Breaking News in Blackburn
Stay informed with the most pressing and breaking stories from Blackburn. From major events to urgent updates, find it here.
Snow White Panto Launched at Historic Hoghton Tower
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.
What’s On in Blackburn: Monday 15 to Sunday 21 September 2025
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.
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Older Blackburn News
Did you miss out? Here are some of the older stories and news about Blackburn and Darwen
What’s On in Blackburn: Monday 8 to Sunday 14 September 2025
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!
Songs From The Rat Pack – A Swinging Big Band Spectacular
Yorkshire’s premier Big Band brings the golden age of swing to Blackburn with a spectacular Rat Pack celebration this September.
This Week in Blackburn (Mon 01 – Sun 07 Sept 2025)
Looking for things to do in Blackburn & Darwen this week? 🎉 Blackburn’s biggest and busiest What’s On Guide is back — with over 40 new events added in the last 7 days! From legendary live music and comedy nights to community festivals, bingo, gaming and family fun, it’s all right here. Don’t forget — it’s completely free to add your own events too.
Blackburn News Archive
All the archived stories from Blackburn Life – News about Blackburn and Darwen
BBC Radio Lancashire for a chance to celebrate the county’s unsung heroes. The evening will consist of a three course meal, celebrity guests and live entertainment.
Blackburn Market is excited to welcome a new town centre shopping experience to Ainsworth Street beginning on Saturday 7th September.
The hottest 80s club night is coming to town – when actor, TV personality and star of Spandau Ballet Martin Kemp will be spinning the biggest and best hits of that decade on Saturday 2nd May 2020!
This September at King George’s Hall, Bye Bye Baby celebrate the career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.
Steve Harley is back at Darwen Library Theatre this September with his Acoustic Trio line-up
It looks like The Grapes pub is set to make a return to Blackburn Town Centre as new signage goes up on the building recently vacated by Liz’n’Lils cafe.
Got the end of Summer Blues? Try a Comedy Club in Blackburn or Darwen – More in this week’s What’s On Guide
Local companies in Blackburn, Darwen and Lancashire are being encouraged to support the BBC Radio Lancashire Community Heroes Awards.
This September, Blackburn Empire Theatre welcome a brand new show packed full of opera, classical, West End and crossover.
King George’s Hall and Darwen Library Theatre have announced two new gigs for music fans.
Darwen Leisure Centre have announced a Regency Fitness Fun Day featuring Hiitstep Games Grand Prix, Zumba, Bokwa & Clubbercise, all in aid of charity Lancashire Mind.
It’s a big welcome to The Cheese Stall in Blackburn Market this week.
Big names in UK comedy are heading to King George’s Hall, Blackburn and their shows are proving a big hit with audiences.
The Festival of Light Summer Parade takes place on Sunday 1st September 2019. Join in the end of summer celebration.
Elmer the Elephant is packing his trunk and arriving in Blackburn this for two live shows at King George’s Hall on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th August. Lots more to do this week too.
Following the sell-out performance of Menopause the Musical in 2019, King George’s Hall brings you Cruising Through Menopause in February 2020
From Seven Seas of Rhye to Made in Heaven, Magic will take you on a musical journey through the History of Queen.
Landmark Flower Festival reveals more Blooming Good NewsUK Flower Festival in June 2020 has announced details of its public opening times and special “early bird” pricing.
The Mersey Beatles 2019 World Tour – a sensational 50th anniversary celebration of the Fab Four’s legendary Abbey Road album – is coming to Blackburn.
There are lots of opportunities for kids to enjoy free activities across the borough to keep your little ones busy during the long summer break from school.
The rain did not deter a group of fundraisers from The Mall Blackburn raising vital cash for a local charity.
Enjoy some free fun at Blackburn and Darwen Markets, part of Let’s Make. Keeping the kids happy this summer!
This August, North West natives, The Wagon Wheels head to Blackburn Empire Theatre for a memorable night of folk foot-tappers.
Based on the classic children’s book series by David McKee, that celebrate its 30th Birthday in 2019, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Show, is a celebration of individuality and the power of laughter!
Learn to Ride Courses are back in September and October at Witton Park Arena!!
The Mall Blackburn, in collaboration with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, is set to introduce a new initiative to get people more active.
It’s now or never to see one of the best tributes to Elvis Presley in the world. Paul Molloy will be serenading audiences at Blackburn Empire Theatre back to the era of rock and roll this August.
For some it would be a hair-raising experience, but Becky Barton and her daughter Katy Barton, both from Darwen, are not daunted at the prospect of losing their hair to raise funds for charity.
Darwen Library Theatre have announced 5 new shows with tickets on sale this Friday (2nd August) at 10am
A Darwen Tea Shop is currently riding high in the charts as the Number 1 place to eat in Darwen according to TripAdvisor ratings.
See the hilarious, award-winning, one-woman show that inspired the BBC’s hit TV series Fleabag, broadcast live to Darwen from London’s West End.
Thira Restaurant on Darwen Street in Blackburn is still top of the charts in Blackburn and the surrounding area according to TripAdvisor reviews.
Town Hall Street is home to some of Blackburn’s newest and longest established businesses and also Blackburn’s restored majestic central library building.
Lost Voice Guy, the winner of Britain’s Got Talent in 2018, gives us a double treat this week by appearing at Comedy Club nights in both Blackburn & Darwen. Tickets are £12 in advance for these shows.
Tobias, Daisy and Matilda Barton from Blackburn helped to raise money for two very deserving children’s charities by taking part in the One Great Day celebrations at The Mall Blackburn.
It has been announced today that Chris Ramsey’s 2020 tour will be coming to Blackburn on on Sunday 29th March 2020.