Discover a summer full of creativity, entertainment, and family fun at Blackburn Market!
This year, Blackburn’s summer calendar is packed with vibrant events, but Blackburn Market is at the very heart of it all.
Whether you’re a local or visiting for the day, the market offers a buzzing hub of free workshops, interactive performances, live music, and hands-on activities for all ages. From arts and crafts sessions to cultural celebrations and lively street performances, there’s always something happening to spark your imagination and keep the kids entertained.
As you explore the town, you’ll find even more to enjoy across Blackburn, but make the market your first stop for unforgettable summer memories. Everyone’s welcome, and most activities won’t cost you a penny!
Events & Activities at Blackburn Market 2025
Pop Poetry Drop-In
🗓️ Wednesday 23 July
🕚 11am – 2pm
📍 Outside Blackburn Market (Corner of Ainsworth St and Church St)
💸 Free
Drop in to write poems with resident poets and contribute to a digital zine.
Aquanauts Adrift – Enter Edem
🗓️ Friday 25 July
🕚 Performances at 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm
📍 Outside Blackburn Market (Corner of Ainsworth St and Church St)
💸 Free
Deep-sea divers, krill puppets, bubbles, and interactive storytelling right outside the market!
Maelstrom About Town
🗓️ Saturday 26 July
🕚 11am – 4pm
📍 The Market and other locations
💸 Free
All-male a cappella group performing around town, including the Market.
Blackburn Print Rally
🗓️ Tuesday to Saturday from 26 July, all summer
🕚 11am – 4.45pm
📍 The Visitor Centre in Blackburn Market
💸 Free
Visit five print stations across Blackburn, including the Market, and create your own commemorative artwork.
Mini-Zines Workshop
🗓️ Wednesday 30 July
🕚 11am – 3pm
📍 Blackburn Market
💸 Free
Make your own mini zine with artist Molly Bland – all materials provided.
Caspian’s Storm – LAStheatre
🗓️ Friday 1 August
🕚 Performances at 11am, 12.30pm & 2pm
📍 King William Street, outside Blackburn Town Hall
💸 Free
Join Caspian the Crab on an adventure filled with curiosity, magic, and excitement!.
Puppet Birding
🗓️ Wednesday 6 August
🕚 Performances at 11.30am & 2.30pm (outside Market); Workshop at 1pm (inside Market)
📍 Outside/Inside Blackburn Market (Corner of Ainsworth St and Church St)
💸 Free
Family show and puppet-making workshop inspired by British birds.
Design a Pocket Adventure
🗓️ Wednesday 13 August
🕚 11am – 3pm
📍 Blackburn Market
💸 Free
Create a treasure booklet and explore the market to find your chosen locations.
Circus Skills Workshop
🗓️ Saturday 16 August
🕚 11am – 3pm
📍 Outside Blackburn Market (Corner of Ainsworth St and Church St)
💸 Free
Try diabolo, plate spinning, juggling, and even aerial hoop with Circus House!
Ukulele: Zero to Hero in 10 Minutes!
🗓️ Wednesday 20 August
🕚 11am – 3pm
📍 Blackburn Market
💸 Free
Join Richard Moss for a quick-fire ukulele workshop – no experience or instrument needed!
Bhangra Tots
🗓️ Thursday 21 August
🕚 11.30am & 1.30pm
📍 Blackburn Market
💸 Free
Interactive Bhangra dancing and storytelling for kids – in English and Punjabi.
Storytelling with Ian Douglas
🗓️ Wednesday 27 August
🕚 11am, 12.30pm & 2pm
📍 Outside Blackburn Market (Corner of Ainsworth St and Church St)
💸 Free
Tall tales, mythical creatures, and song – all from a pedal-powered caravan!
The Elephant and the Drummer
🗓️ Friday 29 August
🕚 11am, 12.30pm & 2pm
📍 King William Street
💸 Free
Dance and music with Elnaz the Elephant and Dholli the Drummer – join in the fun!
Blackburn Market & King William Street Events – At a Glance
| Date(s) | Event/Activity | Location | Time | Free/£ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 23 July | Pop Poetry Drop-In | Outside Blackburn Market (Corner of Ainsworth/Church St) | 11am–2pm | Free |
| Fri 25 July | Aquanauts Adrift – Enter Edem | Outside Blackburn Market (Corner of Ainsworth/Church St) | 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm | Free |
| Sat 26 July | Maelstrom About Town | The Market, King William St, & other central locations | 11am–4pm | Free |
| Tue–Sat from 26 July | Blackburn Print Rally | Visitor Centre in Blackburn Market (part of town-wide event) | 11am–4.45pm | Free |
| Wed 30 July | Mini-Zines Workshop | Blackburn Market | 11am–3pm | Free |
| Fri 1 August | Caspian’s Storm – LAStheatre | King William Street (outside Town Hall) | 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm | Free |
| Wed 6 August | Puppet Birding | Outside/Inside Blackburn Market (Corner of Ainsworth/Church St) | 11.30am & 2.30pm (outside), 1pm (inside) | Free |
| Fri 8 August | Pirate Princess | King William Street, The Clocktower | 11.30am, 2pm | Free |
| Wed 13 August | Design a Pocket Adventure | Blackburn Market | 11am–3pm | Free |
| Sat 16 August | Circus Skills Workshop | Outside Blackburn Market (Corner of Ainsworth/Church St) | 11am–3pm | Free |
| Wed 20 August | Ukulele: Zero to Hero in 10 Minutes! | Blackburn Market | 11am–3pm | Free |
| Thu 21 August | Bhangra Tots | Blackburn Market | 11.30am & 1.30pm | Free |
| Wed 27 August | Storytelling with Ian Douglas | Outside Blackburn Market (Corner of Ainsworth/Church St) | 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm | Free |
| Fri 29 August | The Elephant and the Drummer | King William Street | 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm | Free |
Enjoy Blackburn Market
Blackburn Market boasts a wide range of stalls, from homeware to nail salons, cafes to cards and gifts. The food hall area is always bustling, with shoppers enjoying a bite to eat from our fantastic array of authentic food stalls.
Why not have a browse before or after your free event? Take a look at our stalls before your visit.
Click Here to Download the Full Guide
