Keep on Keepin’ On: Exploring Solutions for Blackburn’s Independent Town Centre Businesses

Co-led by Iain Nicholson, founder of The Vacant Shops Academy, alongside Mick Martin, the writer and director of Keep On Keepin’ On – coming to St Paul’s Working Men’s Club from 21–24 May. It’s about one man trying to keep his home improvement shop alive as the town centre around him changes – something that might just strike a chord.

The session is grounded in practical ideas and experience – not blue-sky theory – and will explore what can be done (and is being done elsewhere) to pivot challenges into opportunities so that you can rewrite your own story in partnership with the vibrant future of Blackburn town centre.

As a local town centre business, you're also invited to take advantage of an exclusive 50% discount on tickets to see Keep On Keepin' On – a soulful, heartfelt and hilariously chaotic tale of love, family, and survival, all set to a blistering Northern Soul soundtrack. You’ll receive your 50% discount code when you register to attend the workshop.

We’d love you to join us for the workshop, even if you’re not sure theatre’s your thing. It’s a chance to share ideas, hear fresh thinking, and connect with others who are in the same boat.