blackburn-empire-The ELO Encounter - Face the Music

The ELO Encounter – Face the Music

    MUSIC

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Sunday 23rd August 2026 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.

★★★★★ “An incredible evening! It isn't often we get shows of your calibre!” — Muni Theatre, Colne
★★★★★ “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
★★★★★ “Certainly went down a storm!” — Quay Theatre
★★★★★ “Best Tribute band we have seen at the Fisher.” — Fisher Theatre

 

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-Thank ABBA for the Music

Thank ABBA for the Music

    MUSIC

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Sat 7th February at 2:30pm & Sat 7th February 2026 at 7:30pm


Grab your platforms and flares for a journey back in time to when ABBA dominated the charts and ruled the airwaves!

Thank ABBA For The Music is a two-hour theatre ABBA-fest that captures all of the magic and excitement of one of pop history's most successful and entertaining live bands. Featuring all of ABBA's greatest hits, including Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Mamma Mia, Take A Chance On Me, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Knowing Me Knowing You, SOS, Fernando, Super Trouper and many more!

With stunning costumes, a 7-piece live band, interactive video projection, some tongue-in-cheek Swedish humour, and of course ABBA’s spectacular trademark harmonies – this is the ultimate feel-good party show!

ABBA and 70’s fancy dress optional…but encouraged!

★★★★★ ‘FABBATASTIC NIGHT OUT! – Times & Star
★★★★★ ‘THE BIGGEST PARTY WITH THE UK’S BEST ABBA TRIBUTE’ – The Sands Centre, Carlisle
★★★★★ ‘YOU WERE AMAZING!’ – The Sage Gateshead

Disclaimer: Thank Abba For The Music is a tribute show and is not affiliated or endorsed by the original artist or management company. www.thankabbaforthemusic.co.uk

 

blackburn-empire-The History of Rock

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 Big Yellow Tambourine Man Band  Celebrate The Iconic Music of Bob Dylan & Joni Mitchell

The Big Yellow Tambourine Man Band Celebrate The Iconic Music of Bob Dylan & Joni Mitchell

    MUSIC

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Sunday 7th June 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Bob Dylan & Joni Mitchell are both ranked in Rolling Stone’s ‘Top Ten Singer-Songwriters of All Time’ and their legacy is honoured in this stunning tribute, ‘The Big Yellow Tambourine Man Band’.

With unrivalled musical authenticity this multi-instrumentalist five-piece covers all the hits including ‘Like a Rolling Stone’, ‘Both Sides Now’, ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’, and ‘Big Yellow Taxi’. The band is fronted by Bob Thomson and Isabelle Nutton as Bob and Joni.

An exhilarating evening of songwriting genius, expertly presented with passion and humour. Audiences will be taken on a journey through Joni’s and Bob’s histories, poetry and artistry, their trademark guitars and pianos backed by a full band and augmented with the evocative sounds of the Wurlitzer, harmonica and dulcimer.

Be totally swept along on the trip by loving recreations of the pair’s most recognisable finery, with stops in Greenwich Village, Laurel Canyon, Isle of Wight and beyond. This talented and enigmatic freewheelin’ five-piece with an eye for detail will make you feel like you’re really there, man…

 

blackburn-empire-STRONG ENOUGH – Ultimate Tribute Concert to Cher

STRONG ENOUGH – Ultimate Tribute Concert to Cher

    MUSIC

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Thursday 22nd October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Get ready for an unforgettable evening, celebrating the global superstar and great female icon that is Cher.
Featuring all of the classic hits including Turn Back Time, I Found Someone, Believe, Strong Enough, Gypsies Tramps and Thieves, her modern Abba remixes and many more.

This is one show-stopping dazzling extravaganza you do not want to miss!
This show will take you on a musical journey from the Dark Lady days, to the rocking 80’s perm days and the celebration disco hits as we TURN BACK TIME and celebrate the queen of pop and rock.

‘Strong Enough’ features 25 smash hits, six decades of stardom and enough costume changes to cause a sequins shortage…
With full live band and dancers, come along and experience the passion, the flair and the glitter!

 

blackburn-empire-ONE VOICE – The Music of Barry Manilow

ONE VOICE – The Music of Barry Manilow

    MUSIC

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Saturday 12th September 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Prepare to be mesmerized by an extraordinary tribute to the legendary Barry Manilow!

Experience the magic in this spectacular live concert, featuring a full band, dazzling showgirls, and an electrifying celebration of Manilow’s iconic music and career.

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening as you journey through a collection of timeless hits, including:

Copacabana, Mandy, I Write the Songs, Can’t Smile Without You, I Made It Through the Rain, Could It Be Magic, and many more!

Join us for a night of nostalgia, passion, and pure musical brilliance as we pay tribute to one of the greatest entertainers of all time.

This is more than just a concert—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t want to miss!

 

blackburn-empire-poster-Pinked Floyd

Pinked Floyd

    MUSIC

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Friday 10th July 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Pinked Floyd are delighted to return to one of their favourite venues, the Empire Theatre Blackburn, with a spectacular evening packed with cherished favourites from the timeless albums:

Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, The Division Bell, Wish You Were Here, Animals, A Momentary Lapse of Reason — as well as delving deeper into the Floyd back catalogue.

This band of quality performers have an almost fanatical devotion to reproducing the very best versions of tracks from original albums, studio sessions, and Pink Floyd’s famous live tours for their audience’s pleasure.

Expect:

  • Stunning guitar riffs

  • Spine-tingling keyboards

  • Saxophone solos

  • Beautiful female vocal harmonies

  • Thumping bass and rhythm lines
    All held together by charismatic front man Russ Samuels.

To complete the sensory experience, there is a mesmerising light and laser show complete with the iconic circular video screen – making this a night not to miss for lovers of Pink Floyd.

 

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