Blackburn plugs in and rocks out again

24th August 2009

Blackburn plugs in and rocks out again

A music event designed to crank up the volume in Blackburn will return to the town bigger and better in the winter.

Following the success of the debut outing of the ‘Plugged’ festival, which took over 16 town centre venues on Friday, July 31, organisers have arranged a second event for Friday, November 27, promising even more venues and an even wider selection of bands.

‘Plugged’ has been created to get the town back on the night-time map by promoting its thriving music scene.

The debut event saw town centre venues from The Residence and Sir Charles Napier to Rhubarb, Blackburn Library and Liquid and Envy packed with music fans enjoying an impressive line-up of bands from varying genres and styles.

Feedback from bands, fans and venues was positive, with venues reporting an increase in trade compared to a standard Friday night in the town.

Rosalina Panarlo, landlady of the Sir Charles Napier on Limbrick, said: “It was fantastic. All the venues were really busy and I would say the Napier had at least twice the amount of people that we normally have in on a Friday. People seem genuinely happy to have a reason to be back in the town centre. Plugged has come and really invigorated the nightlife.

“I’m hoping the next event will be even better. We’re already in talks with bands.” 

Alex Johnson, who played an acoustic set at Blackburn Library at the first Plugged, added: “I’m very keen to get involved in November’s event. Playing in the library was interesting for me as it was a bit different to what I’m used to. It went really well though. The Blackburn music scene is thriving at the moment and to have everyone showcased together in this way is a fantastic. I imagine even more bands will want to be involved next time round and it should be even better.”    

                         

Plugged is the brain-child of a group of pro-active venues in Blackburn town centre, supported by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's town centre regeneration team and the North West Development Agency.

Any bands and venues that wish to get involved in November’s Plugged should visit www.pluggedblackburn.com / www.myspace.com/pluggedblackburn or email regeneration@blackburn.gov.uk