Hundreds Gather to Witness the Cathedral’s Centenary Launch

As the doors slowly opened, The Revd Canon Andrew Horsfall, Interim Dean of Blackburn, was welcomed into the Cathedral by two young choristers who then helped bring light into the iconic building symbolising faith, unity, and new beginnings.

Welcome prayers were offered before the Cathedral gradually came alive with light and music, celebrating the start of a new chapter in the life of our Cathedral with great joy, warmth and anticipation for the year ahead.

As the famous walls of the Cathedral echoed to the sound of a stunning brass fanfare, the choristers lit a special centenary candle, which will stay alight throughout the year, and guests watched on as details of a year of celebratory events – including worship, exhibitions, art installations and community involvement – were unveiled on a giant screen.

Ian White, Blackburn Cathedral chief operating officer, provided an overview of the ways to get involved and how our many communities can come together to celebrate the Cathedral’s rich cultural heritage and support its importance to the region.

The finale was a memorable performance of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah which was performed by a combination of choirs – including Blackburn Cathedral’s Youth Choir, Blackburn Chamber Choir and members of Blackburn Music Society. They were accompanied by Director of Music John Robinson on the Cathedral’s iconic organ and Prince Bishop’s Brass.

Speaking at the event Canon Horsfall said:

Since becoming a cathedral in 1926, this building has stood as a beacon of faith and fellowship at the heart of our community in Blackburn and has cherished its standing within the local and wider community throughout all this time.

This centenary year offers a unique opportunity to honour our heritage while looking forward with renewed purpose to what lies ahead and I am so grateful to all those that braved the weather to join us on what was a very special evening.

Amongst the guests were the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Jacqueline Slater, Council Leader Phil Riley, and Chief Executive Denise Park who said:

This is Lancashire’s cathedral but we’re really proud that it’s in our borough, and at the heart of Blackburn. It is a great asset, and they’ve got a fantastic programme of events planned throughout the year and I look forward to coming and seeing many of the exhibitions and things that they have on offer.

The year will feature a series of exhibitions and art installations including:

• The Longest Yarn II – ‘Britain at War’.
• Time – a spectacular light and sound show by Luxmuralis.
• A Turin Shroud exhibition.
• Fabric of Faith – celebrating a century of cathedral vestments and a special commission by acclaimed British textile artist Margo Selby.
• A Table for the Nation – a 43ft table created from the nation’s most significant tree.
• Parishes in Bloom a floral spectacular, presented by The Friends of Blackburn Cathedral.
• Archives Uncovered – celebrating the centenary through the Cathedral archives.
• Tyndale 500 – an exhibition marking the 500th Anniversary of the Tyndale Bible.

In addition there will be over 1,000+ acts of worship, 30+ live music performances, schools visits, classical concerts, 40+ lunchtime concerts and a number of civic occasions held throughout the year.

The centenary year of worship will culminate in a major thanksgiving service on 12th November, led by the Bishop of Blackburn, marking exactly a century since the original dedication.

Details of daily worship and special events can be found on the Cathedral Events Calendar.

Blackburn Cathedral Centenary: 1926-2026

This event was one of a number of flagship events taking place during 2026, our Centenary year.

Learn more about our Centenary celebrations and see how you can get involved.