Curtain rises on £1m boost for Darwen Library Theatre

Darwen’s much-loved Library Theatre is set to benefit from a major boost of almost £1m as part of the government’s new Arts Everywhere Fund.

The investment, revealed today as part of £16.9m to support cultural venues and initiatives right across the country, marks another significant step forward for the borough’s thriving arts scene.

This new funding will build on the millions already secured through the Darwen Town Deal to upgrade Darwen Library and Library Theatre.

Planning permission is already in place for the ambitious scheme, with this latest investment helping to deliver the all-important finishing touches. This includes an upgraded bar area, brand new seating, improved lighting and rigging, and even a new cinema-style set-up – enhancing the venue’s offer for audiences and performers alike.

Denise Park chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, which operates Darwen Library Theatre, said: “For more than 25 years, Darwen Library Theatre has been a hugely popular venue – with both artists and audiences alike.

“Millions of pounds has already been committed through the Town Deal to for the town’s Carnegie library and the Library Theatre, so it’s fantastic that we’ve now secured a further £990,000 through the Arts Council’s Creative Foundations Fund – part of £1.5bn pledged through the government’s Arts Everywhere Fund.

“Venues like Darwen Library Theatre are incredibly important to our communities and vital to the future success of our town centres.

"This investment will allow us to carry out the works needed to safeguard its future while further enhancing what’s on offer.”

Darwen Library Theatre hosts a packed programme of live music, comedy, variety and stage shows, alongside National Theatre Live screenings.

It’s a popular venue with big names, including comedian Paddy McGuinness, and it’s a key venue for Darwen Live – the largest free music festival in the country – which is set to return next month over the weekend of May 23rd and 24th.

Barnfield Construction has recently been appointed as the contractor for the wider Darwen Town Deal investment in the town centre. This includes the refurbishment of Darwen Market Hall, the annexe and the multi-storey car park too.

Meanwhile, just opposite the library, the brand-new Youth Zone – double the size of the original youth centre – is expected to officially open this week, part of £10m of Government and Council funding for youth facilities in the borough.

Denise added: “Darwen is benefitting from significant investment, and the upgrades to Darwen Library and Library Theatre are a key part of that.

“We’re also progressing major refurbishment works at King George’s Hall too, again supported by both Government and Council funding.

“Venues like these offer residents with the chance to enjoy live entertainment on their doorstep, often at the fraction of what it costs to travel to major cities, and they’re pivotal in helping to support town centre businesses too.

“Whether it’s enjoying big-name acts or one of the many fantastic amateur dramatic groups, music organisations and dance schools we have across the borough, this investment really will make a real difference to Darwen Library Theatre.”

Over the coming months, Darwen Library Theatre will welcome acts including 911, John Lydon and Matilda Jr as well as top national comedians Susan Calman, Mark Watson, and Rich Hall.

The venue is also home to its own Comedy Club and the popular Don Banks Variety Show and it’s already announced ‘Elf and Safety’ as its Christmas show for 2026.

You can see a full guide to what’s on and book your tickets at: www.bwdvenues.com

Earlier this year, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy committed up to £1.5 billion to the cultural sector over this parliament, with the Arts Everywhere Fund aiming to save more than 1,000 cherished arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings across England.

Announcing the funding, she said: “I want everyone, everywhere to feel a sense of pride about where they come from. Cultural organisations across the North West are important custodians of local identity and play a key role in the story we tell ourselves as a nation. 

"Our Arts Everywhere Fund is delivering on our commitment to support cultural assets across the country, increasing access and preserving them for future generations. This is demonstrated by grants announced today that will benefit 17 culture venues, museums, and library services across the North West. 

“Arts and culture are the beating hearts of our communities, they have the power to unite us in the face of division and break down barriers to opportunity. We want to harness the power to help us build a brighter future for the people of the North West.” 

Today's £16.9 million for the North West which is administered and delivered by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is made up of three funds:

The Creative Foundations Fund (CFF)
The Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND)
·       The Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF)

Rebecca Ball, Area Director, North, for Arts Council England said: “Our museums, libraries and arts organisations have the power to change lives, they give us access to new worlds, teach us about our heritage and give us new perspectives on life.

“I’m so pleased that we’ll be supporting so many of our cultural organisations in the North with this capital investment, which will ensure that they can continue to deliver incredible arts and culture to their communities.”

For all the latest news and updates from across the borough, be sure to follow Blackburn with Darwen Council on Facebook and Instagram.