HOLIDAYMAKERS who join the annual exodus from Blackburn will miss a week of festivities and fun at Blackburn by the Sea!

Local businesses and Blackburn with Darwen Council are joining forces to stage a series of events to promote the town centre.

The aim of the free festival is to bring a flavour of the seaside to Blackburn and give local people a holiday in their home town.

The seaside style extravaganza runs throughout the first five days of the traditional Blackburn holidays and will coincide with an exhibition on the town's Wakes Weeks. The display at the museum and art gallery contains memorabilia and reminiscences from 20 former mill workers.

The events get under way with a family shopping day on Saturday, July 19, complete with a Punch and Judy show and circus acts.

A Superbike Sunday is planned for the following day and includes a display of superbikes and a personal appearance by former World Champion Carl Fogarty.

A vintage transport day, an end of the pier holiday show and seaside donkeys are just some of the other attractions planned for the week.

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Malcolm Doherty said: "I am confident Blackburn By The Sea will provide a wonderful opportunity for people to come into the town, sample our shops and market and experience a traditional Lancashire welcome."

Mayor Peter Greenwood added: "I have always said that Blackburn has something for everyone.

"Now we have even got the sea - at least for five days. We will be doing all we can to create a seaside atmosphere for all our visitors.

"The aim is to provide fun for all the family and I am sure that there will be something going on for all the family during the five days."

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