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
Sir Jake Berry, who represented Rossendale and Darwen for 14 years, has announced his decision to join Reform UK – the party led by Nigel Farage – in a move shaking up national and local politics.
Plans have been revealed for the biggest transformation of Darwen Market in a generation — turning the historic Market Hall into a modern food hall destination, complete with artisan stalls, upgraded facilities, and opening hours running through to 10pm every night.
If you’ve noticed more theft, antisocial behaviour, or trouble on Blackburn’s streets lately — you’re not alone. Crime in town centres like ours has surged across the country, but this summer, a major effort is underway to turn things around.
Independent audit reveals safeguarding leadership failings and the continuing impact of historic abuse cases, despite years of reviews and promises of reform
Here’s your round-up of live music, family events, comedy, variety, and more — all happening from Monday to Sunday!
New campaign urges Blackburn with Darwen residents to donate to local charities instead.
Dig out your chokers, charge up your Nokia, and prepare to throw it back to the days of boybands, girl power and neon everything.
This week, Blackburn with Darwen has joined a national celebration honouring the people who quietly change lives every day — the carers behind the Shared Lives programme.
🎭 Your guide to events, shows, live music, and more this week in Blackburn
From family favourites to comedy gigs, there’s something for everyone in Blackburn this week.
Steel frames are going up, excitement is building, and Darwen’s next big thing for young people is finally coming to life.
Blackburn with Darwen Council has hosted a first-of-its-kind conference dedicated to celebrating dads — and pushing for stronger support for fathers across the borough.
After a temporary relocation, Darwen Town Hall is set to reopen its front desk services next week.
Blackburn and Darwen will come together next week to honour the UK’s Armed Forces with special flag-raising ceremonies at both town halls.
Blackburn with Darwen residents are being urged to have their say in a new set of surveys that will help shape the future of local transport and highways.
Nancy Kinyanjui (Kairos Housing), Salma Mohamed (ARC), and Zainab Elbusefi (DARE) are behind a full week of inspiring, thought-provoking and family-friendly events taking place from Sunday 16 June to Saturday 22 June.
One of Blackburn’s biggest weekends is just around the corner – and if you’re looking for a fun-packed family day out, the National Festival of Making is one you won’t want to miss.
Blackburn with Darwen Council Leader Phil Riley has responded to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first Spending Review by welcoming new pledges on youth support, social care, infrastructure and housing — while warning that the borough must not be left behind.
It sounds like something straight off a price tag – but it’s true. Budget retailer Poundland has been sold for just £1 in a shock move that could see up to 100 stores shut down across the UK.
A major haul of illegal cigarettes and vapes has been uncovered at four Blackburn businesses following an enforcement operation by Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Trading Standards team, supported by police.
Once a symbol of Blackburn’s Victorian pride, the Corporation Park Conservatory now stands boarded up, rusting and forgotten. But that could all change — and your opinion could help shape its future.
Blackburn is getting ready to burst into colour as Pride 2025 returns to the town on Saturday 21st June — and this year promises to be louder, prouder, and more inclusive than ever.
Big plans are rolling out across Blackburn with Darwen – and it’s not just about filling potholes.
Interest in new homes for sale in Blackburn has soared by 271%, reveals local housebuilder Countryside Homes.
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to help others? Now’s your chance to say thank you.
In August 2023, it was announced that Blackburn was set to welcome a new drive-thru restaurant from popular Canadian coffee and doughnut brand Tim Hortons. Hopes were high for a swift opening at the proposed site on Townsmoor Retail Park — the former home of Carphone Warehouse. The plans promised 50 new jobs, a new food and drink destination, and a much-needed boost for the retail park.
New figures show that Blackburn motorists continue to face some of the highest petrol and diesel prices in the region, reigniting long-standing concerns that the town’s drivers are being unfairly penalised at the pump.
Music fans in Blackburn are in for something truly special this summer as a brand-new stage show about the legendary John Lennon arrives at the Blackburn Empire Theatre for one night only on Thursday 12 June 2025.
Hobkirks have launched brand new Brother sewing machine offers — now available online and in-store!
Blackburn’s nightlife has taken another hit with the closure of The Rock Box on King William Street. More than just a bar, The Rock Box had become a focal point for Blackburn’s live music scene and a rare haven for fans of rock and alternative culture. Now shuttered after months of financial difficulty, its closure raises bigger questions about Blackburn’s ability to sustain drinking venues and night-time culture in a rapidly changing town centre.
After a roaring start in Liverpool, complete with standing ovations and five-star reviews, Irish Annie’s is heading to the Blackburn Empire Theatre for one night only — and audiences are in for a real treat.
An unexpected and moving moment unfolded at Blackburn’s VE80 Fest in Witton Park, as a family visiting the event discovered a tribute to their own wartime relative on display at the Veterans Living History Museum CIC exhibition.
Considering your next home? Bovis Homes will provide tips for those looking to upsize, downsize or move up the property ladder at its special Home Movers weekend on 10th – 11th May.
Hobkirk Sewing Machines in Blackburn is offering a series of exciting deals throughout May – perfect for sewing enthusiasts looking to upgrade their equipment or try something new.
A full house, a standing ovation, and wave after wave of applause — Beauty and the Beast has roared into Blackburn Empire Theatre with style, spirit, and spectacle.
Witton Park in Blackburn is preparing to host one of the region’s most anticipated community events — VE80 Fest — marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.