blackburn-empire-poster-The Kilkennys

The Kilkennys

    MUSIC

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Wednesday 2nd September 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Following a landmark year celebrating 25 years together, The Kilkennys return to the road in 2026 with a brand-new international tour.

Fresh from the release of their acclaimed 25 Year Celebration album, a double release featuring 25 tracks that blend new recordings with fan favourites, the band are bringing their distinctive energy and sound to audiences across Europe and beyond once again.

Renowned for their lively shows and modern take on traditional Irish folk music, The Kilkennys continue to build on their reputation as one of Ireland’s most exciting touring bands. Their 2026 tour showcases the group’s signature harmonies, musicianship, and storytelling, alongside new material developed since the release of their anniversary album.

Featuring Davey Cashin, Tommy Mackey, Mick Martin, and Davey Long, The Kilkennys deliver a performance that celebrates Ireland’s musical spirit, from classic ballads to contemporary folk anthems.

After more than 25 years together, The Kilkennys’ passion for live performance remains as strong as ever, continuing to unite fans through the joy and power of Irish song.

 

blackburn-empire-The Sounds of Philadelphia and Motown Show - Starring Roy G. Hemmings

The Sounds of Philadelphia and Motown Show – Starring Roy G. Hemmings

    MUSIC

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Friday 23rd October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Former Drifters member Roy G Hemmings brings together the sound of three of America’s iconic labels: The Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP), Stax Atlantic and Motown, in one live action-packed show.

Featuring hits by: The
Three Degrees, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Stevie Wonder, Billy Paul, The
Four Tops, Temptations, Marvin Gaye, O’Jays, Otis Redding
plus songs by The Drifters.

Starring the fabulous Roy G. Hemmings

Enjoy hit after hit including: Me & Mrs Jones,
Superstition, Ain’t too Proud to Beg, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted, How
Sweet it is to be Loved by You, Young Hearts Run Free, I’m Coming Out, Love
Train, You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine, Givin’ Up Givin’ In, Get
Ready, When Will I See You Again, Hold Back the Night, Dock of the Bay, My Girl
and lots more.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“An excellent show; thoroughly recommended”

What’s Good to Do

 “The carefree energy and laid-back atmosphere encourages audience
participation that feeds into the feel-good concert”

Frankly My Dear UK

www.RoyGHemmings.com

 

blackburn-empire-The Freddie & QUEEN Experience

The Freddie & QUEEN Experience

    MUSIC

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Saturday 17th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Along with the many fans who mourn the loss of Freddie Mercury, The Freddie & The Queen Experience aim to celebrate the wealth of talent that came together in Queen by recreating, with breathtaking accuracy, the style and excitement of a LIVE Queen concert, which sadly, will never be seen with Freddie Mercury again.

The Freddie & QUEEN Experience are the UK's Premier Queen & Freddie Mercury Tribute Band, who are internationally & critically acclaimed.

The band performs all over the world with sell out shows in the UK & abroad since 2018. Their dynamic tribute to Queen show has headlined many big festivals & selling out theatres across the UK throughout their career. The show is internationally acclaimed, including, most recently, in 2025 they performed a successful month-long theatre tour in Canada. The band have also performed many successful shows in the UAE & in Europe too. They deliver a passionate & energy packed show just full of all QUEEN's greatest hits!

Ian as Freddie Mercury replicates Freddie Mercury's live shows with the looks, mannerisms, vocals, charisma, passion, high energy & showmanship with fun that Freddie was so loved, adored & famous for.

The fully live band, consisting of some of the finest musicians in the UK, perform with replica outfits, instruments & perform a full recreation of QUEEN's live shows, based around QUEEN at their very best, the ’86 ‘Magic Tour’. It's simply a great show not to be missed!

 

blackburn-empire-poster-The Golden Oldies Rock and Roll Show

The Golden Oldies Rock and Roll Show

    MUSIC

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Monday 27th July 2026 at 2:00pm


For one night only

The Golden Oldies Rock and Roll Show is a new show brought to you by the Billy Fury Meets Elvis Presley production team.

The show takes you through the years from the 50s to the 60s with classic songs from Ricky Nelson, Roy Orbison, Billy Fury, Elvis, The Drifters, Cliff Richard, Marty Wilde and many more.

A fabulous trip down memory Lane.

 

blackburn-empire-poster-The Stadium Rock Experience

The Stadium Rock Experience

    MUSIC

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Friday 30th January 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

The Stadium Rock Experience delivers all the excitement of arena rock with classic anthems from the biggest acts!

Described as an audio and visual sensation, the Trigger band are thrilled to return to The Empire Theatre with our esteemed Stadium Rock Experience show. This promises to be an entertaining and uplifting evening, delivering the excitement and spectacle associated with arena rock, with the highest standard of musicianship, and the most popular hit songs from the biggest mainstream rock acts.

The Stadium Rock Experience show includes a variety of staging, visuals, effects and lighting, to recreate the monumental majesty of the arena rock genre. Our set list includes classic anthems from the likes of Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Queen, Status Quo, Kiss, Journey, ABBA, Guns N Roses, Cher, Whitesnake, AC/DC, and Tina Turner amongst many others, which are all energetically performed to keep everyone engaged, excited and participating from the very first song right through to the finale.

When you absolutely, positively need thrilling entertainment, look no further than Trigger: The Stadium Rock Experience!

 

blackburn-empire-The Rod Stewart Songbook

The Rod Stewart Songbook

    MUSIC

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Friday 25th September 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

The Rod Stewart Songbook are delighted to be returning to Blackburn Empire Theatre. 

Their spectacular theatre production is the ultimate homage to Sir Rod Stewart, featuring the sensational Pete McCall. 

⭐️ Rod Stewart’s sister, Mary Cady, said to Pete “you were excellent”.

⭐️ The Hull Daily Mail wrote, “Pete McCall is the next best thing to seeing Rod himself”. 

Along with his fantastic Live Band, you will be taken on a musical journey spanning 50 years, when one of rock music’s greatest icons sold over 250 million records worldwide. 

These unforgettable hits include Sailing, Maggie May, Da Ya Think I’m Sexy, Some Guys Have All The Luck, Baby Jane, Rhythm Of My Heart, You Wear It Well, Hot Legs and many many more.

 

The History of Rock

    MUSIC

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Friday 10th April 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Relive the greatest years of rock live
on stage!

THE HISTORY OF ROCK is back and ready to
take you on the ultimate journey through the genre’s most iconic and
electrifying eras!

Forget the history books—this year,
we're putting a spotlight on the greatest years of rock! From stadium-shaking
concerts and iconic festivals to legendary albums and unforgettable anthems,
prepare for a thrilling, year-by-year celebration of the moments that defined a
generation.

Experience the sound and energy of the
'70s and '80s with a massive, hand-picked setlist featuring a wide mix of
classic rock giants. Think Queen, Fleetwood Mac, AC/DC, Metallica, Black
Sabbath, and many more! Whether it was a pivotal album release or a legendary
live performance, we're bringing the most important milestones of rock history
back to life.

Featuring an exceptional band of
world-class musicians, you’ll hear these iconic songs performed with power,
precision, and passion.

Don't miss the ultimate rock and roll
time machine! Join us for a concert celebration of the greatest years and
relive the music that changed the world.

Book your tickets now and experience THE
HISTORY OF ROCK!

 

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.

 

blackburn-empire-The Everly Brothers & Friends

The Everly Brothers & Friends

    MUSIC

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Sunday 8th March 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

The Temple Brothers (officially voted as the UKs No1 Everly Brothers tribute by the National Tribute Music Awards 2017), faithfully recreate the music and harmonies of one of the greatest and best-loved duo’s of all time – The Everly Brothers.

Just like Don and Phil Everly, The Temple Brothers are real life brothers, and that is why their voices blend so perfectly and sound uncannily like The Everly Brothers themselves.

The Show also stars Buddy Walker giving his awesome tribute to Buddy Holly and the talented Pete Gill’s amazing, piano pumping tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis.

Backed by their all-star band, the show will take you on a walk down memory lane with all the classic songs including Cathys Clown, Walk Right Back, Bird Dog, All I Have to Do is Dream, Let It Be Me, Til I Kissed Ya, Wake Up Little Suzie, When Will I Be Loved, Rave On, True Love Ways, Great Balls of Fire plus many many more…

A spectacular two-hour show which captures the magic that these incredible performers brought to the world.

 

blackburn-empire-The Johnny Cash Roadshow: The Prison Years Tour

The Johnny Cash Roadshow: The Prison Years Tour

    MUSIC

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Thursday 15th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

This year Johnny Cash Roadshow invites you to step into the raw and gritty world of Johnny Cash's prison era with their electrifying show that has captivated audiences for two decades.

Set on a Folsom Prison style stage, this production brings Cash’s most iconic performances to life, immersing you in the raw, unfiltered energy of his legendary concerts behind bars.

Award-winning Clive John, hailed as an exceptional Cash, channels the spirit of the legend with his unique warmth and authenticity. He is joined by the captivating Ashley Cavell as June Carter and an ensemble of world-class musicians.

With standing ovations every night, the Johnny Cash Roadshow is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that leaves audiences yearning for more.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unparalleled celebration of Johnny Cash – the show that keeps his spirit alive, stronger than ever.

“Clive captures my Grandfather JUST as he was.”
Caitlin Crowell, Granddaughter of Johnny Cash