Shaun Ryder to perform at Adidas exhibition launch

Shaun Ryder’s Black Grape will perform in Darwen

Shaun Ryder’s Black Grape and Stereo MC's are to perform at the launch of an exhibition in aid of a homelessness charity.

Adidas designer Gary Aspden, from Darwen, is hosting the showcase of vintage designs, samples and technical drawings as a "way of putting something back into the community where I grew up".

The exhibition will open in Darwen from 17-26 May. Entry is free but donations are encouraged for Blackburn-based Nightsafe charity.

Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher performed a special gig to raise funds for the shelter after hearing of the charity, through his friend Mr Aspden.

'See the buzz'

Later that year, Gallagher also sent 30 pairs of special edition trainers to the shelter.

Mr Aspden said: “Some may question why we would choose to do an exhibition like this in a relatively small town rather than amongst the cultural hub of a major city.

"There are post-industrial towns like Blackburn with Darwen all over the UK and I guess the ambition is to demonstrate what can be possible in towns like this with a bit of investment and imagination."

Denise Park, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “For Gary to choose to once again host an international event in our borough is incredible and we can’t wait to see the buzz it’ll create.

“Indeed, Gary has been truly visionary in his determination to help regenerate our towns through culture, something we’re passionate about here in Blackburn with Darwen and are really making waves with.

“His journey from an East Lancs lad to a curator with Adidas is fascinating and we hope this new exhibition will help inspire others.”

Nightsafe works with young people aged 16 to 24 who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness and provide accommodation, information, advice and guidance.

Free music festival Darwen Live will take place from the 25-26 May, coinciding with the closing weekend of the exhibition.

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