blackburn-empire-The ELO Encounter - Blue Sky Tour

The ELO Encounter – Blue Sky Tour

    MUSIC

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Sunday 7th September 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Roll over Beethoven, because the greatest tribute to Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra is here!

In an all live show featuring soaring strings, striking vocal harmonies and playing all the much loved songs from ELO’s hit-filled library including Evil Woman, Telephone Line and Don’t Bring Me Down. The ELO Encounter promises a night filled with rock, roll and Blue Skies that would make even Mozart mambo and Bach boogie! So Hold On Tight because Rock and Roll Is King in a show that is guaranteed to have you partying All Over The World.

Not only flawlessly recreating the wonderful music of ELO, it’s a spectacular live show from start to finish. Stunning lights and special effects create an atmosphere that will have you fully immersed in the whole experience. As the ELO Encounter reel off ELO classic hit after hit, it’s guaranteed to have the hairs on the back of your neck dancing in time to the music!

As a recent reviewer remarked, “Not really a tribute, that cheapens what this band does, which is to transport you back to those days. So sensitively and authentically done, at times it felt like it was actually ELO being mirrored up there on the stage”.
That’s what The ELO Encounter tribute show is all about. 

★★★★★ “Certainly went down a storm!” – Quay Theatre
★★★★★ “A brilliant night out” – Steve Scruton – BBC Radio
★★★★★ “Amazing … a fantastic band” – Tony Fisher – BBC Radio
★★★★★ “I’ve never seen such a standing ovation here!” – Braintree Arts Theatre
★★★★★ “Simply outstanding … thank you ELO Encounter” – RoadHouse Birmingham
★★★★★ “Best Tribute band we have seen at the Fisher in a very very long time.” – Fisher Theatre

 

 

blackburn-empire-The Poppy Holiday Show

The Poppy Holiday Show

    MUSIC

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Monday 2nd February 2026 at 2:00pm


For one night only

Brought to You by Poppy & Friends get ready for a feel-good, toe-tapping afternoon as Poppy & Friends deliver timeless, unforgettable songs direct to your seat!

From classic hits like “Shout,” “Don’t Call Me Baby,” “Runaround Sue,” “Tell Me Ma,” and “Puppet on a String “to many more crowd-pleasing favourites, this show is bursting with nostalgia and energy.

Expect sing-alongs, fun, laughter, and surprises in an action-packed live music and theatre experience that's perfect for all ages.

This performance is especially close to Poppy’s heart and her friends’ too so if you can come along and join us, please do! Your support means the world.

 

Club 80s Live

    MUSIC

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Saturday 25th October 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

The Club 80's Live show will take you on a rollercoaster ride back through one of the greatest eras of music.

Hits by Cyndi Lauper, Culture Club, Guns & Roses, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Erasure, Bon Jovi, Wham, Deacon Blue! and many, many more are crammed into a non-stop, musical trip, back-combed, to the time that fashion forgot.

A band tighter than a Spandex leotard and dancers shining brighter than all the neon in Vegas will support a cast that stands head and shoulder pads above the rest, in a show where the costume changes come just as thick and fast as the hits.

So, give the Rubik’s Cube a night off and get ready to be taken back to an era of music that people will never forget. Whether you were workin’ as a waitress in a cocktail
bar
or just a city boy, let Club 80’s take your hand back to the happiest days of your life.

Dress up in your favorite leg warmers and spandex for your chance to be crowned the BEST DRESSED at the show.

 

blackburn-empire-Moments Of Pleasure - Ultimate Tribute to Kate Bush

Moments Of Pleasure – Ultimate Tribute to Kate Bush

    MUSIC

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Sunday 20th September 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Moments of Pleasure: The Ultimate Tribute to Kate Bush present This Woman’s Work, a journey through the career of one of the UK’s greatest musical artists.

Featuring the astounding vocal performance of Lisa-Marie Walters and a band of virtuoso musicians, Moments of Pleasure are hailed by The Sunday Times Magazine as one of
the UK’s top 10 tributes. Widely acclaimed as the closest you can get to experiencing Kate Bush live, the band have been exciting audiences across the country for over five years.

Kate Bush’s debut single, Wuthering Heights, was nothing short of a phenomenon. She was the first female artist to have a self-penned No. 1 hit, at only nineteen years old, and has not stopped her artistic innovation since. With every album she has broken new ground and yet has still managed to consistently make music that masses of people want to listen to.

Join Moments of Pleasure as they take you through Kate’s astonishing body of work from The Kick Inside to Aerial. The show includes hits like the mischievous Babooshka and surprise 21st Century smash Running Up That Hill, through fan favourites such as Them Heavy People and Hammer Horror, to a few deep cuts like Night of The Swallow and The Wedding List.

This is an evening that no Kate Bush fan would want to miss. A joyous celebration of all things Kate!

“With your eyes closed, you could be in the presence of the originator. If you need to hear these songs live, this is the way to do it.” – ROCKFIEND

“It’s good to know that we can still hear accurate live renditions of Kate’s music today courtesy of the likes of Lisa-Marie.” – CHOICE RADIO, WORCESTER

 

blackburn-empire-September Serenade

September Serenade

    MUSIC

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Wednesday 3rd September 2025 at 7:30pm


by Blackburn Gilbert & Sullivan Society for one night only

The Empire Theatre and Blackburn G&S present a musical selection of songs old and new for a scintillating summer serenade!

Songs from your favourite musicals; a selection of G&S classics; instrumental moments; comical solos and duets; fresh arrangements of classic songs; even a bit of good old rock'n'roll…

Join us for a sparkling concert with music and laughter guaranteed, featuring a wide variety of tunes from an array of award winning local performers.

 

blackburn-empire-A Tribute to Sting & the Police - Starring the Rozzers

A Tribute to Sting & the Police – Starring the Rozzers

    MUSIC

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Sunday 27th September 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Fronted by Sting look and sound-a-like Owen James and his band ‘The Rozzers’, A Tribute to Sting & The Police is the most authentic Sting tribute in Europe.

The band have performed all over the world for several years and now embark on their biggest ever UK tour.

The Police were arguably the biggest band on the planet between 1977 and 1983, achieving 5 number one hits on both sides of the Atlantic.
Sting then went on to be one of the most acclaimed solo songwriters of his generation.

From Roxanne and Every Breath You Take to Fields of Gold and Englishman in New York,
all the hits are reproduced with stunning authenticity and vocal accuracy.

 

blackburn-empire-Sound & Vision - A David Bowie Tribute Show

Sound & Vision – A David Bowie Tribute Show

    MUSIC

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Friday 18th July 2025 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Fasten your seatbelts – the Starman is here!!

‘Sound & Vision – A tribute to David Bowie’ was
launched on what would have been Bowie’s 75th birthday in 2022.

While his career spanned five
decades, he maintained his relevance to both his long-term ardent fans and
younger emerging audiences. There has never been an artist that has offered
inspiration to so many people within the music industry. His songs still have
the ability to affect and influence
music lovers across the world.

What makes Sound & Vision so
special, is their note-perfect recreation of the legend himself and the iconic
musicians he loved to work with. The 7-piece band offers audiences a chance to
fully appreciate each complex nuance of his many, many songs. And they’re all
there… Ziggy Stardust, Life on Mars, Starman, All the Young Dudes, Rebel-Rebel,
China Girl… and so many more.

Chris Burke, has an unmatched vocal similarity to
Bowie. His vocal ability allows you to enjoy each song being performed as you’d
want them to be. Perfectly recreating his voice. Close your eyes… you’d think
he was in the room. But it’s not just about the vocals. The musicianship and
talent of the other band members is truly world class. The line-up includes
Jeff John (Lead Guitar), John Wilmott (Bass), Colin Elward (Keyboards), Simon
Harry (Rhythm Guitar), Gareth Addey (Drums) and Mike Davies (Saxophone).

The show is mesmerising with
lights and a wonderful soundscape, designed to stimulate all your senses… and
it includes a few surprises too. Suitable for all ages, and will have you
dancing in the aisles.

Celebrate David Bowie's amazing
music with us. It’ll be a memorable rock experience with the UK’s best
sound-alike Bowie show.

 

blackburn-empire-It's A Beautiful Noise with Fisher Stevens - The Neil Diamond tribute

It’s A Beautiful Noise with Fisher Stevens – The Neil Diamond tribute

    MUSIC

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Friday 30th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

From London's West End to your doorstep

Immerse yourself in the unparalleled celebration of the legendary Neil Diamond's music with our internationally acclaimed production!

Fisher Stevens Takes Center Stage:
Experience the sheer brilliance of Fisher Stevens, undeniably one of the BEST Neil Diamond impersonators. Direct from the Lyric Theatre in London's Shaftesbury Avenue, Fisher Stevens and our fantastic cast of professional musicians and singers are ready to transport you through five decades of musical brilliance.

A Musical Icon Celebrated:
Neil Diamond, a musical icon with a career spanning over five decades, has left an indelible mark on the music world. From his Brill Building hits to The Jazz Singer and unforgettable live concerts, his legacy is celebrated in every note of this exceptional show.

Sparkling Musical Gems:
Join us on a musical adventure like no other, revisiting over 130 million albums' worth of classic hits. From Love On The Rocks to Sweet Caroline, Forever In Blue Jeans, Song Sung Blue, I am… I Said, America, Cracklin’ Rosie, Red Red Wine, I’m A Believer, and many more – each song is a sparkling gem that has defined generations.

Don't miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration! Secure your tickets now and get ready to be transported through the timeless sounds of Neil Diamond.

 

blackburn-empire-Forever Clapton

Forever Clapton

    MUSIC

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Saturday 11th April 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

A brand new production for 2026 and outstanding tribute to one of the most iconic Blues and Rock guitarists of all time!

Forever Clapton is a fully LIVE 6 piece showband that along with audio-visual displays tells the story of the incredible guitarist Eric Clapton.

Taking you through Clapton's career from 1965 to present day, from the Blues Breakers, to Cream, Derek and the Dominos, and of course those unplugged performances.

This faultless show is performed by Benny "guitar" Smith, who along with his hand picked band perform all the greats such as –
I shot the Sheriff, Lay down Sally, Cocaine, Crossroads, Holy mother, Layla
and so many more iconic songs in this near 2 hour show.