Business owners are attempting to revitalise Blackburn’s live music scene.

Andy Crosbie, owner of the Retro Bar in Mill Lane, is relaunching his nightclub as XS Nightclub so he can offer live bands and singers in the future.

It follows an announcement that the Live Lounge on Northgate is to close around October.

Mr Crosbie said: “We’ve had a refurbishment with a proper stage, lighting rig and mixing desk so we’re fully prepared for live acts.

“We think that live music is so important for Blackburn, which used to be such a booming night out.

“Everything changed because the rates in the town centre were pushed so high but if someone doesn’t take the plunge, then Blackburn will be dead.

“There’s a university in Blackburn and students are paying fees to come to a town with no night life. They then pay for trains and taxis out of here to go and watch bands in Manchester and Preston when there are perfectly good places here that have closed.

“There are a lot of talented bands and musicians of all types in this town and we want to encourage them to get in touch with us and play here free of charge.”

The town’s cafes and restaurants are also hoping to do their bit to allow live music to thrive.

Andrea Holden, owner of Sprout Cafe in Darwen Street, said: “I love going out and seeing live performers and I don’t see why that can’t happen in Blackburn like it used to.”

David Wilson, owner and chef at Calypso Caribbean Restaurant in Eanam which has been granted a late licence, said: “There are people here who really want this town to succeed. People are saying that Blackburn is dead, but if you have that attitude then it will be dead.”

XS Nightclub is open for business now and will have an official launch on Saturday, August 24.