Free Summer fun activities in Darwen: A Packed Season of Creativity, Culture & Community
Darwen is turning up the sunshine with a fantastic line-up of FREE summer events for families and children! From whimsical puppet shows and ukulele jams to poetry tents and circus skills, Darwen Market and Market Square are the place to be this July and August.
But that’s not all—this year also features a brand new #shopdarwen Heritage Trail, inviting young explorers to discover Darwen’s rich history in a fun, hands-on way.
Here’s your full guide to the summer magic happening in Darwen Town Centre:
NEW! #Shopdarwen Heritage Trail
Running all summer until Saturday 6 September 2025
Trail starts at Sweet Vintage or Darwen Market Hall
How much do you know about Darwen’s past? Whether you’re a budding historian or brand new to local heritage, the #ShopDarwen Summer Heritage Trail is a brilliant way to explore the town centre during the holidays.
Artist and illustrator Lucie Cooke has designed a beautifully hand-drawn trail with 15 unique Darwen icons hidden across participating local businesses. Each one has its own story to tell!
- Pick up your FREE trail worksheet at Sweet Vintage or Darwen Market Hall
- Search for all 15 illustrated icons in local shop windows
- Return to Sweet Vintage for a small prize once you’ve completed it!
Don’t forget to share your adventure using #ShopDarwen on social media! The trail runs all summer long, so you can complete it over multiple days and pair it with the exciting events below.
Darwen Market Holiday Programme
Culturapedia, our cultural partner for holiday activities at Darwen Market, has put together a fabulous programme that will run from Thursday 24th July until Saturday 30th August.
Are you ready for live performances, circus skills, stroytelling and making?
Find out all the details here…
Mini-Zines with Molly Bland
Thursday, 24 July | 11am–3pm
Inside Darwen Market (near Candy Rush)
Beat creative block and make your own mini zine in this fun, hands-on workshop. All materials are provided!
Enter Edem – Aquanauts Adrift
Saturday, 26 July | 11:30am, 1pm & 2:30pm
Darwen Market Square
Dive into a bubbling, barnacle-filled performance featuring puppetry and storytelling. A treat for curious minds!
Pop Poetry with Ella Otomewo & Chris Brown
Wednesday, 30 July | 11am–2pm
Darwen Market Square
Drop into the poetry tent and co-create a community zine of short, imaginative poems.
LAStheatre – Caspian’s Storm
Thursday, 31 July | 11am, 12:30pm & 2pm
Darwen Market Square
Join Caspian the crab on an adventure packed with laughter, music, and a message about protecting our seas.
Design A Pocket Adventure with Print, Paint & Pixel
Wednesday, 6 August | 11am–3pm
Inside the Market (near Candy Rush)
Create your own adventure booklet and explore the market through your story!
Puppet Birding + Workshop – HandMade Theatre
Friday, 8 August | Shows: 11:30am & 2:30pm | Workshop: 1pm
Darwen Market Square / Inside Market
A puppet-filled birdwatching show with interactive songs, plus a chance to make your own flapping puppet bird.
Pirate Princess by Gemma Bond
Wednesday, 13 August | 11:30am & 2pm
Darwen Market Square
A story of resilience, recycling, and adventure told through clowning, circus and theatre.
Circus Skills Workshop – The Circus House
Friday, 15 August | 11am–3pm
Darwen Market Square
Learn juggling, plate-spinning, aerial hoop and more in this hands-on circus adventure.
Bhangra Tots with Sohan Kailey
Wednesday, 20 August | 11:30am & 1:30pm
Inside the Market (near Candy Rush)
Dance, dig, and groove to Bhangra beats in this joyful story-based session with English and Panjabi.
Ukulele Hero with Richard Moss
Friday, 22 August | 11am–3pm
Inside the Market (near Candy Rush)
Grab a ukulele (no experience needed!) and strum your way through fun songs in this energetic, drop-in session.
The Elephant and the Drummer – Sonia Sabri Company
Thursday, 28 August | 11am, 12:30pm & 2pm
Darwen Market Square
A roaming dance and music performance featuring Elnaz the Elephant and Dholli the Drummer. Get ready to dance along!
Storytelling with Ian Douglas
Saturday, 30 August | 11am, 12:30pm & 2pm
Darwen Market Square
Round off the summer with a magical dose of tales and laughter from one of the UK’s most beloved storytellers.
Finally end your Summer off with a magical day of memory making at Darwen’s 5th Annual Festival of Fun!
Saturday, 30 August | 10am – 4pm
Darwen Market Square
Get ready, Darwen! The Darwen Festival of Fun 2025 & Artisan Market is back for its 5th incredible year, bringing a day packed full of creativity, community, and family fun right in the heart of town. Proudly funded by Darwen Town Council and curated by Crafty Vintage in partnership with Let’s Make, this FREE event promises something for everyone:
A marvellous magic show to dazzle all ages
- Exciting dance showcases full of energy and rhythm
- Immersive roving characters and street theatre
- Hands-on creative workshops
- Classic vintage fairground rides for kids and adults
- Live roaming music and pop-up performances
- The Darwen Artisan Market — featuring local makers, artists, and creators
- Delicious street food stalls serving tasty treats
Plan Your Summer Right in the Heart of Darwen
This season’s free programme of family activities has something new to enjoy every week—and the #Shopdarwen Summer Heritage Trail makes the perfect adventure in between events.
So pack a picnic, bring your curiosity, and enjoy a summer of stories, songs, crafts and discovery in Darwen Town Centre.
Follow @DarwenTC on Facebook and Instagram for live updates, event reminders, and trail tips.
Use #ShopDarwen when posting your photos to show off your summer adventures!
See you in Darwen this summer—where every day is an adventure!
All of these activities are totally free of charge and booking is not required. Check out the Darwen Town Centre Event Calendar for more info.
Highlight your favourites, tell all your friends and put the dates in your diary! We look forward to seeing you at all our events this May.
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Make a day of it in Darwen Town Centre
Darwen Market is home to passionate independent traders selling everything from fresh produce and quality meat, to homemade cakes and pet supplies. You can also get your keys cut, shoes resoled and clothes altered while you’re at the market. Check out a full list of our traders here.
Darwen Town Centre boasts a great selection of coffee shops and cafes – why not treat the kids to an ice cream after you’ve enjoyed your free activity? Don’t forget to ask for a #shopdarwen entry form if you spend £5 or over at a participating retailer – you could be the lucky winner of £50 in Shop Darwen vouchers!
Follow Shop Darwen on Instagram for more.
See you soon in Darwen Town Centre!
