Blackburn Empire – Opening Safely

Information for Audience Members (Updated 04 Feb 22)

Please be aware that this code is intended to keep us all as safe as we can be, and to reduce the risks wherever possible associated with COVID-19.

Compliance to this code is a way of showing respect for fellow audience members whilst on site at the Blackburn Empire, any non-compliance could result in the jeopardising of public health which is a risk we cannot take, and therefore all mandatory items listed below must be adhered to for entry to the Theatre:

• Face coverings are not compulsory in the theatre, but we do still encourage you to wear one and respect those that choose to wear one.
• Please use the sanitising stations at the entrance and throughout the theatre.
• Tickets are best purchased in advance, but the box office is now open before most shows to buy tickets on the door.
• The QR code for Track & Trace is available for use with the NHS COVID app.
• Audience hygiene
  • Please make every effort not to crowd into areas and please follow the advice from our staff.
  • We ask that all Audience members maintain good hand hygiene, please use the sanitiser stations provided around the venue and avoid touching your face or any unnecessary surfaces. Our team may also ask you to sanitise your hands. Please cooperate with them.
  • Please observe respiratory etiquette and always cover your mouth if needing to cough or sneeze.
  • Face coverings are no longer compulsory but our staff and volunteers will continue to wear them. We would ask that you consider wearing one.
• Food and Drink
  Please be advised that you are not permitted to bring your own food and drink to the venue
• Arrival at the Blackburn Empire
  • Audience Members will be permitted access to the Theatre 60 minutes prior to the published show start time, any queuing will take place in on the pavement on Aqueduct Road. Earlier arrival to the building will not be possible. Please be prepared for the weather, as you may have to wait outside as we allow audience members to enter.
  • There are no toilet facilities before entering the building.
  • Please have your tickets ready to scan or inspect at the entrance. Tickets can be printed or displayed on a mobile device.
  • Please note that the bars will be open to buy and take drinks and food, but please do visit the bar individually rather than in full groups.
  • Whilst in the Theatre, please follow signs and obey instructions from staff and public address announcements.
  • Any members of the audience with accessible tickets, including wheelchair spaces, are encouraged to notify the staff and will be escorted to the front of any queues to give more time for entry, and to be assisted if required.
• Audience Members must not attend the venue if they are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms and agree that if any member of their party was to develop Covid-19 symptoms in the interim, that they will not attend the Theatre. A list of Covid-19 symptoms is shown below:
• Cough in the last 7 days
• Unusual Shortness of Breath on activity for two or more consecutive days
• New Shortness of Breath at rest
• Fever/Feeling Hot/Sweating
• Loss of Smell
• Loss of Taste
• Red Eyes or Sticky Eyes
• Diarrhoea
• New Runny Nose
• New Blocked Nose
• Sore Throat

I’ve decided that I do not want to attend a performance, what are my options?

If the theatre is allowed to operate, according to the latest government regulations, our shows will continue as normal. If you have purchased tickets for an event and it is going ahead, then unfortunately we cannot offer a refund if you choose not to attend. We do not offer refunds for illness or travel disruption and suggest you consider using the Booking Protect option which can cover the cost of your tickets should the unexpected happen.

Please remember that this guidance is there to ensure we can all enjoy a safe visit to the theatre.

Please be polite and cooperative with our staff and audience members at all times. These rules are not open to interpretation and the theatre’s decision will be final.

You may be asked to leave if you do not follow any of these rules.

Hygiene and Safety

Can you tell me how you will be managing the extra hygiene issues required due to the COVID-19 situation?

The Blackburn Empire Theatre is undertaking a number of measures for your comfort and safety:
• A deep clean of the venue has been undertaken.
• An increased daily cleaning regime will be in operation.
• Hand sanitisers will be available at all entrances and throughout the building for staff, performers and customers.
• Staff and volunteer training has been undertaken so that all staff are aware of their responsibilities and hygiene routine to be followed.
• All staff and volunteers will be supplied with PPE as needed.
• If you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 please do not come to the theatre.
• Audience numbers will be limited to ensure safe social distancing measures can be complied with when needed.
• Crowd control measures including audience entrance and exit and flow through the venue, to toilets, leaving etc. will be implemented. Please follow all directions from our staff and volunteers.

What about Social Distancing?

Capacity for each performance is limited to comply with current social distancing. If these rules are relaxed we will increase capacity as allowed.

Tickets are on sale as unallocated seating as best available apply to a limited number of shows.

We may update the rules of admission, based on changes to government regulations. Unless these rules specifically exclude you from attending the venue, any changes to rules of admission will not entitle you to a refund.

Tickets

Why can’t I Choose my Seats?

Some shows may allocated tickets as best available seating, but most shows are now not operating in this way and you can book your specific seats online.

If you require an accessible / wheelchair place YOU MUST NOT BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE – Please email boxoffice@blackburnempire.com or message us through our Facebook page. We cannot accept phone enquiries at the moment.

Will you still have Accessible Seats and Companion Tickets?

Yes we do. Our accessible seats in the stalls will still be available but the number may be reduced due to social distancing. YOU CAN NOT BOOK THESE TICKETS ONLINE

Full details of how to book and eligibility, please email boxoffice@blackburnempire.com

My Baby is under 2. Will I still be able to bring them and keep them in my arms?

Yes, Babes in Arms are still allowed for all children aged 2 and under who will sit on a parent/guardian lap throughout the show.

I want to bring a School Group to the Panto?

We have dedicated schools performances. Tickets for Schools/Education Groups at these performances are available at a reduced rate. You can reserve and book in for these performances by emailing boxoffice@blackburnempire.com

What happens if Theatres are closed again?

If for any reason we are not allowed by the government to put on a show due to government restrictions we will move your tickets to a rescheduled date, issue refund of the ticket, convert to vouchers or offer you tickets for another show at the same value. We will notify your options on a show by show basis.

Travel and Parking

How do I get to the Blackburn Empire?

You can find full details of how to get to us by car, taxi, bus, train here.

What Parking is there near the Theatre?

Free public parking is available opposite the theatre on Aqueduct Road.