Diocese of Blackburn Marks 100 Years With Gathering of 1,000 in Blackpool
The Church of England's Diocese of Blackburn celebrated its centenary on May 25, 2026, with a service attended by more than 1,000 people in Blackpool. The event included worship, historical reflection, and a commissioning of church leaders for the next century.
The Church of England's Diocese of Blackburn marked its 100th anniversary Sunday with a centenary service in Blackpool that drew more than 1,000 worshippers, clergy, and community leaders.
The diocese was founded in 1926 and covers Lancashire and parts of Cumbria. Bishop Philip North led the service, which included music, prayer, and a historical presentation tracing the diocese's growth over a century.
"One hundred years ago, this diocese was carved out to serve the mill towns and fishing communities of Lancashire," Bishop North said. "Today we serve a very different region, but the call is the same."
The event featured contributions from churches across the diocese, including choirs, youth groups, and representatives from the diocese's 250 parishes. A new strategic plan for the next decade was also unveiled.
The Diocese of Blackburn has faced the same challenges as many Church of England dioceses, including declining attendance and aging congregations. Church leaders say the centenary is an opportunity to refocus on community engagement and younger generations.
A centenary fund has been established to support church planting and youth ministry across the diocese over the next five years.
