Five East Lancs events you need to attend this weekend

The Blackburn Confessional Festival, Nelson Food and Drink Festival and Ramsbottom’s anticipated Black Pudding Throwing Championship are some of the things you should add to your calendar.

Here are five events you should consider taking place this weekend:

1. Blackburn Confessional Festival

Blackburn Confessional Festival (Image: NQ)

This year’s music festival will be held on Friday and Saturday and organisers say that it promises to be the best festival yet.

Friday’s line-up features sci-i inspired rockers Calva Louise, Scottish soul artist Brooke Combe, Halifax based indie-pop band Wax Tree Cast, Nottingham rockers-on-the-rise Cumcamaras and Accrington’s The Rafters.

On Saturday - in keeping with the festival’s Urban Junkyard theme - the headliners are The Incredible Seven Hip Hop & R&B Band

Saturday’s line-up also features Rianne Downey and her band, fresh from performing with Paul Heaton at the recent TRNSMT festival in Glasgow; Abie Ozard; Blackburn band Strawberry Lemonade playing their first major home town gig after creating a stir on the Manchester music scene and Jacob Reddy who played Glastonbury this summer.

For tickets, which range from £10 - £35, visit www.fatsoma.com/confessional.

2. World Black Pudding Throwing Championship

World Black Pudding Throwing Championship (Image: NQ)

Ramsbottom’s World Pudding Throwing Championship is back this Sunday.

The annual competition, which is held outside The Oak pub on Bridge Street, is a key event in the town’s calendar.

At the event, competitors take aim with their black puddings with the objective of knocking as many giant Yorkshire puddings off a raised platform as they can with three underarm throws.

Last year international competitors came from Ukraine, Peru, Spain, Italy, Austria, South Africa, USA and Austraila, and beyond.

There will also be live music, nibbles and Sunday roasts at the event which starts at 1pm.

3.Nelson Food and Drink festival 2023

The 2023 Nelson Food and Drink Festival will return in style this Saturday (September 9) with a number of fantastic free attractions including live cooking demonstrations, entertainment for all the family and an extra special competition for local school children.

Alongside the demonstrations, there will be over more than 30 food and drink stalls

4.Rossendale 60s Festival

Rossendale 60s Festival (Image: NQ)

The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery, on Haslingden Road, is proud to be part of the famous Rossendale 60s Festival for 2023.

Join in as they celebrate all things swinging 60s with a 60s themed museum display and music in the Old Stables event space.

The festival, which is now in its 10th year, has established itself as a premier event on the Valley’s calendar, but over recent years, it has been interrupted due to Covid and the sad death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

The Rossendale 60s Festival Sixties On The Square, will include stalls taken up by more than 20 Rossendale community groups and organisations.

There will also be funfair rides, with the main attraction being performances of 60s themed music and dance from a number of artists and groups on the main stage.

Rossendale 60s Festival will take place over the weekend of September 8, 9, and 10.

5. Darwen Artisan Market

This Market Square event is held on the second Saturday of each month.

Immerse yourself in the charm of this lively town and experience a delightful event that celebrates local creativity and craftsmanship.

The spirit of the market comes alive with live music from skilled musicians and DJs spinning vinyl records, creating an electric atmosphere that will keep you entertained throughout your visit. 

This is a dog-friendly market, so feel free to bring your furry friend along to join in the fun.

It starts on September 9 from 11am until 4pm.