CAMPAIGNERS are stepping up their efforts to breathe new life into Blackburn’s weekend economy with a string of attractions.

Former doorman James Newton and a host of DJs are leading the charge to bring the town centre offering up to the appeal of other East Lancashire locations.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The latest promotion will see music fans attending the Bad Manners gig at King George’s Hall this Saturday given the chance to pop into a ‘Club Trop’ night featuring DJ Skippy, for free.

Blakey’s is also hosting a night of dance floor fillers, starring Claudio Bellusci.

Mr Newton said: “We’ve got Darwen, which is really proving popular at weekends, and now we want to see Blackburn going the same way.

“There are a number of new things happening and it’s important that we receive support from as many people as possible to make this a success.”

Blackburn’s nightlife has suffered a number of blows in recent time, with the closure of the likes of Liquid Envy and Live Lounge.

Several other town centre venues, such as Pitcher’s on Salford, The Fleece in Penny Street and Baroque in Northgate, have either ceased trading permanently or temporarily.

But the campaigners, under the banner of Improving Blackburn’s Nightlife, can point towards a number of venues which are pulling out all the stops.

Several of the leading supporters held a strategy meeting at The Last Orders pub in Darwen Street and anyone with fresh ideas is being invited to contribute.

Mr Newton added: “We also have Katy Carmichael Foley doing an old school acid house music event on December 5. We have Stage Door doing a retro 80s theme night.

“Bar Ibiza will be doing karaoke and Sam’s Bar is staging a disco and there is also a soul and motown in the Adelphi and Molloy’s has a live band on.”

Barzooka will also be hosting a night of funky house and indie, with Alan True.

Several future nights are planned by campaigners.