Dating back to 1865 when it opened as one of four exchange halls in the country, The Exchange is an iconic Blackburn venue currently undergoing a restoration project that will see it become a multicultural ‘Hub on the High Street’.
Britain’s revolution in hands-on creativity, contemporary manufacturing and tech-led making shows no sign of slowing and the festival that shouts loudest about the brilliance of the nation’s makers returns for enjoyment year on year.
free entry
Showcasing boundary-pushing artistry from around the globe, the British Textile Biennial is back with a month of unmissable installations.
free entry
Simmering and deeply engaging, this is a new production of Miller’s classic drama you won’t want to miss.
from £15.00
Famously Kurt Cobain’s favourite songwriters and among the best of the ’80s pop underground, The Vaselines play in Hebden Bridge.
from £20.00
Happening as part of Synagogue Nights 2023, join experimental folk duo – Fran & Flora – for a night of new music.
from £15.00
Head to Manchester Jewish Museum to see the multi-award winning documentary film tracing the extraordinary life of the pioneering street photographer.
from £11.00
Happening as part of Manchester Jewish Museum’s Synagogue Nights, Becoming Nigella is a heart-warming new stage musical, inspired by Nigella Lawson.
from £12.00
Following on from her sold-out 2022 Synagogue Nights show, Noga Ritter comes back to Manchester with a newly released album.
from £15.00
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.
Blackburn’s original, Italian renaissance style town hall was completed in 1856.
Blackburn’s home of live music, Electric Church Club hosts artists from the whole of the UK.
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.
Established in 2016, Prism Contemporary is an independent gallery run by artists, curators and producers.
You can be sure of consistency from The Chippery. A wide range of usual chop shop fayre including good sized portions of cod, sausages, fishcakes and of course chips. The staff are friendly and you can’t go wrong with a takeaway Friday fish supper. You can call ahead and order if you have a large order and you can be sure that all the portions are on the large side.
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.
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.
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.
A long term favourite for skate brands and streetwear with a mini skate ramp in the basement.
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 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.
The best new venues and revamped food and drink menus in Manchester and the North as we head into autumn.
The end of summer means the start of gig season. From indie legends to the UK’s most exciting young acts, here's who we'll be watching this autumn.
September's a month of witty and playful exhibitions, complete with larger-than-life installations and that rare thing in the art world – humour!
A true crime rock musical, contemporary dance and punchy new writing feature in this month’s eclectic pick of live theatre.
Halloween's on the horizon, but there are some big film festivals to dive into first.
Get inspired to make the most of Autumn with day trips, pumpkin carving and ghosts in this month's Tours and Activities guide.
School's back and we're heading towards autumn! Here are some of the best family friendly events and activities to keep the kids busy.
With literature festival season starting its engines, we select our top picks, alongside some standout launches and readings.
