Darwen School of Music

02/09/2026

Today we got a sneak peek inside the newly revamped King George’s Hall, ahead of our big show next week!

Our showcase on Sunday 13th has a slightly earlier start time than usual:

Doors: 5:30pm
Showtime: 6:30pm

Tickets only available from our tutors in Darwen School of Music lessons.

04/08/2026

We are proud to announce our upcoming 37th Student Showcase - and the first event to be held as the doors reopen at Blackburn's newly refurbished King Georges Hall!

Sunday 13th September is the date for your diaries. Tickets are £15 and, for this event, will on sale from us directly at the music school from Monday 10th August. This is turning out to be quite the show, with more performers than ever before. We have Begin2Sing community singers joining us too so you can expect a packed out stage!

We cant wait!

17/06/2026

Our Begin2Sing project just got bigger! Have a read on how you can be part of the second annual community single release for Darwen!!

🔥⭐️🎶❤️🎤

I’m excited to announce the next steps for Begin2Sing! 📣

Our ‘Take The Lead’ campaign is taking place in July, to select the soloists that will feature on our highly anticipated second single, ‘Shake Off The Rain’. 🎶

Last year we recorded and released our self-titled Begin2Sing anthem, which featured 500 local voices, was mastered at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, and made it both into the iTunes Top 30 Pop Chart and onto BBC Television! 📺

The soloists on our first single were selected from already established vocal students. Now, after a year of hugely popular Begin2Sing workshops, I am inviting singers from the wider community to come and try out for a solo on the follow up single. This is open to adults and children alike, with the end result being launched in November at Darwen Christmas Light Switch On, in front of a crowd of thousands! ⭐️

Ray Pemberton, a regular member of our Begin2Sing workshops since we launched last year, had a visit to the Darwen School of Music studio this week and was treated to a preview of the song. Ray said “Wow. I knew after the first verse this is going to be a winner. It has great lyrics and a stunning guitar solo. I can’t wait to hear the final version.” 🔥

Everybody will have the opportunity to be recorded for the chorus parts of the song, but if you’d like to try out for a lead line, auditions are being held on Saturday 18th July at Darwen School of Music. To register your interest, message us via Facebook or email [email protected]

⭐️🎤⭐️

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Darwen Town Centre
Darwen School of Music
Sunbird Records

23/05/2026

Small roadie crew today. Set up time at Darwen Library Theatre. See you all very soon ⭐️

23/05/2026

Today’s the day for our free showcase at Darwen Live! Get yourselves down to Darwen Library Theatre by 1pm to be entertained by our talented students.

(Performers pleas arrive at 12:30)

Let’s have a blast 🎶⭐️😃

11/05/2026

A quick practice of "For the love of God" by Steve Vai ahead of the weekends rehearsals for Darwen Live. A superb performance by Alex McArdle lead guitar, Matt Caffrey rhythm and Barry Shackleton on bass.

09/05/2026

It’s nearly time for a selection of our students to take to the stage at this year’s Darwen Live!

This year, we are in Darwen Library Theatre on Saturday 23rd at 1pm ‘til 2:45

You don’t need tickets, Darwen Live is always a free festival 😀

See you in two week time! 🎶⭐️🎸