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

With an extra long weekend approaching for many, it looks like the area may escape a washout with the Forecast for Bank Holiday Thursday, Friday and the weekend.

As we look forward to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations this week, we’ll be taking a look back!

The money raised will go directly to local charities helping people in the borough of Blackburn & Darwen

A Jubilee beacon will be lit at Darwen Tower to mark the Queen’s 70-year reign on the evening of Thursday, June 2nd.

The winner of a competition to light the Jubilee Beacon at Darwen Tower has been officially crowned!

“A Night of Songs & Laughter”, which comes to Blackburn on Friday 15th July at King George’s Hall

Paul Young will take fans behind the lens in a unique show that will coincide with the publication of his autobiography.

A GENEROUS bunch of builders from the North West are hoping to hit the big time after making a music video of the re-worked Madness classic song “Our House”.

People are often surprised to discover Blackburn has a cathedral and then go on to query if Blackburn is a city. Isn’t the definition of a city that it is somewhere with a cathedral?

Blackburn has missed out on its bid to become a Jubilee City, as Doncaster, Colchester and Milton Keynes are announced as the recipients of city status in England.

Roll up, roll up. . . a scintillating night out of sparkling entertainment – the UK’s longest running burlesque show – is back touring the nation. And, it’s bigger than ever.

Darwen residents can expect a better park experience after maintenance work has been carried out in three of the neighbourhood parks.

Dig out those 80`s clothes, grab your dancing shoes, and prepare to enjoy a night of pure “Gold” and, yes, fancy dress is encouraged!

E4’s most daring TV series is back and they are looking for contestants from Blackburn! The producers of Naked, Alone And Racing To Get Home are searching for brave contestants for an exciting new challenge!

Visitors to Town Hall Street Blackburn can enjoy The BatCave’s annual FREE Comic Book Day, as well as meeting some superstar cars, when it returns this Saturday 14th May 2022.

The Mall Blackburn has welcomed a new food vendor specialising in delicious Belgian waffles (Waffwich) mini dutch pancakes and creamy shakes.

The SummerFest 22 event which was due to take place at Blackburn Rover football ground, Ewood Park from 27th to 29th May 2022 has been “postponed” until 2023

Josh Widdicombe’s new stand-up show arrives in Blackburn on Monday 23rd May 2022.

A warning has been issued to people who are tempted to buy tickets for the Liam Gallagher gig in Blackburn on 27th April.

A convoy, which is part of a nationwide festival, lands in Blackburn’s Cathedral Square on Thursday 19 May

Jack Dee’s live tour, “Off the Telly”, was cut off in its prime when the pandemic hit the UK last spring.

Excitement is mounting as the one-off gig by Liam Gallagher approaches. He is due to appear at King George’s Hall, Blackburn on 27th April 2022 in celebration of his new

Liam Gallagher will play a one-off show at ???? ??????’? ???? ?? ????? ???? in Blackburn in celebration of his new trainer collaboration with ?????? ???????.

The details of all candidates standing for the local elections in Blackburn with Darwen have now been published.

Non-barcoded stamps will become invalid for use on 31 January 2023.

Blackburn’s traditional Easter Fun Fair returns to Witton Park this Easter, headlined as the first Easter Fair for three years after the COVID pandemic stopped the rides and fun.

Free holiday club places are being offered during the Easter holidays offered to children who qualify for free school meals.

Do you have a spark of design talent and dream of owning your own home?

King George’s Hall in Blackburn have today announced two new comedy stars coming to the venue later this year.

Work is underway on transforming an important part of Blackburn’s ‘cultural quarter’ – Blakey Moor Terrace.

The Director of Public Health who has been at the helm of Blackburn with Darwen’s course through the Covid pandemic is retiring this week.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s annual apprenticeship recruitment drive is back – and this year they are set to recruit up to 26 new apprentices.

The Mall Blackburn is gearing up for its first major Easter event for over two years and is looking forward to welcoming little shoppers to its free Wonderland of Fun!

An autism friendly walk-through film about Blackburn train station commissioned by Community Rail Lancashire is being celebrated during World Autism Acceptance Week. It is part of 10 films showcasing railway

From April 1st the Council is investing in a 12 month programme of free leisure sessions across the borough. This will start with the inclusion of a variety of activities including gym-based, swimming and cycling sessions.

A remarkable interpretive singer, Kate Rusby’s soulful vocals resonate with the wistful beauty of an earthbound angel.