A SERIES of showbiz events and street entertainments is being planned to put Blackburn town centre back on the shopping map.

Town hall bosses are growing increasingly worried about Blackburn losing out to neighbouring shopping centres.

A recent national survey revealed Blackburn is slipping down the economic league and has been left trailing in the wake of success stories like Preston, Bolton and Chorley.

The aim is to follow up the success of last Autumn's "It's Happening" festival with a series of summer events.

Bosses at Blackburn with Darwen Council want to improve the town's image and build on recent improvements.

The festival is set to take place in mid July and further events are being organised.

The series of fun days will coincide with the completion of refurbishment work in King William Street and the revamp of the shopping centre. Funds have been set aside in the town hall's budgets but the council is also on the look-out for sponsorship from the business community.

The mini-festival will start on Saturday, July 19, and will get under way with an exhibition on the history of Blackburn's wakes weeks at the museum.

On the same day there will be a special shopping day with themed entertainment in King William Street, circus acts and children's entertainment.

Motorbike ace Carl Fogarty will put in a live appearance the following day for Superbike Sunday.

Other events planned include a brass band gala, traditional seaside entertainment, a transport day and festival of music and poetry.

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