5 things to look out for in Blackburn in 2015

1. The handover of the first phase of Blackburn’s £33million Cathedral Quarter is on target for the end of September this year.

The manager of the scheme for main contractors Eric Wright Construction, Steve Rawlinson, revealed that September 28 or 29 were now pencilled in for the official ceremony.

He said so far key dates had been met and the steelwork for the 60-bed Premier Inn hotel and the first office block had been completed.

Mr Rawlinson said: “The steel frame for the Clergy Court will start to rise early in the New Year.

In related projects, a new £5million bus station on the old market site will open, slightly later than originally planned, by March.

2. Mark it in your diaries – May 7 is a big day in politics as there is a general election.

At local level, May 2015 will see the biggest single change in the political landscape of East Lancashire for 35 years, however voters cast their ballots: Jack Straw will no longer be MP for Blackburn.

Already the Tories have picked their best candidate for three decades in former police commander Bob Eastwood, who is working frantically hard to reach the parts Conservatives don’t normally reach.

And nationally, the picture is even more intriguing, and the race for 10 Downing Street is wide open.

Will it be Labour, the Tories or a coalition involving the Lib Dems, UKIP or even the Green Party? What we do know for certain is campaigning will be fierce and every vote counts.

3. IT'S been a mixed season for Blackburn Rovers so far.

Gary Bowyer's men sit five points off the play-offs after an inconsistent run of results.

Impressive wins against Nottingham Forest, Wigan Athletic and Fulham brought optimism to Ewood Park but frustrating results at Bolton and Rotherham haven't helped the cause.

The FA Cup win over Charlton Athletic has set up a mouth-watering tie with Premier League side Swansea City at Ewood Park later this month - a chance for Rovers to test the big guns.

It would be foolish to get carried away with a cup run, however, with Gary Bowyer's men firmly focussed on following East Lancashire rivals Burnley into the Premier League.

Keep an eye out for this season's crunch ties as Fulham, Norwich, Brentford, Bolton and Ipswich visit Ewood Park.

It's going to be one hell of a ride - let's hope it's a good one...

4. If it's pure entertainment you're after - there are some cracking performances scheduled at Blackburn's King George's Hall.

Comedians Patrick Monahan, Bill Bailey, Jimmy Carr, Alan Carr, Milton Jones, Stewart Francis, Noel Fielding and many more will be performing their hilarious shows.

Jimmy Carr has a lot to make up for this year after turning up two hours late to his last Blackburn gig in 2014. He did, however, cheer everyone in the crowd up with a free drink. Top man!

Not forgetting music fans - we have Hayseed Dixie, The Drifters, Go West, Placebo, Whole Lotta Led, Paul Weller and Limehouse Lizzy.

And, of course, Basil Brush will be visiting Blackburn in September. Make sure you snap those tickets up fast...

5. THE search for amateur sporting stars and unsung heroes across East Lancashire is nearly over.

The Lancashire Telegraph, together with United Utilities, have again teamed up to recognise and reward those people who contribute so much to their communities through participation in sport.

The 10 categories coverer all aspects of amateur sport in the area to those who succeed on their chosen playing field to those who work hard behind the scenes.

And the awards have been well supported by East Lancashire’s professional sportsmen and women with Burnley, Blackburn Rovers and Accrington Stanley.

The Grassroots Heroes Awards take place at Mytton Fold Hotel on Thursday, January 29 and promises to be a celebration of amateur sport.