THERE were plenty of blasts from the past as East Lancashire embraced its heritage during a series of events celebrating the area’s traditions.

As part of the national Heritage Open Days, museums, churches, parks and historic venues opened up their doors.

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Over 30 events and activities took place across the Blackburn, which held its second heritage festival as part of the open days event.

Highlights included the launch of the new Cotton to Gold exhibition at Blackburn Museum, a display of clog dancing and screening of early Mitchell and Kenyon Screen Footings.

Venues staging Heritage Open Day activities included Blackburn Town Hall and Mayor’s Parlour, Blackburn Cathedral, Ainsworths Jewellers, Holy Trinity, the Bureau (St John’s Centre), Blackburn College and Eanam Wharf.

Fans of the Great British Sewing Bee programme queued at Hobkirk in Darwen Street to meet Celebrity Judge, Patrick Grant .

In Burnley, visitors had a guided walk through the Weavers’ Triangle Visitor Centre, there was a salute to the area’s industrial past at the Woodend Mining Museum and a chance to view the Grade II listed Parish Church of St Peter.

In Briercliffe, Queen Street Mill opened up its doors for special behind the scene tours and family activities.

In Bacup, the town’s market, library and natural history museum all held open day events.

There was a chance for keen historians to see a fully operating steam powered textile mill engine at Bancroft Mill, Barnoldswick.

In Brierfield, the historic mill clock at Northlight was restarted.