AN arts and heritage project celebrating the day one of the world’s greatest rock stars played in East Lancashire has been heralded an outstanding success.

Over 750 people of all ages attended King George’’s Hall on Saturday for 1973: the Year Bowie Came to Blackburn.

The event, funded by the Heritage Lottery, saw young people involved in producing artwork for the event, taking part in dance and theatre performances and also taking to the main concert stage.

Guest of honour Woody Woodmansey, drummer with the Spiders from Mars who performed with David Bowie 44 years ago shared his experiences on the road during an audience with event in the afternoon and later took part in a discussion on using the town’s musical heritage to support the live music scene of the future.

Students from McNally’s Music Tuition in Blackburn performed three Bowie-inspired songs which they had written. Rising stars Sky Valley Mistress also played live followed by a Seventies-inspired disco.

The Bureau Centre for the Arts produced a film in which concertgoers from 1973 shared their memories of the event.

Phil McNally, of McNally Music Tuition said: “The 1973 memories of King George’s Hall proved to be a great inspiration for our students who really engaged with the artists of that time and brought their own unique musical talent to create and perform these brilliant new songs.”

Admission to the evening’s events was £1.20 - the price it cost to see David Bowie in 1973 and almost £500 was raised which will go to All the Young Dudes, a new project to support young musicians and artists.

Frankie Mullen, project director for the event, said: “A huge amount of work went into the event but the results were amazing.

“The quality of what the young people produced and the way they connected to the music and its legacy totally exceeded all our expectations.

“The fact we could hold the event in the original venue really motivated them.

“We were delighted with it all.”