Heritage Open Days at the Blackburn Heritage Festival 2014.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, changes can occur please check www.blackburnheritage.com
Ainsworth’s Jewellers: History of the Oldest Retail Business in Blackburn: 57 Darwen Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 2BW
See the history of Blackburn's oldest town centre retail business, trading since 1870, with exhibition of photographs and other
memorabilia. Access Information: No other access available except stairs
Opening Times
Thursday: 11th September 0900-1700
Friday: 12th September 0900-1700
Saturday: 13th September 0900-1700
Banking Past – Natwest Bank, 35 King William St, Blackburn BB1 7DJ
A display of photographs of NatWest’s Blackburn branches through the ages, ledgers and archive documents. Have a go at coin
rubbings and see staff in historic dress.
Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 0900 – 1500 & Sunday 14th September: 1400 – 1500
Blackburn Cathedral Tower Tours, Cathedral Close, Blackburn BB1 5AA
Blackburn Cathedral is one of England’s newest Cathedrals, yet it is one of the country’s oldest places of Christian worship. For
many centuries, this has been the Parish Church of Blackburn dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin. It continues as a place of prayer
and worship and is at the centre of the Diocese which takes in almost the whole of Lancashire.
Climb the steps of the historic bell tower, Saturday 13th September 10am and 12 noon
Guided Tours of the Cathedral, suitable for all ages from 10am -11am & from 11am – 12 noon with the Cathedral’s Education
Officer, Joanna Booth.
Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 1000 – 1200
Blackburn Spiritualist Centre, St Peter St. Blackburn BB3 2HL opened its doors at its new building in 2013, but has a rich history
in the town going back to 1901. They will have archive displays on show for the Heritage Festival weekend
Opening Times: Saturday 13th September 1300 - 1500
Blackburn Masonic Hall, 41 Richmond Terrace, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 7AW
Blackburn Masonic Hall is situated within the prestigious conservation area of Richmond Terrace and has been owned by the
Blackburn Masonic Hall Company Limited since 1924 when the Company was formed. The Club is run by a board of Directors
who are chosen by the Lodges that meet in the building. On the open days visitors will be able to access all areas across three
floors of the Masonic Hall to find out about the history of the building and the development of Freemasonry.
Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 0900 – 1500 & Sunday 14th September: 0900 – 1500
Blackburn Ragged School, Kingsway, Greenhurst Close, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 1NA
Child Action Northwest’s David Pilkington will present an illustrated talk, ‘The Buried Treasure of James Dixon’ looking at the
work of the founder of the Blackburn Ragged School and his work with Blackburn Orphanage through a fascinating collection of
archives and artefacts. See the foundation stone of the Ragged School in the car park, and get up close to the rescued stained
glass windows dedicated to James Dixon and the co-founder Thomas John Walkden. Event not suitable for children under the
age of 8. Opening Times: Thursday 11th September: 1400
Blackburn Central Library , Town Hall Street , Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 1AG
Restoration is underway to restore the façade of Blackburn Library to its original beauty as the Cooperative Society building
which once included a sprung dance floor. Find out about the local history collection and meet the librarians in an illustrated talk
at 2pm each day.
Opening Times:
Thursday: 11th September 1000-1700
Friday: 12th September 1000-1700
Saturday 13th September: 1100-1600
Sunday: 14th September 1100-1600
Blackburn Subscription Bowling Club, Shear Bank Road, Blackburn BB1 8AP
Step inside Blackburn Subscription Bowling Club, one of the oldest bowling clubs in the country, established in 1749. The Club
has been in its present location since 1869.
Opening Times: Friday 12th September: 1100 – 1200 & Saturday 13th September: 1000 – 1400
Blackburn Market, Church Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 5AF
Discover the history of Lancashire on a plate as our local celebrity chef, Philippa James, opens her demonstration kitchen to talk
tripe and black puddings amongst other delicacies! Discover some of Blackburn Market's oldest established family traders and
pick up some hints and tips for traditional recipes using home grown ingredients, including good old fashioned Lancashire
hotpot! Demonstrations between: Saturday 13th September: 1100 – 1500.
Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery, Museum Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 7AJ
The Museum will open it’s doors an hour early especially for the festival so come along and take a sneaky peak at some of the
more unusual and rare items that are not usually on display to the public.
Thursday 11th September 11am-12pm: Your chance to get up close to the Japanese print collection at the Museum with our Art
Curator Rebecca Hill.
Friday 12th September 11am-12pm: Your chance to get up close to the Victorians. Get close to the everyday objects from the
past with our Education Officer Steve Irwin.
Saturday 13th September 11am-12pm: Your chance to get up close to the icon collection at the Museum with our Applied Art
Curator Stephanie Seville.
Saturday 13th September 12pm – 4.45pm: The Kathleen Ferrier Society will have a pop up display at Blackburn Museum and Art
Gallery to tell the story of Blackburn’s and one of the world’s greatest, singers.
Blackburn Rovers - Bryan Douglas, OneRovers Store, 54 Church St, Blackburn, Lancashire
Bryan Douglas is a former English footballer. During his career, he played for Blackburn Rovers from 1954 to 1969, totaling 438
league appearances and 100 goals. He also earned 36 caps and scored 11 goals for England. He appeared in two World Cups, in
1958 and 1962, appearing in all of England's matches in the two tournaments. But now retired and still attending every home
game and a few away games we are excited to announce he will be doing a meet and greet at the OneRovers store in Blackburn
for the heritage weekend! and also bringing some of his memorabilia from playing with Blackburn Rovers and England.
Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 1100 – 1200
Corporation Park & Conservatory, Corporation Park, Preston New Road, Blackburn BB2 6DE
The magnificent, Grade II listed, Victorian Palm House Conservatory is the centre piece of Corporation Park which will be open
Thursday 11th, Friday 12th and Saturday 13th September. Join Emma, the park warden and members of the Corporation Park
Supporters Group each day between 10am -2pm to discuss the history of the park and the importance of the Conservatory
which was originally commissioned by Blackburn Corporation as a grand and unique structure to symbolize the success and
status of the town.
Opening Times:
Thursday 11th September: 1000 – 1400
Friday 12th September: 1000 – 1400
Saturday 13th September: 1000 – 1400
Couture & Costumes by Decades, St. Johns Centre, Victoria Street, Blackburn BB1 6DW
Exhibition of couture and costumes by Martin Tomlinson of Decades. Saturday and Sunday 12:00 – 18:00
Darwen Vale High School: Blackburn Road, Darwen, Lancashire, BB3 0AL
See the 1930's original building, Museum of Memory and school archives. Visitors will be able to see the original part of the
school, our museum of memory and many of the old school archives we have. Opening Times: Saturday: 0900-1300
Darwen and the Great War, Community Centre, Whitehall Road, Darwen, Lancashire
An exhibition of the proposed Heritage Lottery Bid for a WW1 Educational Heritage Structure on the site of the old nonconformist chapel. At 2.30 pm there will be a guided walk of the Cemetery to illustrate the effect of WW1 on the people of
Darwen.
Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 1300 -1600, Tour 1430
Access: The paths in the Cemetery are uneven in places. Access to some of the graves will be over uneven ground across the
Cemetery.
Decades, 20 Lord St West, Blackburn BB2 1JX
Visit the home of Blackburn’s legendary vintage fashion and textile emporium Open Saturday 13th September 11:00 to 17:00
Elysium Couture, 62 Darwen Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 2BL
Elysium Couture are Dressmakers of vintage clothing. Also Christenings to Proms, Weddings to Cruises. Catering for all sizes and
your own designs. Established 10 yrs and relocated to 62 Darwen Street in 2014 and refurbished the shop with original designed
Victorian frontage. Elysium Couture will be having a window display of dresses from all eras and a chance to look round the shop
with tea, coffee and cake served by the workers dressed up in dresses from different eras
Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 1000 – 1600 & Sunday 14th September: 1000 -1600
Hobkirk Sewing Machines: 120-128 Darwen Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 2AJ
Come and visit our sewing machine museum. A guided tour of the museums in our premises. Learn about the history of the
sewing machine and see over 100 antique machines, most over 100 years old. Event not suitable for children under the age of 4.
Opening Times
Thursday: 1000-1600, Tour 1100 & 1400
Friday: 1000-1600, Tour 1100 & 1400
Saturday: 1000-1500, Tour 1000 & 1300
Booking Details: Main site is free to explore but the talk must be pre-booked. Call: 01254 693555 Email: marcus@hobkirk.co.uk
Additional information: Max 10 people per tour/session.
Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 0SH
Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the State Rooms of Hoghton Tower. See the Ball Room, Banqueting Hall, Underground
Passages and more. SORRY THESE TOURS ARE FULLY BOOKED
Holy Trinity Church, Mount Pleasant, Blackburn , Lancashire, BB1 9QY
Open from 11 am till 4pm to look around this amazing grade 2 listed church with a showcase from local dance schools at 2pm
both days Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 1100 – 1600 & Sunday 14th September: 1100 – 1600
King George’s Hall, Northgate, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 1AA
Indoor car boot sale; a chance to search for collectables & see inside this wonderful historical building.
Opening Times: Sunday 14th September: from 8.30am until end of sale
Kings Court, 33 King St, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 2DH
Discover this Grade 2 listed building which is now the home of the East Lancashire Deaf Society. The building began as the
Blackburn Assembly rooms in 1804 and was used on important occasions such as the King’s birthday and celebrations following
the Battle of Waterloo, as well as a courthouse. Later it was a hotel and coaching house. In 1851, 33 King St was the original
Town Hall of Blackburn with the first mayor, William Henry Hornby being installed there. All Council meetings were held in the
building before the present Town Hall was built. Get a taster of sign language lessons and enjoy a cup of tea in the Kings Court
Café. Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 1100 – 1500
“Lest We Forget” Art Exhibition
Blackburn is Open Arts Centre, 65 King William Street, Blackburn, Lancashire
Solo Art Exhibition by local artist Catherine Hargreaves. The exhibition is about the Great War and WW2, in this year which is the
centenary of the start of the World War One. It includes paintings, drawings and poetry from these conflicts and includes
recollections and images of a local man who answered the call to fight for his country in 1914.Catherine hopes it will be a talking
point and make students and children particularly, realize the perils and tragedy that any war imposes. Young people who are
fascinated by the events of the 20th century should enjoy the artwork and hopefully leave wanting to find out more. Event not
suitable for children under the age of 11. 10% of any sales of artwork donated to HELP FOR HEROES.
Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: From 1000 & Sunday 14th September: From 1000
Meet the Mayor!
Blackburn Town Hall, King William Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 7DY
Meet the Mayor! Open day at the Mayor’s Parlour, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Blackburn Town Hall. Visit the
Mayor's Parlour and Council Chamber, meet the Mayor, Councillor Alan Cottam and look at a display of Civic Insignia.
Thursday, 11th September from 10am – 3pm (Mayor in attendance between 12-3pm)
Friday 12th September 10am – 3pm (Mayor in attendance 10am – 12pm)
Mercer’s Toy Shop,47 Darwen Street, Blackburn, BB2 2BL
Display of vintage toys and games, Mercer’s Toy Shop, Darwen Street Saturday 9am -5pm & Sunday 11am – 4pm
Mosque: Pub turned Mosque, Beech Tree Inn, 13-15 Cob Wall, Whalley Old Road, Blackburn, Lancashire BB1 5JJ
A chance to look at how a former public house (Beech Tree Inn) has been transformed into a place of worship. Visitors will have
a chance to ask questions about Islam and Muslim practice. Please note that other mosques may be open this weekend - please
see the Blackburn Heritage Festival website for details. Opening Times Saturday: 1100 - 1300 Sunday: 1100 - 1300
Mum’s the Word 76 Darwen St , Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 2BL
Mum's The Word is a non-profit organisation in Blackburn. They get donations of local uniform and give them to people who
can't afford the prices of uniform. On the Saturday of the heritage weekend they will be open and showcasing archive photos
and displays of some of the area's school uniforms. Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 0900-1700
Radio Days, BBC Radio Lancashire, 20- 26, Darwen Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 2EA
We’re looking back at our heritage with former BBC Lancashire radio presenters and wait for it….. The Houghton Weavers! We
are broadcasting a very special one off – well, a two off really, Saturday and Sunday 11 till 1 and its hosted by Mr Heritage
himself Gerald Jackson. With 3 Preston Guilds and hundreds of thousands of hours under our belts we have quite a lot to play
with, from the early days of Radio Blackburn to today’s BBC Radio Lancashire To be in the audience simply contact our Helpdesk
on 0345 3059000 Come and visit ‘The Trench’ and take a look at what life was like a century ago, from everyday life on the
‘Home front’ to the horrors of war on ‘The Front’.
Also ‘Curtain Up’ – a display celebrating long established community theatre groups and performers with posters from the
town’s oldest music halls. Doors open from 9am Saturday and Sunday, just turn up, no booking needed.
Opening Times
Saturday 13 September: 0900 Trench, 1030 Radio Show
Sunday 14 September: 0900 Trench, 1030 Radio Show
We open the doors for 'The Trench' at 0900. The Radio programme is open from 1030
Record Exchange, 12 Higher Church St., Blackburn BB2 1JG
Blast from the Past - discover Blackburn's independent record shop with a display of vintage vinyl Open: Saturday 9am-5pm
Reidy’s Home of Music, 1 Nab Lane, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 1LN
Reidy's Home Of Music was established in 1922 and is still a family run business today. From the Four Pennies to 'four thousand
holes in Blackburn, Lancashire' - the town has a proud musical heritage and the team at Reidy's have always been at the heart of
it. The shop is going to display photographs showing their history within the town and the stars who, over the years have visited
their shop. Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 1000-1700 & Sunday 14th September: 1000-1700
Revidge Fold United Reformed Church, Shear Brow, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 8DS
Learn about the history of some of the Presbyterian and Congregational churches in Blackburn with information from our
archives going back to 1820. Visit our worship area dating from 1925. There will be a coffee morning with stalls and
refreshments all day. Craft activities for all ages Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 1000-1600
Salvation Army Citadel, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 5BE
Discover the history of the Salvation Army in Blackburn with interactive activities for all the family. Find out how the
organisation meets the needs of the community and helps in emergency situations. Open for drop in 10.30am - 1pm on
Saturday. Church service welcomes all Sunday and Messy Church for children 3-5pm.
Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 1030-1300 & Sunday 14th September: 1030-1700
Samlesbury Hall Costumed Tours, Samlesbury Hall, Preston New Road, Samlesbury PR5 0UP
A 14th century manor house, Samlesbury Hall boasts almost 700 years of fascinating history, from the battle of Bannockburn to
the purchase in the 1920s. Samlesbury, together with its ghosts, provides the visitor with an amazing insight into life at
Lancashire’s historic Home. From an ancestral home, to a school, a factory & a pub. Pillaged and preserved throughout the years
from student to historian… from serf to Lord, from priest to witch, from waitress to Trustee, all have a story to tell.
Opening Times
Thursday 11th September: 1100 – 1600 costumed tours at 1130 & 1400
Friday 12th September: 1100 – 1600 costumed tours at 1130 & 1400
Sunday 14th September: 1100 – 1600 costumed tours at 1130 & 1400
Simon Entwistle - Historical Town Tour, Blackburn, Lancashire
Simon Entwistle, dressed in his authentic Victorian costume will be delighted to recount some of his favorites as he accompanies
you on his guided walk exploring haunted ginnels, cobbled street and burial grounds of Blackburn. Simon will conduct the tour in
his own inimitable style, complete with resident ghosts and sound effects, Simon tells the history of this fascinating town. Meet
Simon at Blackburn train station at 1 pm on Saturday the 13th September to thrown in to the past of the historical
wonderment's of Blackburn. Opening Times: Saturday 13 September: Tour 1300 – 1500
St Anne's Church , Prince's St, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 1LS
Founded in 1849, Mr Peter Kaye bought the land to have a school and chapel built upon it and that’s how the parish of St Anne’s
began. The first Rector was an apostolic priest, Fr. Joseph Vincent Meaney, a member of a family which had sent out many
priests from Ireland to labour among the Irish poor abroad. Fr. Meaney died here in 1874. His assistant, Fr. Edward Woods
waged a fierce war against intemperance and his Congregation was formed specially to meet this evil and took inspiration from
the agony of Christ's thirst on the Cross. An arson attack gutted the church in Dec 2000. Initially demolition of the 1928 building
was thought the only option but c.£600,000 was raised to carry out restoration and it was officially re-opened by the Bishop of
Salford at a special service in June 2004. The new church can cater for c.200 people, as opposed to the 800 capacity it had
before the blaze Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 1100 – 1500
St Peter Street Funeral Services, 17-19 St Peter Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 2HH
This funeral home was previously a specialist chemical warehouse for Booth and Openshaw run by a lovely gentleman called
Garth Turner as private formulas ltd. it was a gentleman's residence with servants quarters which is the derelict cottage in the
court yard. Use of horse and cart & horse carriages as a means of transport is evident from the wear and tear on the building
and its structures 17 St Peter street is trading as St Peter Street Funeral Services. we have an arrangement room, reception
area., chapel of rest, preparation area and coffin workshop & garaging with a Hearse on premises. 19 St Peter Street is trading as
Iqbal Funeral and Memorial Services Sales Room with many headstones on display. Come look around this wonderful historic
building. Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 1100 – 1500 & Sunday 14th September: 1100 – 1500
The Society of Friends, Paradise Lane (off King St) Blackburn BB1 5AA
The Quaker Meeting House is hidden away in Blackburn Town Centre and will be open to the public to take a look around.
Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 1100 – 1500
The History of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal - Eanam Wharf, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 5BY
Celebrate the history of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal with dancing, acting and singing from people of all ages. Also have a stroll
along the canal and a boat ride!
Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 1100-1600 & Sunday 14th September: 1100-1600
The Mall Shopping Centre, Blackburn
The spine-tingling voice of Stacey Solomon is set to fill The Mall Blackburn when the yummy mummy makes a special guest
appearance to celebrate Blackburn Heritage Festival. The former Queen of the jungle and X-Factor runner up will visit The Mall
on Saturday 13th September between 12.30 pm and 4.00pm to sign autographs and wow crowds by singing songs from her new
album. Her appearance comes as part of a fun filled day to mark Blackburn Heritage Festival, which will also include a fashion
show with a difference, when models selected from local shoppers will showcase clothes from the 1940s until present day.
Thwaites Empire Theatre, Backstage Tour, Thwaites Empire Theatre, Aqueduct Road, Ewood, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 4HT
This was one of the first purpose built ‘electric light’ cinemas in the UK. Now the Thwaites Empire Theatre is a thriving
community theatre venue which is run by a tireless band of volunteers who give a friendly welcome to audiences. This
fascinating backstage tour explains how the dedicated team raised funds to turn a derelict cinema into a wonderful hub for local
performers as well as big names. You’ll stand on stage and go behind the scenes to the lighting and sound booth and the
dressing rooms. If you have only ever seen outside the building – the wonderful red brick auditorium will be a big surprise! This
is a gem, not to be missed and the passion of the guides is infectious.
Opening Times: Sunday 14th September: Tours at 1330, 1400, 1430, 1500
Access : Dressing rooms and lighting box are only accessible by steps. Please report to the ‘stage door’ entrance at the back of
the Capita Performing Arts building.
Typewriters, Tills & Treasure at Lomas Office Furniture & Stationery, Regent House, King Street, Blackburn, BB2 2DT
A display of antique shop tills, typewriters, weights & measures, clock-in machines, desks and other items from the collection of
Roy Lomas, Blackburn Chamber of Trade, many rescued from Lancashire’s old mills and factories. There will also be artefacts and
archives on display from the Chamber which dates back to 1903 and lots of interesting anecdotes from Roy, himself.
Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 1000- 1500
Walking Tour History of Exchange Coffee & Fleming Square, Exchange Coffee, 13-15 Fleming Square, Blackburn BB2 2DG
Coffee Entrepreneur & Blackburn BID Chairman, Mark Smith takes you on a journey from his roots as a Blackburn Market trader
to the development of his coffee empire. From his idea of a coffee bean grinding machine in Blackburn Market to a chain of
distinctive shops in historic properties across Lancashire and Yorkshire, with a wholesale supply business to restaurants and
hotels across the UK. Find out how coffee is grown and blended; discover the most expensive coffee in the world. Meet at the
Exchange Coffee bar in Blackburn Market next to the Visitor Centre. You will cross Church Street and wander across to Fleming
Square in one of the oldest parts of Blackburn dating back to an original market site of 1848. Mark’s enthusiasm for Blackburn,
local history and coffee is infectious. You may also become addicted.
Opening Time: Saturday 13th September: 1030 & 1400
Wesley Hall, Feilden Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 1LQ
Wesley Hall which is situated just off Feilden Street, Blackburn is a beautiful building with amazing history. On the Saturday of
Blackburn Heritage Festival the Methodist church will be opening its doors from 2 - 5 and will have talks and tours of the
building and also old photo of the old Wesley Hall. Come on down and have a look for yourself on Saturday 13th September
2014. Discover the history of Methodism in Blackburn and how the church responds to the needs of the community today from
this busy multi-purpose hub. Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 1400-1700
Other Events happening during Blackburn Heritage Festival 2014 :
1940s Tea Room - The Sparkle Sisters, Liz 'n' Lil's, Northgate, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 1AA
Drop in for a free performance by the popular retro harmony singers, 'The Sparkle Sisters' in this shabby chic, licensed coffee
house and tea shop. Hear the story of the original Liz 'n' Lil from your hosts, sisters Sonia and Sharona, surrounded with
memorabilia and photos of Blackburn in a venue that used to be The Grapes Pub, one of the oldest in Blackburn.
Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 1500 – 1600 & Sunday 14th September: 1500 – 1600
Clog Dancing Display outside Blackburn Market, Blackburn Market, Church Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 5AF
Clog Dancers from across Lancashire bring Church Street to life, performing throughout the day, accompanied by live musicians.
Opening Times Saturday 13th September: 1030-1230 & 1330-1600
Clog dancing workshop and display of exhibits with Lancashire's expert, Alex Fisher at Eanam Wharf, Blackburn
Saturday & Sunday 11am -4 pm
Pop Up Band Stand, Blackburn Cathedral, Darwen Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 5AA
Free performances on the green outside the Cathedral 1030 am - 1700 Saturday Noon - 1545 Sunday including the Blackburn
Salvation Army Band, Blackburn's own Blow Jangles and celebrating the Blackburn and Darwen Brass Band
Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: 1030 – 1700 & Sunday 14th September: 1200 – 1545
Look Up! Blackburn is Open, 65 King William Street, Blackburn, BB1 7HU
An exciting promenade performance taking place around the town centre of Blackburn. Young people of Blackburn have been
inspired by looking up above the shop fronts to discover the history of their city. These stories have inspired a production which
brings the people of Blackburn's past back to life. With clog dancing, performances from Paganini and a 12ft giant, this
performance is not to be missed! Families of all ages will be guided on a short walk through Blackburn town centre, stopping at
regular intervals to discover another slice of Blackburn's history being bought back to life.
Opening Times: Saturday 13th September: Performances 1200 & 1500 & Sunday 14th September: Performances 1200 & 1500
The audience will be required to move through the streets of Blackburn covering a distance of approximately 200 metres. May
require umbrellas if it's raining.
Enjoy making poppies in the Blackburn is Open Centre, 65 King William Street, Blackburn, BB1 7HU
Saturday and Sunday 12:00 – 16:00
Thwaites’ Shire Horses, Church Street, Blackburn: Making an appearance on both days of the festival between 12 noon and
1.30pm
Remembering Fred Kempster, the Blackburn Giant & Kathleen Ferrier, Blackburn born contralto
Festival HQ, Top of Higher Church St. Blackburn: Saturday & Sunday 1am – 5pm
Pop Up Cinema, 63 King William Street, Blackburn: Film Shorts & Flash Backs with Blackburn Film Club Saturday & Sunday 12 6pm
Heritage Signs –Steam engines & a demonstration of sign painting by the Blackburn team responsible for restoring classic
engines such as The Flying Scotsman and The Blue Mallard at the Railway Museum, York. On Church Street, Blackburn
Saturday 10:00 – 17:00 & Sunday 11:00 – 16:00
Joseph Lanzante, celebrity barber demonstrates traditional barbering techniques and cut throat shaving
Blackburn Market Saturday 2pm
Punch and Judy show & Face painting in Blackburn Market Sunday 11am -4pm
Dress up in costume and have your picture taken in a vintage portrait studio - our Victorian passport booth!
Blackburn Market Saturday 10am -5pm & Sunday 11am – 4pm
Free history themed make and take crafts for children with Julia Swarbrick, Blackburn Market Saturday 11am – 3pm
Your Support Your Choice, Town Hall Street, Blackburn: Asian fashion display & henna hand painting Saturday 10am -2pm
The centre piece of the Blackburn Heritage Festival is ‘A Carnival of Curiosities’. On King William Street, Blackburn
Step back in time when you enter an old fashioned marquee for a market of the most eclectic vintage traders from across the
North West including The Apothecary bar.
Opening Times: Saturday 13 September: 1000 – 1700 & Sunday 14 September: 1000 – 1700
Here is a taste of the Carnival of Curiosities:
The Palladium of Puzzlement – Inside A Carnival Of Curiosities you will find a mysterious and wonderfilled stage. During the
festival it will feature musicians, magicians, mermaids and much much more! Prepare to be intrigued…
Twydall Crumblepatch’s Animal Menagerie - Looking forward to the appearance of Twydall Crumblepatch’s Animal Menagerie
at our next event. Twydall makes his own taxidermy marionette puppets controlled from above using wires or strings. He’ll be
entertaining the crowds with various characters including rabbits, a ferret and an angry stork! Look out for him and his cart as he
wanders the streets…
Long Legged Larry - ‘Long-legged Larry’ is one of the UK’s tallest stiltwalkers, standing just over 9-feet tall, and that’s without a
hat! Larry loves to talk about the weather ‘up there’ and how he got so tall; he has some special magic tricks up his sleeve too.
When you meet him, remember to give him the customary stiltwalker’s greeting – “Hi!” – He’ll be mingling amongst the crowds
throughout the festival on both days, entertaining as he goes!
Curiovan Explorium of Natural Wonderment - Curiovan: Explorium of Natural Wonderment is a mobile gallery/museum
containing a world of tiny wonders. Curiovan is at the beginning of its journey from beautiful wooden 1922 Thomson caravan to
Victorian explorer’s library and cabinets of collected curiosities. Come and visit them at A Carnival Of Curiosities on King William
Street.
Meet the Mermaid – **COME AND SEE OUR STAR ATTRACTION** One especially talented member of A Carnival of Curiosities
crew managed to capture a real life mermaid on one of his recent trips scouring the globe for curiosities. Come and meet her in
the flesh between 3pm and 5pm on Saturday and 12pm – 2pm on Sunday at A Carnival Of Curiosities.
Snozzwangler’s Sugar Emporium – Our very own ‘Willy Wonka’ style sweet shop with the strangest and tastiest sweets you’ve
ever and never tasted. Strawberry Popping Candy, Everlasting Gobstoppers, Invisible Coca Cola, Purple Popcorn, Neon Candy
Floss and Glittery Toffee Apples are amongst some of the strange delights on offer…
Vintage Whatnots - Vintage Whatnots has been around since early 2013, bringing unusual, curious, and interesting items to a
Vintage stall near you. A family run stall, there is my father – David, wife – Laura and Andrew Foulkes.
Blackwood Jewellery - Sam Blackwood uses hand cast sterling silver, semi-precious stones and antique jewellery to create her
unusual charms bracelets and pendants. Her work has been featured in The Sunday Times Style Magazine, Grazia, Indie Style
Vienna and The Wonder Room in Selfridges London.
Incense & Peppermints Vintage - Unique Boutique, items collected with Love and Passion, Celebrating the weird and wonderful,
Filling life with more colour, Having fun and dressing up, Creating Waves and making a statement, Recycling, reusing, revamping
and loving.
Shabby Cheek - Their mission? To re-home orphaned objects, find lost things, take the used and make it useful. A fascinating
trader with all manner of unusual and unique items. A highlight of our collections of traders at A Carnival Of Curiosities.
Decades Vintage Fashion - A treasure trove of exquisite vintage pieces, including original vintage clothing, fashion, shoes,
accessories, jewellery and textiles. Decades will be bringing along their ‘pick of the best’ for A Carnival Of Curiosities. From 1870
to 1970, an item from every era!
The Weird & Wonderful – Accrington’s own The Weird & Wonderful supplies the highest quality of Natural History. This
includes everything from Taxidermy, to framed insects and fossils. If you’re a life-long collector or just starting to create your
own cabinet of curiosities there’s something for everyone to be found inside this Aladdin’s cave of natural history.
The Time Train – They have a passion for all things vintage retro or unusual. Anything from old vinyl records to anatomical body
parts! They are well established now as an epicentre for the collectible and unusual with their record collection going from
strength to strength too. Come and check out their amazing collection of music from the across the decades as they spin vinyl
records all day long inside the Carnival.
Lily & The Lamplight – Designing vintage inspired clothing for those who strive for individuality. Drawing inspiration from all that
is vintage, we aim to offer retro styling with a quirky edge. They personally hand-pick vintage and on trend fabrics to create
timeless and classic pieces, allowing the textile to inspire the silhouette.
The Pizza Bus - Stone baked beery sour dough pizza. Served from a beautifully converted vintage bus. They will be rolling into
town to serve up the finest pizzas you’ve ever tasted! You will find them outside A Carnival Of Curiosities tent on King William
Street.
Everyday Is Like Sundae - More than just an ice cream van. It is a creative project encompassing a love of faded seaside glamour,
food, people, design and all things vintage (and a nod and a wink to Morrissey’s song written about their home town of
Morecambe!).
The Apothecary Pop-Up Bar & Cocktail Emporium - A Victorian style travelling Cocktail Emporium serving innovative cocktails,
beer, wine and soft drinks, smoking potions and colour changing concoctions! All the staff are dressed to impress with top hats,
pocket watches and silly moustaches! Not to be missed. Come and try a selection of local real ales and ciders at very our mini
beer festival!
Lulabelles - A pretty 1959 Splitscreen Campervan turned lovingly turned into a Camperlicious Campervan. She arrives fully laden
with homemade cake and cupcakes! She’ll be joining the other food and drink traders in and around A Carnival Of Curiosities.
Fish& - Is a delightful mobile beach shack. Say Fish and Chips and you think mmm might try something different but Fish and
Chips from Fish & are served with a twist… Come and visit their mobile beach hut outside A Carnival Of Curiosities.