, aimed to promote the public’s favourite shops, restaurants, pubs, cafes and more.


Poundbakery have announced the launch of their NEW Jumbo Vegan Steak Pasty and the best part is that it’s only £1.

The new cafe at Blackburn Cathedral has revealed its new name, Checks and Greys.

An evening of late 90’s boyband nostalgia, four of the era’s biggest pop bands, take to the stage on a multi-bill extravaganza at King George’s Hall Blackburn on Tuesday 18th February 2020.

For 15 years Middi and the legendary “Wild Murphys” have been playing Irish music to the masses and now they are bringing Murphy’s Pub to Blackburn.

Blackburn Life has today launched the Blackburn Life Awards, as part of our support for businesses in the borough.
The awards will be open to all businesses and the winners will be chosen by the public in a web-based vote.

King George’s Hall have added an extra date for comedy sensation Paul Smith on Wednesday 29th July 2020. Tickets go on sale at 10am today (Friday 31st January)

Witton Park in Blackburn looks set to have double the Festival Fun this year when Restricted Rocks returns for two packed days of live music.

Kiefer Sutherland is returning to the UK next month for a string of UK dates and the tour arrives in Blackburn on Saturday 22nd February 2020.

Would you marry a stranger?
We’re looking for brave singles for a new series of Married at First Sight.

Turtle Bay are injecting a big helping of light-hearted fun into Valentine’s Day this year, as they invite everyone to celebrate ‘One Love’ on the 14th February.

The Diocesan Bishop for The Church of England in Lancashire is set to become the newest member of the House of Lords.

This is not your standard Family Panto and the title probably gives it away, when The Market Theatre Company return to Blackburn with “Peter Panties! Ooo-err!

David Baddiel returns to the stage with a brand new one-man show, Trolls: Not The Dolls. The tour comes to Blackburn’s King George’s Hall on Thursday 13th February 2020.

Top tribute Thank ABBA for the Music are heading back to the Blackburn Empire on Friday 31st January and it is guaranteed to be a great night. Dust of those flares and become the ultimate Dancing Queen.

Critically acclaimed as one of the greatest tribute shows anywhere in the world. Simon & Garfunkel Through The Years, appearing at Darwen Library Theatre on Friday 7th February, has toured the globe extensively receiving standing ovations and selling out theatres night after night.

You’ve probably seen a Paul Smith video on Facebook or YouTube, as his videos have now been viewed millions of times, but try to see Paul Smith live seems almost impossible…until now!

This February, Barry Steele & Friends return to the Blackburn Empire Theatre with The Roy Orbison Story.