BLACKBURN’S market will open for the first time on a Sunday as the whole of the East Lancashire embraces heritage- themed events over the coming days.

The market will open for trading as part of the town’s heritage festival and there will be sampler stalls next to a pop- up bandstand on the cathedral green. More than 100 events and activities will take place at 50 different venues.

Alex Fisher, Lancashire clog dancing expert will be hosting a line-up of cloggers and live musicians on Church Street and there will be a display of steam engines presented by Blackburn-based specialists Heritage Painting.

On Saturday, there will be arts and crafts workshops for children in the activity area next to the visitor centre. A Punch and Judy show takes place on Sunday, Corporation Park’s historic conservatory will be open to the public and Blackburn Museum is also running special events.

Holy Trinity church on Mount Pleasant, Blackburn will open from 11am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday to give visitors an opportunity to look around the Grade 2 listed building.

Blackburn market’s commercial manager, David Smith said: “This is an ideal opportunity for us to showcase Blackburn Market’s traditional reputation for being a community hub and a great place for families to shop, eat, drink and have fun.”

Burnley and Pendle’s Heritage Open Days run until Sunday and include activities and events from guided tours and walks to special behind-the-scenes visits. Entrance to all events is free.

Towneley Hall will be open for Heritage Open Days from noon until 5pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Visitors will be able to enjoy one hour mini-tours and costumed re-enactments. People are also invited to come along to Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley’s ‘little Downton’, on Saturday.

Other sites taking part include: Canalside, Extwistle Hall, Ightenhill Park, Mount Zion Church, Oak Mount Mill Engine House, Crematorium, St Andrew’s Church, St Catherine’s Church, Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, and Weavers’ Triangle Visitor Centre.

Councillor Bea Foster, Burnley Council’s executive member for leisure and culture, said: “This year’s Heritage Open Days will allow the community to find out more about local history, see lots of interesting things, and get a glimpse of corners of the town that aren’t often seen.”

Events in Pendle also include a guided tour of The Oaks Hotel, where you might see the resident ghost.