News Centre

It was revealed today (August 10) that internationally-renowned artists Dr Chila Kumari Singh Burman, MBE, and Bruce Alfred have designed two spectacular installations for the 2023 Illuminations display. The tableaux will be unveiled to the public when the Illuminations are launched on Friday 1 September for a four-month season. Both have been built by the […]

Every year the Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA) asks you to nominate individuals who go above and beyond for equine welfare. Nominations are now open to anyone who wishes to commend and recognise people that are passionate about improving the lives of equines that have suffered from cruelty and neglect. A special awards ceremony […]

From beach huts to fish ‘n’ chips, seafront proms to piers, the Seaside Heritage Network’s Top 20 Bucket and Spade List sums up the very best of British holiday fun. Votes have been pouring in from all around the coast to slash the list down to a top 10. On 11 September the winners will […]

Whalley-based independent footwear brand LANX shoes is enjoying a packed calendar of events this year, appearing at 45 shows, fairs and festivals throughout the summer months. Founder Marco Vaghetti explains: ‘When LANX first started out six years ago, it was on market stalls and pop-up shopping events across the North West. I have fond memories […]

Blackburn’s first-ever electric power station is set to be transformed after Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone successfully secured almost £3m of new Government funding. The impressive project is one of four that will receive a cash injection through the Youth Investment Fund, with a total of £12m being announced for the schemes across the borough. […]

Today, Marketing Lancashire, organisers of Lancashire’s county-wide awards for tourism and hospitality businesses, announced the first of the finalists in this year’s Lancashire Tourism Awards 2023 competition. The annual awards recognise the success and achievements of Lancashire’s tourism and hospitality businesses in a wide range of categories from New Business to Event of the Year, […]

A University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) professor has won a European entrepreneurial award for the second year running. Ahmed Onsy, Professor of Mechatronics and Intelligent Systems Engineering and Associate Dean of the School of Engineering and Computing for Business Development and Partnerships, won the Male Entrepreneurial Leader of the Year Award at the 2023 ACEEU […]

LEAGUE of Gentlemen creator Steve Pemberton – of Inside No. 9 and Benidorm fame – has announced his support for a documentary that will shine a light on the wonderful world of North West children’s hospice, Derian House. Steve, who is an ambassador for the charity and grew up in Chorley, will support the feature-length […]

Great Taste, the world’s most coveted blind-tasted food awards, which celebrates the very best in food and drink, has announced the Great Taste stars of 2023.  Out of almost 15,000 products to be judged, Choc Amor of Lancashire was awarded 4 Great Taste Awards. Salt & Pepper 48.5% 2 Star.  Described by the judges as […]

Chorley Council has agreed plans for an acquisition of the Chorley Bus Station. The deal will see the Council take ownership and day-to-day management of the site looking to develop how the station can be further utilised as a community asset, complimenting the other already great public use areas in the town centre. Councillor Alistair […]

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is thrilled to announce that Blackburn Round Table, a prominent community organization, has joined its network as a Patron. Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone is a vibrant and dynamic young person’s charity that tirelessly works to empower children and young people aged 8 to 19 (up to 25 for those […]

Last month saw the Chamber host its 126th Annual General Meeting which was held as part of a Breakfast Networking event at The Borough in Lancaster. The AGM saw Chris Gardner appointed as the new President replacing Jon Powell who had held the role for the last two years. Chris Gardner, Director at Morecambe-based accountancy […]