TWO famous old Black-burnians have come together to bring a touch of 1980s club culture to their home town next month.

Manchester International Festival boss Christine Cort, and design guru Wayne Hemingway are hosting the event at the beautiful 18th century former St John’s Church in Victoria Street.

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It is part of the ‘Blackburn is Open’ drive to build a creative reputation for the town.

Headlining is DJ legend Dave Haslam from Manchester’s Hacienda, which in the 80s and early 90s was branded ‘the most famous club in the world’ by US magazine Newsweek.

Also spinning tracks at the ‘Back to Blackburn’ event on November 29 will be Jonathan Nutter, formerly resident DJ at the town’s Cellar Bar.

Mr Hemingway, creative director of ‘Blackburn is Open’, and his son Jack will dig into their extensive vinyl collections.

Ms Cort said: “There is a real energy in Blackburn at the moment. I’ve wanted to get involved because Blackburn is where I’m from and I want it to do well. This idea came out of some of my favourite memories of clubbing in Blackburn with friends like Wayne.”

Former QEGS pupil Mr Hemingway, the man behind labels Red or Dead and Vintage and the award-winning Hem-ingway Design partnership, said: “When we started we had high hopes, but it is heartening that after a mere twelve months, the initiative is really starting to gain momentum.

“It’s reason enough to cele-brate and ‘Back to Blackburn’ is an invitation to people to come along have a boogie.”

Wallpaper manufacturers Graham and Brown are decorating the venue with design company Source Creative and artist Alex-andra Gallagher.

Borough regeneration boss Maureen Bateson said: "It's fantastic to see successful Blackburnians supporting their home town.

"Blackburn is Open is an important part of our plans for the town centre and for art and culture playing an important role.”

Tickets, priced £10, are on sale via www.blackburnisopen.co.uk and at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery.