Religious Buildings |

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Blackburn Cathedral

Awards & Accreditations

About Blackburn Cathedral

Blackburn Cathedral, one of England's newest cathedrals, is also one of the oldest places of Christian worship. For many centuries this has been the Parish Church of Blackburn, dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin, and continues as a place of daily prayer and worship. It is the mother church of the Diocese which covers almost the whole of Lancashire and is a place where hospitable love of God is celebrated. On your visit, please feel free to look around any part of the Cathedral. See the sun stream through the 56 different panes of coloured glass in the lantern tower with its aluminium spire. Come and listen to the world class Walker organ at one of the cathedral's ambitious concerts or accompanying one of the seven choirs which broadcast regularly for the BBC. Transport yourself back to the bell-ringers of over 350 years ago as you listen to the peal of the 10 bells which were cast by Messrs John Taylor of Loughborough in 1949 and still rung in the "full circle" style today. In the north transept the 15th century misericords remind us of the days when these "mercy seats" provided some level of comfort for the those who had to stand for long periods of prayer. All this time travel certainly works up an appetite so it's time to stop for a bite to eat in the uniquely atmospheric surroundings of Checks and Grays Cafe. When refreshed, take your time in the gift shop where you can purchase postcards to send home or souvenirs to remember your visit to this fine example of religious heritage. - The cathedral is open half an hour before the act of worship each day and closes after Evening Prayer or Evensong. - Blackburn Cathedral still retains its status as a parish church. - Although the current building was completed in 1967, the site has been home to a church for over 1,000 years and the church, which was built in 1826 now forms the cathedral's nave. - A brief leaflet of welcome to the cathedral and a leaflet introducing The Journey are available at the rear of the Nave. - Group visits are welcome and are available in the following areas: The history of Blackburn Parish Church and Cathedral; The religious meaning of the building and its furnishings; Works of art and objects of interest or curiosity in the building; Meditative tour of The Journey - a set of fifteen life-size paintings by Penny Warden and one of the most important artistic commissions made by any cathedral in recent years which retell and evoke the story of the end of Christ's life.

Opening hours

  1. Today

    9:00am - 5:00pm

  2. Wednesday

    9:00am - 5:00pm

  3. Thursday

    9:00am - 5:00pm

  4. Friday

    9:00am - 5:00pm

  5. Saturday

    9:00am - 5:00pm

  6. Sunday

    9:00am - 5:00pm

  7. Monday

    9:00am - 5:00pm

Related

Events

The Music of U2 by Candlelight - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 19th Jun 2026

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Events

Joseph Gaszka Organ Concert - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 16th Sept 2026

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Events

The Music Of Ed Sheeran By Candlelight - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 27th Nov 2026

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Events

National Festival of Making - Makers Market - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 4th Jul 2026

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Events

Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 25th Jul 2026

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Events

Bowie by Candlelight - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 6th Nov 2026

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Events

80s-90s Flashback Party - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 6th Feb 2027

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Events

William Campbell Organ Concert - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 7th Oct 2026

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Events

The Music of Adele by Candlelight - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 14th Aug 2026

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Events

The Great British Film Orchestra Presents The Music of James Bond - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 20th Jun 2026

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Events

The Cathedral Choristers Entertain - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 3rd Jul 2026

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Events

The Christmas Orchestra - Late Performance - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 11th Dec 2026

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Events

The Music of Coldplay by Candlelight - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 10th Oct 2026

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Events

Celebrating 150 Years of the Mothers’ Union - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 8th Aug 2026

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Events

RCO Young Performers Organ Concert - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 2nd Dec 2026

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Events

Eagles By Candlelight - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 19th Sept 2026

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Events

Ordination of Deacons - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 27th Jun 2026

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Events

The Best of Buble: Home for Christmas - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 28th Nov 2026

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Events

The Music of Abba by Candlelight - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 15th Aug 2026

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Events

Salvatore Pronesti Organ Concert - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 11th Nov 2026

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Events

Julian Collings Organ Concert - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 30th Sept 2026

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Events

G4 Christmas - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 30th Dec 2026

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Events

Tom Bell Organ Concert - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 18th Nov 2026

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Events

Shaun Ward Organ Concert - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 24th Jun 2026

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Events

Jonny Vaughan Organ Concert - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 8th Jul 2026

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Events

Early Adults Silent Disco - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 26th Sept 2026

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Events

Shanna Hart Organ Concert - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 4th Nov 2026

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Events

Lucy Farrimond Soprano Concert - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 17th Jun 2026

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Events

Nigel Spooner Organ Concert - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 23rd Sept 2026

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Events

Blackburn Chamber Choir ‘Baroque Brilliance’ - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 11th Jul 2026

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Events

Anthony Gray Organ Concert - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 14th Oct 2026

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Events

Richard Durrant - The Art of Levitation - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 25th Sept 2026

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Events

Who Killed The Headteacher? - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 2nd Oct 2026

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Events

The Music Of Bruce Springsteen By Candlelight - Blackburn Cathedral

Date: 24th Jul 2026

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Facilities

Conference Facilities
Coaches Welcome
Open All Year
Concessionary Admission Charges
Disabled Access/Toilets
Car Parking
In town/city centre
Aim to Attract Conferences & Business meetings
On-Site cafÈ/restaurant
Event Venue
Guided Tours Available for Individuals
Guided Tours Available for Groups
Educational Visits Accepted
Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
Guide Dogs Permitted
Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to:
gift shop
cafeteria
Free of charge
Designated parking provided for guests with disabilities
Designated parking within about 50 metres of main entrance
CafÈ
WiFi available
Close to rail network

What's Nearby

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