
Darwen teacher’s 16-year fundraiser hits £100,000 as he retires
A much-loved Darwen teacher is retiring after helping raise an incredible £100,000 for a local children’s hospice – leaving behind a legacy that has inspired generations of pupils.

A much-loved Darwen teacher is retiring after helping raise an incredible £100,000 for a local children’s hospice – leaving behind a legacy that has inspired generations of pupils.

The Canal & River Trust is inviting people across Lancashire to volunteer by water, helping care for canals, rivers and towpaths while making a real difference in local communities.

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.
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.

Blackburn Gilbert & Sullivan Society is welcoming new members for its next production, Patience, coming to Blackburn Empire Theatre in April 2026.
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.
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.
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.
A brand-new initiative is launching at the Blackburn Empire Theatre to help bring people together through Community • Friendship • Fun.
More than 1,500 people have shared their ideas for the future of Corporation Park’s Conservatory — with the most popular choice being to restore it as a botanical space, complete with exotic plants and butterflies.
There was an extra special birthday to celebrate at Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery this week – and it wasn’t just about candles and cake.
Once a symbol of Blackburn’s Victorian pride, the Corporation Park Conservatory now stands boarded up, rusting and forgotten. But that could all change — and your opinion could help shape its future.
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to help others? Now’s your chance to say thank you.
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.
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 was marked in Blackburn with Darwen this week, with a ceremony attended by union members, local representatives, and supporters from across the borough.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We’re putting a heartfelt call out to the people of Blackburn and beyond – can you help solve this local mystery?
This February, Masters of Martial Arts Academy invites the women of Blackburn to join their empowering Ladies Self-Defence Course.
With Halloween just around the corner, it’s time to dive into Blackburn’s spookiest spots. From historic theatres to haunted pubs, here are some ghostly tales that might just make your hair stand on end.
Darwen’s St John Ambulance station is set for a grand revival thanks to a generous donation that has provided the charity with a new home—completely free of charge.
Gill Singh is on a mission: to track down her cherished “Pub Files”, which she regrets losing in 2011.
In a remarkable display of dedication and community spirit, Darwen Food Share Community Interest Company (CIC) successfully raised £7126.55 during a challenging sleep-out event held at Whitehall Park, Darwen, on
People across the borough have seized the opportunity to be part of the inaugural Christmas Tree Festival at the former Cotton Exchange on King William Street in Blackburn. For those who haven’t yet registered, there’s still a chance to join this unique celebration of community spirit.

Blackburn Cathedral has announced an enchanting musical event that is set to mesmerise attendees with a day of Cathedral Music, Talks & Performance Opportunities.
Blackburn Pride is set to return this month, and it promises to be an unforgettable experience! Mark your calendars for Saturday, 17th June, as Blackburn Town Centre becomes the vibrant hub of festivities.
Blackburn Life believe in supporting their local community, business and organisations and that’s why we created “The Big Guide” – Our What’s On Guide that is FREE to everyone.
Would you like to be involved in creating a legacy and discovering more about the heritage of an iconic building in Blackburn Town Centre?
An International Food Hub launched in Blackburn this week supporting integration and culture across the borough.
The Dean of Blackburn had his head shaved during the Eucharist on Sunday 14 May 2023 to raise funds for the local Hospice and raise awareness of its vital service to the community.
Blackburn Exchange has announced plans for an Open Day on Tuesday 28th March 2023.
The Exchange has been awarded £192,000 from the Lottery Heritage Fund
The Right Reverend Philip North has today been announced by 10 Downing Street as the next Bishop of Blackburn.