Confessional Takeover: A night at The Crypt at Blackburn Cathedral

Johnny James, Managing Editor

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Confessional Takeover - A night at The Crypt

Blackburn Cathedral, Blackburn
5-6 October 2024

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

The Dream Machine
Image courtesy of Confessional.
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One of our favourite grassroots festivals, Confessional has long been a highlight of Blackburn’s arts and cultural calendar, turning the Lancashire town into a lightning rod for live music lovers every September since 2015.

One of the things we love about this festival is that each year, the passionate team switch up the formula, whether it’s the ever changing theme (2023’s being Urban Junkyard), or the venue (last year’s was hosted in one of East Lancashire’s most historic buildings, The Exchange).

Fake Dennis
Fake Dennis, Confessional.

True to form, Confessional looks different again this year, billed instead as a Confessional Takeover. It’s a smaller, stripped-back event designed to be affordable for all, with tickets priced at just £10. But while the fanfare’s been dialled back just slightly, the team haven’t compromised at all on the venue, which is the crypt of Blackburn Cathedral – a stunning and historic building in the heart of Blackburn Town Centre.

Hungry
Hungry, Confessional.

Headlining will be Merseyside rockers The Dream Machine. Influenced by iconic psych-rock songwriters such as Patti Smith and The Brian Jonestown Massacre, they blend smooth vocal harmonies with tantalisingly hypnotic Americana grooves. Support comes from Leeds’ Fake Dennis, bringing a fusion of abrasive electronic beats and raw punk energy.

Pretty Shivers
Pretty Shivers, Confessional.

From the hotly-tipped Hungry, you can expect more punk energy as well as jangling indie smarts, while Darwen-based Pretty Shivers combine power pop, rock and roll, country and soul. Finally El Grego, a key member of the Demented Disco collective, will keep you dancing non-stop – before, between, and after the bands.

Being a smaller affair than usual, there are only 200 tickets available for this Confessional event, so don’t hang fire for too long if you’d like to go. It’s only a tenner, after all.

Lineup

Where to go near Confessional Takeover: A night at The Crypt at Blackburn Cathedral

Haute Dolci
Blackburn
Restaurant
Haute Dolci

This is dessert heaven served in the most amazing surroundings. A beautiful destination for all manner of sweet treats and the added bonus of a click and collect service. Vanilla Milk cake, Mintberry Mojito or test yourself with a Lick Your Lips – Fudge Brownies, Belgian Milk Chocolate, with Milk Chocolate Curls and Strawberries.

Remix Casuals
Blackburn
Shop
Remix Casuals

A long term favourite for skate brands and streetwear with a mini skate ramp in the basement.

Thira
Blackburn
Restaurant
Thira

Blackburn is synonymous with a great curry and Thira offers exactly that. With a discount available for click and collect, you can call and pre-order from a wide menu of home dining options. Starters include Grilled King Fish , boneless diced lamb sauteed with crushed ginger and shallots or a deep dish of mussels marinated with Kerala spices and deep fried.

Blackburn
Shop
Me To A Tee

Two young Blackburners set up this shop selling vintage and sought after football casual brands, such as Iceberg, Moncler, Stone Island CP and Company.

Exchange Coffee
Blackburn
Café or Coffee Shop
Exchange Coffee

Serving award winning coffees and a great choice of loose teas, cold drinks and takeaway delights including toasted fruit teacakes, crumpets and toast all of which you can order online through its click and collect service.

Blackburn
Event venue
The Bureau Centre for the Arts

The Bureau is an artist led arts and community centre, providing a versatile and inclusive space for theatre, music, cultural events and community participation.

Blackburn
King George’s Hall, Blackburn

One of the North West of England’s best known and loved entertainment venues the historic King George’s Hall in Blackburn was built in the classical style from stone quarried at Butler’s Delph in Pleasington.

Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
Blackburn
Gallery
Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery

Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery houses a rich and fascinating collection covering fine art, decorative art, Egyptology, coins, manuscripts, natural history, social history and South Asia.

Lancashire
Restaurant
Scholars Restaurant

This quality bistro offers fine dining at fabulous prices. One of the leading training restaurants, Scholars Restaurant is run by both industry professionals and fantastic Blackburn College students.

Blackburn
Music venue
The Exchange, Blackburn

Dating back to 1865 when it opened as one of four exchange halls in the country, The Exchange is an iconic Blackburn venue

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