Promotional image for the show 'The Freddie & QUEEN Experience' in October 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.
Blackburn Empire Theatre

Big nights out with real community spirit

From live music and family favourites to comedy, drama and dance, Blackburn Empire Theatre brings together great entertainment and the homegrown creativity that gives the venue its character.

Now booking: The Freddie & QUEEN Experience – 17 October 2026

Choose seats See what’s on
Featured at the Empire

Shows in the spotlight

Promotional image for the show 'Dolly Forever' in September 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.
Music

Dolly Forever

Wednesday 23 September 2026, 7:30pm

“Dolly Forever” isn’t just a show – it is a celebration of one of the world’s biggest stars. It captures that famous Dolly Parton humour and her greatest songs, plus a few cover versions.

View show and choose seats
Featured right now

Big nights out, made in Blackburn

From live music to family favourites, every visit feels different.

Promotional image for the show 'Cluedo' in September 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.
Drama, dance and community

Where local talent takes the spotlight

Dance showcases, stage schools and community productions sit alongside visiting shows.

Cluedo More drama shows More dance shows
Explore the programme

Find your kind of night

Choose what suits you and book in seconds.

Music

Tribute nights, classic artists and big singalong shows.

  • Big singalong nights
  • Nostalgia and crowd favourites
More music shows

Family

Shows designed for shared experiences across generations.

  • Ideal for mixed-age groups
  • Daytime and early evening options
More family shows

Comedy

Stand-up and touring comedy for a proper night out.

  • Big laughs, close-up atmosphere
  • Great for couples and groups
More comedy shows

Drama and dance

A mix of local productions, visiting performances and showcases.

  • Local talent and touring work
  • Dance schools and stage productions
More drama shows More dance shows
On sale now

Coming up at Blackburn Empire

Book ahead and see what is on sale now.

Promotional image for the show 'Elvis Remembered' in August 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.Elvis RememberedSaturday 22 August 2026Promotional image for the show 'The ELO Encounter - Face the Music' in August 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.The ELO Encounter – Face the MusicSunday 23 August 2026Promotional image for the show 'An Evening of Mediumship with Craig Morris' in August 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.An Evening of Mediumship with Craig MorrisWednesday 26 August 2026Promotional image for the show 'Simply Red Tribute: Holding Back The Years' in August 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.Simply Red Tribute: Holding Back The YearsThursday 27 August 2026Promotional image for the show 'Heaven Can Wait - A Tribute to the Music of Meat Loaf' in August 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.Heaven Can Wait – A Tribute to the Music of Meat LoafFriday 28 August 2026Promotional image for the show 'The Kilkennys' in September 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.The KilkennysWednesday 2 September 2026Promotional image for the show 'DESPERADOS: The Music & Legacy of Eagles' in September 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.DESPERADOS: The Music & Legacy of EaglesThursday 3 September 2026Promotional image for the show 'Women in Rock' in September 2026 at Blackburn Empire Theatre.Women in RockFriday 4 September 2026
View all upcoming shows
Community and culture

A theatre with history and heart

Blackburn Empire is more than a feed of events – it is a charity, a local venue and a home for community creativity.

Rooted in Blackburn, open to everyone

Blackburn Empire Theatre is a volunteer-led charity with a long story and a strong local role. It is a place where audiences can enjoy visiting productions, while local groups, performers and community activity continue to have a real home on stage.

Every booking helps support something bigger than one night out.

Read about the charity Explore the theatre’s history Meet the affiliated groups

Plan your visit with confidence

Make it easy to say yes, with quick routes to seating, access, FAQs and directions before you ever reach checkout.

See the seating plan View access information Find us and contact us Read FAQs

Support the theatre

Book a ticket, donate, become a Friend or volunteer – every route helps keep live entertainment and community theatre thriving in Blackburn.

Donate to the Empire Become a Friend Volunteer with us

Ready for your next night out? From live music to family favourites, comedy, drama and dance, Blackburn Empire Theatre is packed with reasons to come back.

See what’s on