“There is appetite and enthusiasm for live music in the town,” says Jamie Turner as Blackburn Gigs returns with a new home and expanded programme for 2026.
The grassroots music initiative has partnered with The Bureau Centre of the Arts to host regular performances in a newly developed 60-capacity space in Blackburn town centre.
Running from April to September, the programme is supported by Arts Council England and Blackburn with Darwen Council, aiming to rebuild the town’s live music scene following the loss of key venues.
The opening run of shows includes noise rock duo Slap Rash and I Create Deathrays on April 25, followed by alt-rock band XOX on May 1, a Bob Dylan tribute by John Witherspoon on May 9, and Irish garage-punk act Peer Pleasure on June 5.
Further acts include local folk duo Douglas & Moss, Pink Floyd tribute Acoustic Floyd, and retro rock band Pretty Shivers, with more performances set to be announced.
Jamie Turner, managing director of Actual Music, said: “We had really positive feedback on the Blackburn Gigs that took place last year and showed there is appetite and enthusiasm for live music in the town.”
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Kerris Casey-St Pierre, from The Bureau, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Actual Music to bring Blackburn Gigs back to the town. Our venue has been developed specifically to support grassroots live music, and this partnership gives us the chance to host regular performances that reflect Blackburn’s communities.”
All shows will operate on a pay-what-you-can basis starting from £5, with opportunities also available for local musicians aged 16 and over to take part in performances, workshops and technical training.
Visit blackburngigs.co.uk for more information.
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