News | Blackburn Life

Blackburn’s After-Hours Identity Crisis: Where Do We Go From Here?

Mon 12 May, 2025

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.

Five-Star Hit Irish Annie’s Heads to Blackburn After Rave Liverpool Premiere

Tue 06 May, 2025

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.

Cadets Charlie and Will Ferguson standing beside a biography board honouring their great-grandfather, Corporal William Tweedale, at VE80 Fest in Witton Park.

Emotional Encounter at VE80 Fest: Family Discovers Tribute to WWII Relative

Tue 06 May, 2025

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.

Unlock a smooth move in Blackburn this May

Tue 06 May, 2025

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 Launches Exclusive Sewing & Embroidery Offers This Spring

Tue 06 May, 2025

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.

Standing Ovation for ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in Blackburn – A Must-See Musical Hit

Tue 06 May, 2025

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.

VE80 Fest Gears Up for a Massive Day of Music, Community and Commemoration in Blackburn

Fri 02 May, 2025

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.

Big Soul Night Cancelled at King George’s Hall

Thu 01 May, 2025

The highly anticipated Big Soul Night Out scheduled for Saturday 24 January 2026 at King George’s Hall in Blackburn has been cancelled.

Appeal Lodged Over Refused Gypsy Caravan Site – What It Means for Action at Hall Moss Farm

Thu 01 May, 2025

An appeal has been lodged against the Council’s refusal of planning permission for an unlawful caravan site in Darwen – and while the appeal is underway, the Council’s enforcement action to remove the site is effectively paused.

Thread Offer Sew Good – Hobkirk Launches 20% Discount on Popular Sewing Threads

Wed 30 Apr, 2025

Hobkirk Sewing Machines is offering a limited-time 20% discount on some of its most popular sewing threads — perfect for keen sewists planning their next project.

Blackburn BID Seeking New Manager as Role Becomes Vacant

Wed 30 Apr, 2025

Blackburn’s Business Improvement District (BID) is recruiting for a new BID Manager, following a change in leadership.

The UK’s tallest transportable observation wheel has arrived in Blackburn town centre – and it’s HUGE!

Wed 30 Apr, 2025

Catch it in Cathedral Square from this Saturday for 5 weeks – covering both May Bank Holidays, VE Day, and half-term.

From Injury to Triumph: Blackburn Runner Completes First Marathon on Her Birthday

Wed 30 Apr, 2025

Blackburn Road Runners’ Lynne Knowles had more than one reason to celebrate last weekend — not only was it her birthday, but she also completed her first-ever marathon at the Manchester Marathon, overcoming a major injury along the way.

Workers’ Memorial Day Marked in Blackburn with Darwen

Tue 29 Apr, 2025

Workers’ Memorial Day was marked in Blackburn with Darwen this week, with a ceremony attended by union members, local representatives, and supporters from across the borough.

Blackburn Times Up for Sale – Is Blackburn Set to Lose Another Town Centre Bar?

Mon 28 Apr, 2025

Another of Blackburn’s town centre bars could be set for change, with the Blackburn Times on Northgate now up for sale.

Roadworks Set to Begin as Major Bus Route Upgrades Continue Across Blackburn with Darwen

Thu 24 Apr, 2025

Improvement works across key junctions in Blackburn with Darwen are continuing as part of a major investment in local bus services – but residents are being advised to expect some disruption while the upgrades take place.

Good Ofsted Judgement for Blackburn with Darwen’s Children’s Services

Wed 23 Apr, 2025

Children’s Services in Blackburn with Darwen have received a ‘Good’ rating across the board from Ofsted, marking a significant step forward since the previous inspection in 2022.

Former Electric Church to Be Transformed into Chaii Tea Café

Wed 23 Apr, 2025

A former live music venue in Blackburn town centre is set for a new lease of life – as a new Chaii tea café.

West End Star Lee Mead Brings His Showstopping New Tour to Blackburn

Tue 22 Apr, 2025

Blackburn will welcome a familiar West End face this July, as singer and actor Lee Mead brings his brand-new live show, The Best of Me, to the Blackburn Empire Theatre on Friday 4 July 2025.

Opinion: M&S at Whitebirk – The Best Outcome Blackburn Could Hope For

Sun 20 Apr, 2025

There’s no doubt the news that Marks & Spencer will leave Blackburn town centre will be met with disappointment by many. For decades, M&S has been a cornerstone of high street shopping in Blackburn, a familiar name on a changing landscape. But when it comes to the future of the brand in our borough, the newly approved move to Whitebirk is, in truth, the best Blackburn could have hoped for.

Make a Splash – Name Darwen’s Giant Inflatable and Win Big!

Wed 16 Apr, 2025

Something HUGE is making a splash at Darwen Leisure Centre – and you could be the first to try it out!

Comics, Capes & Chaos! Free Comic Book Day Returns to To the Batcave

Wed 16 Apr, 2025

To the Batcave, Blackburn’s independent comic book haven, is gearing up for one of the most exciting days in the geek calendar – Free Comic Book Day 2025!

Rovers’ Incredible History Brought to Life in New Exhibition at Blackburn Museum

Fri 11 Apr, 2025

A brand-new exhibition celebrating 150 years of Blackburn Rovers Football Club has opened at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery—just yards from where the club was first formed in 1875.

All Aboard! Blackburn’s Outer Circle Bus Route Returns This May

Fri 11 Apr, 2025

A much-missed bus service is making a welcome return in Blackburn – nearly a decade after it was withdrawn.

Refurbishment Work Set to Begin at Darwen Town Hall

Fri 11 Apr, 2025

Refurbishment work is set to begin at Darwen Town Hall, following Council approval of plans to upgrade the building and prepare it for the relocation of joint Council and NHS services.

VE80 Fest – A Spectacular Community Celebration of Victory in Europe Day

Fri 11 Apr, 2025

Witton Country Park will come alive this May Bank Holiday as Blackburn hosts a major community celebration to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

Mayor Joins Celebrations at Blakewater Homecare Following CQC Success

Fri 11 Apr, 2025

Blakewater Homecare in Blackburn recently welcomed a special guest as the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Brian Taylor, paid a visit last Friday to celebrate the service’s recent success in its first CQC (Care Quality Commission) assessment.

Spring into Savings with Hobkirk Sewing Machines!

Fri 11 Apr, 2025

Spring is here – and so is a fantastic Spring Sale from Hobkirk Sewing Machines, one of Blackburn’s best-loved crafting suppliers.

Steptoe and Son Bring Classic Comedy to Blackburn Stage

Tue 01 Apr, 2025

A legendary sitcom is coming back to life in Blackburn this spring, as Steptoe and Son – LIVE! hits the stage at Blackburn Empire Theatre on Thursday 24 April 2025.

Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Shares Eid Greetings

Fri 28 Mar, 2025

The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Brian Taylor, has shared a special message to mark Eid ul Fitr, one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar.

Major Upgrades Set for Sunnyhurst Woods in Darwen

Fri 28 Mar, 2025

Work is set to begin on a significant improvement project at Sunnyhurst Woods in Darwen, with upgrades to the main path forming part of the wider £100m Darwen Town Deal.

Linda Lusardi Leads a Magical Line-Up of Family Shows at Blackburn Empire This Easter!

Thu 27 Mar, 2025

This Easter, the Blackburn Empire Theatre is the place to be for fun, laughter, and a little bit of magic for the whole family – and leading the way is none other than TV legend Linda Lusardi, starring in the sparkling Easter pantomime Sleeping Beauty on Sunday 13th April.

Blackburn Librarian Shortlisted for Prestigious National Award

Thu 27 Mar, 2025

Blackburn with Darwen’s Community History Librarian, Mary Painter, has been shortlisted for a Libraries Connected Award – a national recognition celebrating the achievements of exceptional library staff across the UK.

Mother’s Day Special: Treat Mum (or Yourself!) to the Tula Pink x Oliso Mini Project Iron

Thu 27 Mar, 2025

Looking for the perfect gift for the crafty mum in your life? Or maybe you are the crafty mum who deserves something special? This Mother’s Day, Blackburn’s own Hobkirk Sewing Machines has just the thing!

Can You Help Reunite Gill With Her Beloved Pub Files?

Wed 26 Mar, 2025

We’re putting a heartfelt call out to the people of Blackburn and beyond – can you help solve this local mystery?

Enjoy FREE Delivery on Fabric & Haberdashery Orders at Hobkirk!

Wed 26 Mar, 2025

Calling all crafters, sewists, and fabric lovers! Blackburn’s very own Hobkirk Sewing Machines is treating you to an exclusive FREE delivery offer on all fabric and haberdashery orders over £5 – just in time to stock up on your spring sewing supplies.