Legendary folk rock band Steeleye Span are heading to Blackburn Empire Theatre with a brand-new tour and new album Conflict, marking more than five decades of pioneering British folk music.
Folk rock pioneers Steeleye Span will bring their unmistakable sound to Blackburn Empire Theatre on Sunday 26 April 2026, as part of their latest UK tour.
Together for more than fifty-six years, the band helped change the face of folk music by taking traditional songs into the mainstream, earning gold discs and international success along the way.
They now return with Conflict, their first full studio album in over five years. The new record continues the band’s long-standing tradition of blending traditional material with modern and self-composed songs, reflecting both the times we live in and the evolving relationship between people and the world around them.
The album includes their distinctive take on Over the Hills and Far Away, a traditional song popularised in modern culture through its use in the TV series Sharpe. Steeleye Span’s version brings their signature sound to a track long associated with British folk heritage.
Led by long-time member Maddy Prior, the band continues to evolve, with recent addition Athena Octavia joining the line-up. A classically trained violinist and member of indie folk group Iris & Steel, she brings a fresh dynamic to the band’s live performances.
Audiences in Blackburn can expect a rich mix of material from across Steeleye Span’s extensive catalogue, alongside firm fan favourites that have defined their career.
With a reputation for outstanding live performances and a catalogue spanning decades, the band remain one of the most influential and enduring acts in British folk music.
“Don’t miss them…” – The Independent
The show is perfect for fans of folk music, classic British bands, live acoustic music and traditional folk rock.
Event Information
Blackburn Empire Theatre
Sunday 26 April 2026
7:30pm (Doors open 6:30pm)
🎟 Tickets are available now:
https://blackburnempire-tickets.blackburnempire.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173661049