Blackburn with Darwen Council have launched a new art campaign which will see colourful drawings of Darwen Tower in shops.

Working with talented artist, Lucie Cooke, Darwen Tower has been hand drawn on windows and chalkboards at 'Shop Darwen' businesses in the town centre.

This part of the 'Shop Darwen Scheme' aims to 'look fantastic' through their Shop Darwen Tower Trail.

It also aims to 'celebrate independent retailers, support the local economy, have family time out of the house this summer and to get creative'.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive member for growth and development, said: "The Tower Trail is a great activity for families to take part in for free in Darwen.

"It is part of our wider summer holiday programme for families that is taking place across our markets, library and museum. The Towers I have seen so far look superb.

"On this trail people may discover businesses for the first time or pop in for a chat with a familiar retailer on their route.

"Combining getting out for a walk around town, with a spot of shopping is the perfect way to support our local, independent shops."

(Image: BwD)

Families are encouraged to get involved by picking up a beautifully drawn Tower Trail activity sheet from Darwen Market or another Shop Darwen retailer and exploring the town, in a bid to find all 32 towers, ticking off each tower on your sheet as you go.

Children are asked to get creative by designing the Christmas Window at Fourteen Market Street.

Come up with an eye-catching festive window design to celebrate Christmas 2024 in Darwen Town Centre within the activity sheets.

After the design is finished, fill details and post this sheet in the Shop Darwen post-box in Darwen Market by September 2.

The window artist and Shop Darwen team will pick one design which will inspire the real thing, and the winner will also receive £20 of vouchers to spend at any Shop Darwen retailer.

Anyone can come along and unleash their creativity at the Big Summer Draw on Saturday, August 17, where the council will be creating a 'beautiful summer themed window' on Fourteen Market Street, with help and inspiration from artist Lucie. 

Lucie Cooke, artist, said: "It has been a pleasure to work in Darwen, the reception from the Shop Darwen businesses has been welcoming and members of the public have been complimentary about the window designs, and curious about what is going on.

"I am looking forward to coming back in August for the Big Summer Draw to see what Darwen residents can create together on the fabulous windows at Fourteen Market Street.

"I am also excited to see the children’s Christmas window designs. Watch this space!"

(Image: BwD)

The Shop Darwen scheme aims to support and celebrate independent businesses. Spend £5 or more at a participating retailer, and you’re eligible for entry to the prize draw.

Each month a lucky winner gets £50 of Shop Darwen vouchers. To find out more, go online.

Here are all of the participating Shop Darwen Businesses:

  • By Erin, 16 Bridge Street
  • The Brookside Hair & Beauty Salon, 141 Duckworth Street
  • Darwen Furniture & Gifts, 386 Bolton Road
  • Dolly’s Bar & Grill, 386 Bolton Road
  • Age UK Blackburn with Darwen, 3 Market Street
  • Go Go Games LTD, 81 Duckworth Street
  • Scent Station, 19 Railway Road
  • Number 1 Coffee Shop, 1 Bolton Road
  • Willow Tree, 189 Duckworth Street
  • Sunset Amore, 27 Railway Road
  • The Doula Place, 7 Bolton Road
  • The Pie Hole, 91 Duckworth Street
  • Darwen Community Helpers, 10 Bridge Street
  • Sweet Vintage, Darwen Market
  • Deli Carlo, Darwen Market
  • Stitch, Darwen Market
  • Candy Rush, Darwen Market
  • Hair Market, Darwen Market
  • Belgrave Boutique, 386 Bolton Road
  • Mimi & Bee, First Floor, 189-191, Duckworth St, Darwen BB3 1AU
  • Gold & Times, Darwen Market
  • Turner’s Butchers, Darwen Market
  • Cooper’s Cooked Meats, Darwen Market
  • Petals Florist, Darwen Market
  • Cluck & Moo, Darwen Market
  • Butterflies, Darwen Market
  • Leeming’s Butchers, Darwen Market
  • Tease Your Tastebuds, Darwen Market
  • Woods Fruit & Veg, Darwen Market
  • Gilly’s Salad & Sandwich Bar, Darwen Market
  • Ste’s Place Cafe, Darwen Market
  • The Cobblers, Darwen Market