Mobile Museum set to bring rare artwork to Darwen this summer

A unique travelling museum showcasing remarkable works from the Government Art Collection is set to make a special stop in Darwen this summer.

The Art Explora Mobile Museum will arrive on Saturday, August 29, coinciding with the hugely popular Darwen Festival of Fun.

As part of a special national tour travelling from Plymouth to Preston, Darwen is one of just 13 locations across the country chosen to host the innovative museum, which will showcase treasures from the national collection.

Inside, visitors can explore ‘Shaped by the Sea’, a fascinating exhibition featuring historic works and rarely seen pieces, some of which have never before been seen before in Lancashire.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said: “As a Council, we’re hugely passionate about making arts and culture accessible to all and welcoming the Art Explora Mobile Museum to our borough is a way for our residents to enjoy pieces from the national collection right here on their doorstop.

“The fact that the visit will coincide with the Darwen Festival of Fun is brilliant too as it means there’ll be a full day of free family fun to enjoy right across the town centre, with thousands of people turning out for it every year.

“We know that keeping little ones entertained all summer can be difficult. If a trip to a museum is something they’d enjoy, then there’s also the Darwen Heritage Centre and Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery too, both of which you can visit for free.

“There’s also lots going on in our libraries and leisure centres as well as free family fun in our markets and lots of outdoor space to explore, including our many parks and playgrounds.”

The Darwen Festival of Fun is set to return for its sixth time, transforming Market Square with a celebration of creativity, community and performance.

This year's programme promises an action-packed day featuring roving theatre, towering stilt walkers, dancers, live samba music, aerial performers, circus adventures, The Sound Garden and Rhythm Rave workshops.

Families can also get involved with face painting, hands-on creative activities and traditional fairground rides, while browsing a bustling artisan market showcasing talented local makers and independent traders.

Food lovers will be spoilt for choice too, with a lively street food village serving up a delicious selection of food and drink throughout the day.

Proudly funded by Darwen Town Council and curated by Crafty Vintage in partnership with Let's Make, with support from Blackburn with Darwen Council, the festival continues to go from strength to strength, attracting thousands of visitors from across the region each year.

Owner of Crafty Vintage, Laura Johnson said: "Darwen Festival of Fun has always been about bringing people together in the heart of the town to celebrate creativity, performance and community spirit.

"Seeing Market Square filled with families enjoying free entertainment, discovering local makers and taking part in hands-on activities is exactly what this festival is all about.

"We're incredibly proud to bring it back for a sixth year and continue building something that truly belongs to the people of Darwen."

To keep up to date with everything happening in Darwen this summer, be sure to follow the new-look Discover Darwen pages on Facebook and Instagram.

And there's even more to look forward to, with a brand-new Discover Darwen website launching soon – watch this space!