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Free music festival returns to town for 26th year

Emma StanleyNorth West
News imageGetty Images Close up of Janet Devlin singing in front of a hot pink background fading to red. She is holding a mic in her left hand, is smiling and has long wavy blonde hair and a cowboy hatGetty Images
Fresh from touring with Russell Crowe, former X Factor star turned country artist Janet Devlin heads to Darwen

The sun is set to shine this weekend as the UK's biggest free music festival - Darwen Live - is back for its 26th year.

The festival across Darwen, Lancashire, on 23 and 24 May sees local upcoming bands along with household names taking the main stage on Darwen Market Square, with several venues across the town centre also hosting an array of artists.

Here's your handy guide for how to get there, and what not to miss.

News imageBwD Council Generic image from the back of the main stage showing a male singer, a guitarist and keyboard player watched by hundreds of people crowded before the stage in the sunshineBwD Council
The UK's biggest free music festival - Darwen Live - is back for its 26th year

How do I get there?

By train: Darwen has its own railway station with services running regularly from Manchester Victoria, Bolton and Blackburn.

By bus: Frequent bus services connect Darwen to neighbouring towns. The 1 and 225 routes operated by Blackburn Bus Company and Vision Bus link central Darwen to nearby Blackburn and Bolton.

By car: Darwen is located just off the A666, which connects directly to the M65 motorway at junction 4.

What's the main stage line-up on Saturday?

  • Dayz Gone By (12:00) - High‑energy pop‑punk blasting through classics from Blink‑182, Green Day, Paramore and more.
  • Preston & Weltz (12:45) - Duo performing a mix of covers and original material.
  • Ami Alex (13:30) - Blackburn singer‑songwriter who began releasing music during lockdown.
  • Dakota Avenue (14:15) - Gritty UK indie with big live energy.
  • Carol Hodge Band (15:00) - Punk‑rooted songwriter blending political fire with melodic, emotional pop.
  • Class of '79 (16:00) - Punk/new‑wave tribute band.
  • Janet Devlin (17:00) - Former X Factor star turned country artist, fresh from touring with Russell Crowe.
  • A Certain Ratio (18:00) - Genre‑blending post‑punk pioneers mixing funk, electronica and experimental sounds.
  • Stone Foundation (19:00) - Celebrated Midlands soul band with multiple charting albums and major collaborators.
  • Ferocious Dog (20:30) - Folk‑punk heavyweights.
News imageGetty Images Preston from the Ordinary Boys singing on a dark stage in close up. There is one bright white spotlight to the left. He is holding the mic in his right hand, close to his mouth, is wearing a grey suit and has his eyes closedGetty Images
The Ordinary Boys headline Sunday night

What's the main stage line-up on Sunday?

  • La Corsia Studios Showcase (12:00) - Local studio presents acts including The Slydes and Losing Touch.
  • The Gamblers (13:15) - Darwen rock band with roots in local music history.
  • Georgia Barker (14:00) - Soulful, husky‑voiced country‑influenced singer‑songwriter from Clitheroe.
  • Bad Smell (14:45) - Raw, loud, no‑frills hard rock from Leeds.
  • Redearth (15:30) - Alt-rock band Redearth play the main stage for the first time after a mix up last year meant they missed out.
  • Pretty Shivers (16:15) - The band's sound also has an unmistakably retro feel.
  • The Skapones (17:00) - Original 2Tone‑inspired ska.
  • Amnesia (18:00) - Live 90s club‑classics band delivering dance anthems.
  • The Lancashire Hotpots (19:15) - Festival favourites with comedic songs about Lancashire life and culture.
  • The Ordinary Boys (20:45) - Indie band behind Boys Will Be Boys, returning with new music and big nostalgia.
News imageThe six members of the Lancashire Hotpots stand on a staircase in rainbow waistcoats and flat caps. They are grinning and have their thumbs up
Festival favourites The Lancashire Hotpots are back with classics including Chippy Tea

What else do I need to know?

The event is completely free across lots of pubs and venues in Darwen, just have a wander and see where your ears lead you.

It means some road closures - notably Church Bank Street, Church Street, Market Street, High Street and Bridge Street.

You cannot bring your own alcohol into the area, and there will be bag searches.

There is a merchandise and a beer tent.

Previous headliners have included Toyah, Hot Chocolate, Johnny Hates Jazz, The Undertones, Paul Young and Crash Test Dummies.

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