Blackburn and Darwen markets are offering a range of free activities during the coming week's May school half-term.

From a calligraphy workshop to the telling of an old tale in a new way, there’s something for everyone.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is working once again with local company Culturapedia to bring culture to the two retail hubs.

Expert Razwan Ul Haq will host workshops on Arabic Nastaliq Calligraphy.

He is an artist and author whose prime focus is Arabic Calligraphy, particularly the Nastaliq script.

His commissions include work for the Queen, and land art for the Tour de France's British Grand Depart, and his work has appeared in features on Channel 4, BBC Radio 4, The Times, ITV and USA Today.

Razwan will provide hands-on workshops using traditional bamboo pens and hand mixed ink on Saturday, May 2,5 from 11am to 3pm at Darwen Market, and Wednesday, May 29, from 11am to 3pm at Blackburn Market.

At both markets, children can watch a new telling of a traditional tale, The Elves and the Shoemaker by Joyce Branagh and Helen Longworth.

When two magical elves, Red and Lo, arrive to help the local shoemaker, they realise they need to put themselves into someone else’s shoes to understand what the customers need.

The show with songs and silliness will be at Darwen Market on Wednesday, May 29, at 11am and 1.30pm, and at Blackburn Market on Friday, May 31, at 11am and 1.30pm.

The Flying Buttresses, also known as Hodman and Sally, will be at Darwen Market on Friday, May 31, from 11am to 3pm, and at Blackburn Market on Saturday, June 1, from 11am to 3pm.