Apprenticeship, Graduate and Entry-Level Recruitment Open Evening announced
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is inviting people to a recruitment open evening focused on apprenticeships, graduate roles and entry-level opportunities.

“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.
Hobkirk launches January Sale with 25% off across a huge range
Local sewing and craft specialists Hobkirk Sewing Machines have launched their January Sale, with 25% off a wide range of products available both online and in store.
Long-standing Darwen fashion boutique Solitaire announces closure after 48 years
A well-known independent fashion boutique in Darwen has announced it will close its doors after nearly five decades in business.

Channel 4’s The Dog House Seeks Loving Homes in Blackburn as Rescue Centres Feel the Strain
Rehoming charities across Blackburn are experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand, highlighting the growing need for people willing to open their homes to rescue dogs. Against this backdrop, the makers

Snow White smashes records at Blackburn Empire – and panto season has only just begun
Panto season is back in Blackburn with a bang as Snow White opens at Blackburn Empire Theatre – and it is already a record-breaking year.

Skip a step on the housing ladder in Darwen
A DEPOSIT boost worth almost £17,000 could help homebuyers in Darwen to skip a rung on the property ladder.
Final opportunity to join Brookfield Vale community
Brookfield Vale is nearing sell-out with just one home remaining at Countryside Homes’ only Blackburn development.

Big Black Friday deals on Brother sewing machines at Hobkirk Blackburn
Huge Black Friday deals have arrived at Hobkirk Blackburn, with discounts across Brother sewing, quilting and embroidery machines — including bundle offers and 0% finance. These savings run until 1 December.

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!