This summer is packed with fun for kids in Blackburn town centre, from a fantastic selection of FREE events like the Print Rally, amazing shopping and dining options to leisure activities like the flumes at Blackburn Leisure Centre, cinemas and ice rink.

Summer Activities in Blackburn

Blackburn Town Centre have the most amazing array of family friend events this summer with the full details on timings and locations on Discover Blackburn.

Print Rally

Visit five print stations across Blackburn to create your own multicoloured commemorative art work of Blackburn. Find out more here

Pirate Princess Gemma Bond – 8th August FREE

Join HandMade Theatre for some Puppet Birding, a fun family show inspired by British birds. Meet the two quirky Bird Watchers as they take you on an adventure in search of birds. There will also be a puppet making workshop to make your very own flapping bird puppet.

Hodman and Sally Flying Buttress – 9th August FREE

Hodman and Sally are adorable explorers on a mission to discover all they can about the outside world. Wondering as they wander. Find them in the town centre as they discover Blackburn.

Summer at the Bureau

Every Saturday from 12th July to 6th September, you’ll find the following happening at The Bureau

Imaginarium 9.30–11am & 10.30am–12pm
Public Living Room (social drop-in in the cafe) 11am–12.30pm
Family Art Club. Paper Creations! 1.30–3.30pm
Cafe & Gallery open 11am–3pm
Exhibition: ‘Drawing in space – Space for drawing

Design a Pocket Adventure – 13th August

Join Print, Paint and Pixel and create your own treasure book! Pick 6 surprise location stickers, then create, design and decorate your own 8-page booklet. Once it’s finished, it’s time to head off on your own adventure, explore the market and find your chosen locations. Suitable for ages 4+ and abilities the session will run as a drop in activity between 11am and 3pm inside the Blackburn market near the Visitor Information Desk.

Tree Pixel Workshop – 16th August FREE

Join land artist Winston Plowes under the trees on King William Street to help make a piece of community land art celebrating the trees of Blackburn town centre.

Circus Skills Workshop – 16th August

Join The Circus House team outside Blackburn Market for a circus skills workshop. Have a go with diabolo, spin some plates, learn to juggle or even try aerial hoop!

Ukulele Workshop – 20th August FREE

Join Richard for an inclusive workshop inside Blackburn Market where all ages can play and sing fun songs with the ukulele within minutes! You don’t need an instrument or any musical experience, just a little enthusiasm. This is a free drop in activity between 11am and 3pm

Bhangra Tots – 21st August FREE

Join the adventure with Sohan Kailey (India Dancer) as he takes you on an exciting adventure of Bhangra dancing fun at Blackburn Market. Learn fun movements and actions, dig the soil, plant the seeds, help to grow fruits and vegetables.

Interactive storytelling with vibrant music, dancing, puppetry and lots more. This show and workshop enables participants to join in the fun which is a must. Dance along to Bhangra and Bollywood music!

This is a fun filled show for children aged 4 to 11 and their families! This free 40 minute performance will happen 2 times in the day at 11.30am & 1.30pm.

Decibelles About Town – 23rd August FREE

Blackburn’s one and only, award-winning female a cappella choir are bringing their sequins to town to serenade the crowds with a mix of stunning music from around the world and across the generations.

Storytelling – 27th August FREE

This free 30 minute performance will happen 3 times in the day at 11am, 12.30pm & 2pm outside the market on the corner of Ainsworth and Church Street.

The Elephant and the Drummer – 29th August FREE

A roaming, interactive, dance and live music walkabout performance. Audiences can watch and they will be encouraged to dance along and to touch the elephant at her direction. This free 30 minute performance will happen 3 times in the day at 11am, 12.30pm & 2pm outside the Mall on King William Street.

The Fisher and his Wife – 29th August FREE

This traditional story from the fairy tale collection of the Brother’s Grimm has a sudden rebirth and renewed relevance in the present day