Darwen Live Rocks On: 26 Years of Free Music Magic Returns!

Darwen Live, the UK's biggest free music festival, is returning for its 26th year this weekend in Darwen, Lancashire. The festival will take place on May 23 and 24, bringing together a mix of local up-and-coming bands and well-known artists. The main stage will be set up in Darwen Market Square, but music fans can also find performances in several venues around the town centre. This event is a great chance for people to enjoy live music without having to pay for tickets.

Getting to Darwen Live is easy. If you are traveling by train, Darwen has its own railway station with regular services from Manchester Victoria, Bolton, and Blackburn. For those who prefer the bus, the 1 and 225 routes operated by Blackburn Bus Company and Vision Bus connect Darwen to nearby towns like Blackburn and Bolton. If you are driving, Darwen is just off the A666, which links directly to the M65 motorway at junction 4.

The main stage on Saturday will feature a variety of acts. Dayz Gone By will kick things off at noon with energetic pop-punk covers from bands like Blink-182 and Green Day. Preston & Weltz, a duo who perform both covers and original songs, will follow. Ami Alex, a singer-songwriter from Blackburn who started releasing music during lockdown, will perform next. Dakota Avenue will bring their gritty indie sound to the stage, followed by the Carol Hodge Band, who blend punk influences with melodic pop. Class of '79 will play punk and new wave classics. Janet Devlin, a former X Factor contestant who has recently toured with Russell Crowe, will perform her country-inspired music. A Certain Ratio, known for mixing post-punk with funk and electronica, will take the stage, followed by Stone Foundation, a soul band from the Midlands. The night will end with Ferocious Dog, a well-known folk-punk group.

Sunday's main stage line-up starts with the La Corsia Studios Showcase, featuring local acts like The Slydes and Losing Touch. The Gamblers, a rock band with deep roots in Darwen's music scene, will play next. Georgia Barker, a soulful singer-songwriter from Clitheroe, will perform, followed by Bad Smell, a hard rock band from Leeds. Redearth, an alt-rock band, will play the main stage for the first time after missing out last year. Pretty Shivers will bring a retro sound, and The Skapones will play original ska music. Amnesia will perform live 90s dance anthems, and The Lancashire Hotpots will entertain with their comedic songs about Lancashire life. The festival will close with The Ordinary Boys, an indie band known for their hit Boys Will Be Boys, who are returning with new music.

The festival is completely free and takes place across many pubs and venues in Darwen. Visitors are encouraged to explore and discover new music. Some roads in the town centre will be closed for the event, including Church Bank Street, Church Street, Market Street, High Street, and Bridge Street. Attendees are not allowed to bring their own alcohol, and there will be bag searches at the entrances. There will also be a beer tent and a merchandise stall. Over the years, Darwen Live has hosted many famous acts, including Toyah, Hot Chocolate, Johnny Hates Jazz, The Undertones, Paul Young, and Crash Test Dummies. If you have a story to share or want to suggest coverage, you can contact the festival organizers or BBC Lancashire. The festival promises a fun weekend of music, community, and celebration.