Linked to the spectacular Museum of the Moon at Blackburn Cathedral, there’ll be a packed programme of things to see and do right across Blackburn town centre this festive season, with much being free to enjoy!
The impressive line-up includes:
The Museum of the Moon – until Dec 1st
Step inside Blackburn’s beautiful Cathedral and be dazzled by the Museum of the Moon – a spectacular Luke Jerram piece that has been enjoyed by more than 20m people around the world. You can enjoy the moon for free during the day with a small charge to see it at night. A visit to the Cathedral’s Checks & Greys Café is also a must. You can find out everything you need to know by clicking this link.
The Circus of the Moon Christmas Lights Switch-On – Sat 23rd Nov
The moon theme will run throughout Blackburn’s spectacular Christmas lights switch-on too, including a special light launch sequence when Blackburn’s Christmas lights will be illuminated with a stunning laser light show, choreographed music, and stage pyrotechnics. Throughout the day, you can watch captivating stage shows – including a performance by the super talented team from Pop Up Global – with lots of local talent on stage too. The event will also feature a pop-up festive market and live music performances at the new home for The Bureau in Exchange Street. Entry to The Museum of the Moon will be free throughout the day and evening. Come and make a day and night of it! Here’s a link to more info.
Blackburn Festival of Light – Sat 14th Dec
Blackburn’s cherished annual light parade is back! In the lead-up, visitors can participate in lantern-making workshops, as well as drumming and stilt-walking classes – adding to the town’s creative buzz. The grand parade, inspired by lunar themes, will light up the town with a fantastic finale at Town Hall Square featuring light projections and mesmerising fire dancing.
Moon-themed Arts & Crafts by Culturapedia
Throughout the festive period, Culturapedia will host a variety of family-friendly workshops, storytelling sessions, and interactive performances inspired by the moon. Events will be held across Blackburn’s popular cultural venues, including Blackburn Market, Blackburn Central Library, and Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery. Check out Discover Blackburn on Facebook and Insta for all the latest updates.
Moon Light Trail
New for 2024, take a lunar journey around Blackburn with the Moon Light Trail. This captivating trail of light installations – designed by Blackburn Festival of Light, light sculpture artists, and Blackburn College students – will illuminate the town centre, creating a winter wonderland of glowing sculptures and displays.
Throughout the festive period, visitors can also look forward to light projections, festive music, ice skating, movie premieres, and the ever-popular panto at King George’s Hall.
There’s also live music from the new Blackburn Gigs initiative every weekend at venues right across the town centre.
With so much to see and do, this Christmas in Blackburn promises to be a truly stellar experience for all ages!
Th £70K of new funding has been successfully secured as part of a collaboration between Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID), Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Blackburn Festival of Light, Culturapedia, and Blackburn Cathedral.
The generous support is from Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Funding.
Catherine Price, Blackburn BID Manager, said:
“This year’s Festival of the Moon brings a unique and magical atmosphere to Blackburn, and we’re thrilled to invite everyone to experience these incredible events.
“With everything from dazzling performances and workshops to inspiring art installations, Blackburn is set to offer a Christmas celebration that connects our community and showcases the best of local talent.
“We can’t wait to share this wonderful festive season with everyone.”
Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:
“We’ve so much planned in the run-up to Christmas for our residents and visitors to enjoy right across our borough – with much of it being free too.
“On top of the packed programme of events – with something on every single weekend – you can also enjoy Christmas shopping in our town centres and delicious festive food and drink too.
“In fact, there’s lots to make a day and night of it – in Blackburn, you can enjoy a spot of ice skating, the latest Christmas film and the ever-popular panto at King George’s Hall.
“All of this on top of the brand-new Festival of the Moon – something new for 2024!
“Please do stay local this festive season and discover all our towns have to offer while supporting our many wonderful businesses.”
