Be Inspired, Learn and Create

Over the last few years Blackburn with Darwen has become a cultural hot spot with notable events and festivals popping up throughout the year.

The largest of these is the Wayne Hemmingway inspired National Festival of Making.

This two day festival attracts over 30,000 visitors and takes over the whole town centre with music, street food, art, performances, tours, talks and above all an eclectic mix of making experiences for everyone to enjoy. This celebration of Lancashire and UK industry will be returning to Blackburn on 15^th and 16^th June 2019. Make a note of the dates and as you won’t want to miss this show stopping event.

In 2018 Blackburn received a colourful make over from international, national and local artists – all with one mission “to make Blackburn beautiful”. The Blackburn Open Walls street art festival transformed forgotten walls with outstanding works of art.  Although the festival has finished over 30 fabulous art work remain around the town centre for you to find and enjoy. Pick up a trail leaflet from Blackburn Visitor Centre in Blackburn Market.

Throughout the year there are numerous live music events, gigs and festivals held in the town centres, old churches and parks, with music to suit all ages & tastes. Darwen Live, a two day music festival held in May, takes over the whole town with a main stage offering a packed programme of local and national talent.