The Church of England in Lancashire, the Diocese of Blackburn, has officially begun its centenary year with a wave of celebrations that have already engaged thousands of people across the county.
A Launch Reaching Thousands Online and In Person
The centenary year was launched on New Year's Day with a video message from the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Philip North. His address was viewed by tens of thousands across social media, shared widely by churches and schools, and featured on BBC Radio Lancashire and other local media. On Sunday, January 4, Bishop Philip gave an extended interview on BBC Radio Lancashire, detailing the exciting programme of events planned for 2026.
Simultaneously, parishes across Lancashire held their own special services to mark the start of the centenary. Churches from Lancaster to Preston and Chorley shared photos and prayers on social media, with many enjoying celebratory cakes. Notably, St George's in Preston is marking a remarkable 300 years of service to its community in the same year.
Schools and Cathedral Join the Celebrations
A major highlight was the engagement of over 20,000 children from diocesan church schools. They participated in special live Zoom broadcasts organised by the Diocesan Board of Education on January 7 and 9. Bishop Philip spoke directly to the pupils, encouraging them to explore the centenary theme 'All for Jesus' and think about how to serve their communities.
He directed the children to resources on the Board of Education's website, which include 'Kindness Kites', creative prayer activities, and collective worship sessions. Following the broadcasts, schools like St Peter's Primary in Burnley shared their hopes that the centenary year will help children give thanks for God's work.
On January 6, Blackburn Cathedral, which was also founded in 1926, held its own official launch event with civic and community leaders. The Cathedral has a full programme of events planned to commemorate its century at the heart of the diocese.
A Year of Events Under the Banner 'All for Jesus'
The centenary is far more than a historical milestone; it is a year dedicated to mission and community. Bishop Philip emphasised this in his New Year message, stating: "Quite simply, we exist in the name of Jesus. We are for him. So the best way – in fact the only way – to celebrate a centenary is to dedicate our lives to him anew."
The diocese has a packed schedule of events for 2026, designed to bring communities together. Key dates include:
- A 'Big Day Out' for families in Blackpool on May 16.
- A centenary conference in early July.
- A county-wide mission weekend involving every parish from September 11-13.
- A special centenary service on November 12.
All activities are united under the centenary theme 'All for Jesus', which Bishop Philip describes as the motivation for the diocese's words and deeds. Coverage of the launch and ongoing events can be followed via the Diocese's social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky, and YouTube.
