adidas brings stars to Darwen to celebrate anniversary of SPZL range

International sportswear brand adidas brought stars of music and football to Darwen to celebrate the tenth anniversary of its SPZL range.

The brand is linked with Darwen through Gary Aspden, who was born in Darwen and was educated in Blackburn before going on to make a name as a designer, including frequent collaborations with adidas.

adidas previously hosted a Liam Gallagher concert in Blackburn to raise funds for the local charity Nightsage.

This latest week-long exhibition began with a private viewing attended by Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, Bernard Sumner of New Order, Goldie, Rowetta of Happy Mondays, Bill Ryder-Jones, and Harry Leonard, Ryan Hedges and Scott Wharton of Blackburn Rovers. They were joined by adidas collectors, exhibition contributors and local supporters.

DJ and long-time adidas fan Goldie, Shaun Ryders Black Grape, Mani from The Stone Roses and Stereo MC’s also provided musical entertainment across the weekend.

The DECADE – 10 Years of adidas SPZL is a retrospective exhibition showcasing vintage design references, unseen samples, technical drawings, signed footwear and a large selection of rare adidas SPZL artefacts.

The exhibition also provided opportunities for the local community. Blunt Shank, a bespoke shoemaker, designer and restorer will be hosting a five-day educational program for local students in partnership working with Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery.

On the 22nd May, there will be an intimate screening of past adidas Spezial films followed by a Q&A with the curator of the range Gary Aspden and SPZL film director Nick Griffiths of &SON at the Darwen Library Theatre.

On Friday 24th May a special release of the new Blackburn SPZL (DECADE pack) X Nightsafe edition shoe will launch exclusively at the exhibition raising funds for local charity Nightsafe. Limited to only 100 pairs, the trainer features a unique red leather swing tag and Nightsafe branded sock liner.

The close of the exhibition will also mark the start of Darwen Live, the UK's biggest free music festival, that will take place from the 25th-26th May.