
“Heart and Soul of Blackburn’s Cultural Scene” – Blackburn Empire Volunteers Crowned Group of the Year
Blackburn Empire Theatre’s volunteers have been named Group of the Year at the 2025 Community Volunteer Awards, honouring more than two decades of dedication to local arts and culture.

£20m Pride in Place plan sets out vision for future investment in Darwen
A £20 million Pride in Place plan has been unveiled for Darwen, setting out priorities for investment in the town centre, parks, skills, and community projects over the next decade.
Council issues statement on rumours about the Islington Hotel in Blackburn
Blackburn with Darwen Council has clarified that it has no involvement in any plans to change the use of the Islington Hotel and has not been informed of any proposals to repurpose it for asylum accommodation.
Council quashes wild rumours about former Blackburn pub
Blackburn with Darwen Council has moved to quash rumours circulating on social media about the future of the former Gate Bar and Grill on Livesey Branch Road. The Council has

Savers Blackburn is giving away 500 free vouchers — here’s how to get yours
Savers is opening a new Blackburn store — and the first 500 shoppers will walk away with a free £5 voucher. Here’s what you need to know.
Free festive fun as Father Christmas visits The Mall Blackburn
Father Christmas will visit The Mall Blackburn over three festive Saturdays this winter, meeting families, posing for photos, and spreading Christmas cheer — no booking required.

The Fairest Panto of Them All Opens This Weekend in Blackburn
Christmas magic arrives in Blackburn this weekend as the Blackburn Empire Theatre raises the curtain on its spectacular new pantomime, Snow White.

Festive Fun at East Lancashire Hospice Christmas Fayre
East Lancashire Hospice invites you to its Christmas Fayre on Sunday 16th November — a festive family event filled with gifts, crafts, treats, and Santa’s Grotto, supporting local hospice care.

Blackburn’s Outdoor Action Nominated for National Award
Blackburn-based Outdoor Action Ltd has been nominated for Best Online Retailer in the Great Outdoors Reader Awards 2025 — celebrating local passion for adventure and community spirit.

What’s On in Blackburn: Monday 10 – Sunday 16 November 2025
Over 30 events this week across Blackburn & Darwen – from Remembrance Day tributes to art, music, theatre, and festive celebrations. Discover everything happening 10–16 November 2025.

“Heart and Soul of Blackburn’s Cultural Scene” – Blackburn Empire Volunteers Crowned Group of the Year
Blackburn Empire Theatre’s volunteers have been named Group of the Year at the 2025 Community Volunteer Awards, honouring more than two decades of dedication to local arts and culture.

Spies, Secrets and Lies – Cold War Drama Comes to Blackburn Empire
This November, Blackburn Drama Club brings suspense and intrigue to the Blackburn Empire Theatre with their latest production, Pack of Lies.

£20m Pride in Place plan sets out vision for future investment in Darwen
A £20 million Pride in Place plan has been unveiled for Darwen, setting out priorities for investment in the town centre, parks, skills, and community projects over the next decade.

What’s On in Blackburn: Monday 3 – Sunday 9 November 2025
What’s happening in Blackburn & Darwen this week? From Remembrance services and 1940s variety shows to community choir performances, spiritual experiences under Gaia, and candlelit concerts — it’s a week full of reflection, remembrance and inspiration.

Blackburn Cathedral creates new Safeguarding Board after years of failures and damning audit
Blackburn Cathedral has established a Safeguarding Improvement Board to oversee reform following years of safeguarding failings and the 2025 INEQE audit, which found arrangements “inadequate and requiring immediate action.”
Remembrance events across Blackburn with Darwen
Remembrance events and services will take place across Blackburn and Darwen this November, giving communities the opportunity to honour those who served and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The ultimate gift: celebrate Christmas in a new Blackburn home
Homebuyers could celebrate Christmas in their new home thanks to Bovis Homes’ commitment to reducing upfront costs.

Blackburn Gilbert & Sullivan Society invites new members to join 2026 production of Patience
Blackburn Gilbert & Sullivan Society is welcoming new members for its next production, Patience, coming to Blackburn Empire Theatre in April 2026.

Illegal cigarettes and vapes seized in Blackburn as part of major Lancashire operation
Thousands of packets of illegal cigarettes and tobacco were seized from a Blackburn shop during a major Lancashire Police and Trading Standards operation targeting businesses selling illicit goods.
Council issues statement on rumours about the Islington Hotel in Blackburn
Blackburn with Darwen Council has clarified that it has no involvement in any plans to change the use of the Islington Hotel and has not been informed of any proposals to repurpose it for asylum accommodation.
What’s On in Blackburn: Monday 27 October – Sunday 2 November 2025
Looking for things to do in Blackburn & Darwen this half-term? 🎃 From spooky Halloween fun to live music, dance showcases, and one of the region’s biggest bonfire events — our What’s On Guide is bursting with things to enjoy this week. Check out all the events or add your own for free!
Gin & Shopping Evening returns to Lingerie by Eve in Blackburn
Lingerie by Eve’s Gin & Shopping Evening returns to Blackburn this November, with exclusive offers, free gifts and a friendly night of festive shopping.
Police issue Halloween safety reminder for Blackburn and Darwen
Blackburn and Darwen Police are reminding residents to keep Halloween fun and respectful, with extra patrols planned and advice for safe trick-or-treating across the borough.
Beautiful South’s Briana Corrigan to perform intimate show at Blackburn Empire
Beautiful South’s Briana Corrigan brings her distinctive vocals to Blackburn Empire Theatre this October for an intimate evening of story and song.
Poppy Appeal launches across Blackburn and Darwen to honour those who served
The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal has launched in Blackburn and Darwen, with community hubs now open in The Mall and Darwen Market to honour those who served and support Armed Forces families.
Police day of action targets driving offences, speeding and antisocial behaviour in Darwen and surrounding villages
Police officers from the Blackburn with Darwen Neighbourhood Team have carried out a day of action across Darwen and the rural areas, working alongside a number of partners to tackle community concerns and enforce road safety.
⏰ Do you love or hate it when the clocks go back?
It’s that time of year again — when half of us cheer for an extra hour in bed and the other half groan about the nights drawing in.
Brother Sewing Machine Offers at Hobkirk in Blackburn
Local sewing and craft specialists Hobkirk Sewing Machines have announced a new range of Brother machine offers, with up to £200 off selected models for a limited time.