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 20 October – Sunday 26 October
Discover events in Blackburn & Darwen for 20–26 October 2025: musicals, comedy, markets, folk legends, Halloween fun, and more. Over 30 events this week!
Kelly Llorenna to headline Darwen Christmas Lights Switch-On 2025
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.
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 13 October – Sunday 19 October
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.
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.
Blackburn News Archive
All the archived stories from Blackburn Life – News about Blackburn and Darwen
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.
More than 25 staff and retailers from The Mall Blackburn are set to take on a marathon journey to raise money for East Lancashire Hospice.
With the start of the school summer holidays, fun activities are in full swing across the borough this week. The kids will love Tabby McTat, live on stage at King George’s Hall, the perfect treat to start the summer holidays.
The BDO have announced that the new venue for the BDO World Trophy will be the King George’s Hall in Blackburn.
The Mall Blackburn is starting the summer in style while raising money for charity with its One Great Day celebrations!
Sounds Familiar Music Quiz is the biggest, best and most raucous music quiz in the UK, with sell-out events each week.
Calling all parents, grandparents, childminders and carers – FREE holiday activities are back at Blackburn Market.
Blackburn Fire Station Open Day this week! Lots more to see and do here too!
A fabulous foodie fortnight is in store for visitors to The Mall Blackburn!
Darwen Town Centre has missed out on a share of the government’s £675m Future High Street Fund after the government released a list of the locations that are moving to the second stage of the process.
Award-winning Peter Jackson the Jeweller has hosted another one of its hugely popular Design Days in its recently launched store in The Mall Blackburn.
A local charity is appealing for stock for its Charity Shop in Darwen.
A new public art project in Blackburn Town Centre will celebrate the towns music tradition.
In 2019, UK Country Music legend Charlie Landsborough plans to retire from touring to concentrate on writing and recording music.
Join multi award-winning comedian Tim FitzHigham and BBC Radio 4 musical maestro Duncan Walsh Atkins as they starch their beards and trim their dinner jackets, ready to bring you the wit and wordplay of those ingenious comedy songsmiths, Michael Flanders and Donald Swann.
Here’s the list of events in & around Blackburn & Darwen from Monday, 8th July 2019 to Sunday, 14th July 2019.
Tabby McTat is a cat with the loudest of meee-ews and a best friend with a guitar, Fred.
DIY SOS, BBC One’s popular property renovation show, will head to Blackburn with Darwen later this year to take on an ambitious build to benefit a local charity.