Blackburn with Darwen live music project hits the town centre

A new programme of 124 live gigs to boost Blackburn’s nightlife will hit the town centre over the next six months.

Blackburn Gigs will see the live performances take place across bars, restaurants and town centre venues from now until March 2025 as part of a new pilot.

The programme boasts a diverse range of musical talent in a bid to attract both residents and visitors back into the heart of the town benefitting venues and providing a platform for local grassroots talent to shine.

Already, gigs have been announced at The Firepit, Turtle Bay, and The Drummer’s Arms as well as an original music night planned for this Saturday at the recently re-located The Bureau Centre of The Arts in Exchange Street.

One of those set to perform is Blackburn singer-songwriter Lydia Reddy who joins the line-up of talented acts from across the North West.

They include duo In Bloom, singer and pianist Sarah Leanne, and violinist Isabella Baker.

Blackburn Gigs is being delivered by Actual Music in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

The project is being funded by Arts Council England through its grassroots music fund as well as new government high street funding secured for King William Street and the surrounding area.

Launching Blackburn Gigs Jamie Turner, director of Actual Music, said: “We’ve seen a resurgence in live music being a core part of the offer in cities across the country, and we’re passionate about developing those creative and cultural opportunities here in Blackburn.

“Our aim is to showcase the grassroots artists we have locally, alongside a variety of high-quality regional acts to offer something different, while encouraging visitors to the town centre.

“Blackburn has a huge amount of heritage and history in music, and we’re excited to contribute to the next chapters over the coming months and years.”

Organisers hope the exciting mix of acts, performing across a range of genres, will ensure that there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s an acoustic set in a cosy bar or energetic bands in larger venues.

Cllr Quesir Mahmood, deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: “Blackburn has a thriving cultural scene and we’re always looking for opportunities to build on that, with Blackburn Gigs being an exciting new project for the town – one we’re proud to support.

“We know that having a strong live music offer is key to growing the night-time economy in our town centre and there’s a huge amount of gigs planned between now and the end of March as part of the pilot with something for all tastes.

“This adds to the packed programme we have planned for King George’s Hall in the run-up to Christmas and also builds on the ever-growing and really strong food and drink offer in the town centre with the likes of The Firepit, Akbar’s and Saffron Street being packed every weekend.

“We want residents and visitors to come and make a night of it here and we’ve launched the brand-new Discover Blackburn website with Blackburn BID to help highlight all there is to enjoy.”

Live music in the borough has been given a shot in the arm in recent months with regular gigs and showcases at Sunbird Records in Darwen.

Under promoters Danny McDonough and Nathan Howard, the venue has played host to an eclectic mix of genres and championed local talent.

Just 100 yards away, the Sound Lounge also reopened in Wellington Fold in August 2023.

But others have fared less well, with the Electric Church in Blackburn not reopening after the pandemic and several town centre pubs which have hosted bands, like the Sir Charles Napier, closing for good.