Businesses open their archives on Darwen Street 

Some of Blackburn’s oldest, established family businesses will be showcasing their heritage as part of the Blackburn Heritage Festival, which takes place on Saturday, 12 and Sunday 13 of September.
 
Ainsworth’s Jewellers has organised a display of archives and exhibits from the family owned business as part of the national Heritage Open Days showcase of free history events. The business, which was established in Blackburn 145 years ago, will be open on Saturday from 9:30am – 5pm and on Sunday between 11am – 4pm.
 
Philip Ainsworth of Ainsworth Jewellers, said: “It’s our second year supporting the BID’s annual event which encourages customers to come in and look at many retail businesses. This year we will be showing off our signature piece, the sparkling cut diamond tiara along with a large amount of other memorabilia.”
 
Further down Darwen Street, Hobkirk will be officially launching a museum of sewing machines featuring a private collection of nearly 200 vintage machines dating back to the 1800s.
 
The museum, which will be open to visitors on Saturday, 12 September from 11am – 2pm is to be officially opened by the BBC Sewing Bee presenter, designer and businessman, Patrick Grant on the same day.
 
Owner, Peter Hobkirk, will also conduct a guided tour of the collection on Sunday at 1pm.
 
Blackburn BID Manager, Harriet Roberts has organised the festival.  She says: “The Blackburn Heritage Festival brings thousands of new visitors to the town centre and it’s wonderful to see businesses getting behind the event with such enthusiasm.”
 
Discover the list of activities taking place at this year’s heritage festival at www.blackburnheritage.com