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-Stax of Soul - Still Groovin’ Tour 2026

Stax of Soul – Still Groovin’ Tour 2026

    MUSIC

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Friday 20th March 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

43 years on… the rhythm remains, the soul endures; the music lives on, and so do we.

After another sensational run in 2025, STAX of SOUL return to The Empire with their Still Groovin’ Tour 2026! From their Manchester beginnings in 1983 to more than four decades of delivering powerhouse soul, the band keeps the music alive, celebrating the hits, the memories, and the fans who’ve made it all possible.

Prepare for an electrifying evening as this legendary nine-piece band brings the greatest soul sounds to life, backed by their signature brass section and unstoppable stage energy. STAX of SOUL delivers timeless classics from Stax, Atlantic, Motown, and Northern Soul, paying tribute to icons such as James Brown and The Blues Brothers.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration! Tickets for STAX of SOUL’s Still Groovin’ Tour 2026 at The Empire are expected to sell fast — secure yours now and join the legacy.

Featuring over 30 classic soul anthems:
~ Get Ready ~ Higher and Higher ~ Tenderness ~ My Girl ~ Stand By Me ~ (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction ~ Give Me Just A Little More Time ~ The Snake ~ Gimme Some Lovin’ ~ Minnie The Moocher ~ Shake a Tail Feather ~ Hold On, I’m Comin’ ~ Soul Man ~ I Got You (I Feel Good) ~ Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag ~ In the Midnight Hour ~ It’s The Same Old Song ~ Stop Her On Sight ~ and many more.

 

blackburn-empire-Sound & Vision – A tribute to David Bowie

Sound & Vision – A tribute to David Bowie

    MUSIC

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Thursday 29th October 2026 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 guaranteed to 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-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-Sugar Pie Honey Bunch

Sugar Pie Honey Bunch

    MUSIC

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Friday 5th June 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

THE ONLY AMERICAN TRIBUTE SHOW CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF THE FOUR TOPS AND OTHER LEGENDARY MOTOWN ARTISTS TOURING THE UK

Paying homage to the legends, vocal group Soul Satisfaction brings the Motown magic back to the stage in a live concert with powerful vocals, splendid harmonies and high stepping dance routines.

You will be taken on a journey through all the hits of the Four TopsReach Out, Baby I Need Your Loving, Walk Away Renée, Same Old Song, Loco in Acapulco, Standing In the Shadow, Bernadette – along with other classic hits from the golden era, including songs from The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Marvin Gaye, Ben E. King and many more Motown and soul legends.

One of Motown’s most legendary songwriters, Eddie Holland, from the Holland-Dozier-Holland team (responsible for all of the Four Tops’ greatest hits as well as other Motown classics), said:

"Soul Satisfaction is one of the most professional and tightest vocal groups that I have seen – and I have seen many groups in my time!"
Eddie Holland

Performed as it was back in the day, this show is world class!

Soul Satisfaction Guaranteed!
Reach Out and Get Ready Cos Here They Come!

DISCLAIMER: This show is a tribute, concept style show and not affiliated or endorsed by any original artistes/estates/management. Promoter reserves the right to alter the programme at any given time.

 

blackburn-empire-Rave On

Rave On

    MUSIC

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Saturday 21st March 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Rave On is the 50s and 60s musical sensation sweeping the nation!

From the emergence of Rock and Roll at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, to the British Invasion and beyond, this is a musical adventure you won’t want to miss.

Charting the meteoric rise of Rock and Roll, Rave On is a thrilling tour through music’s most revolutionary decades. Join us for an exhilarating evening of toe-tapping, sing-along iconic classics, vibrant vintage costumes, colourful staging, and dancing in the aisles!

Take a step back in time and experience the history of rock and roll music like never before. Rave On includes hits from the likes of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Connie Francis, Neil Sedaka, Little Richard, Roy Orbison, Lulu, The Beach Boys, and many more.

No modern gimmicks—just note-perfect renditions of the most loved sounds from the decades that gifted us Rock and Roll.

Performed by an incredibly talented, era-obsessed group of young musicians, this brand-new show features leading performers from West End productions including The Buddy Holly Story, Million Dollar Quartet, and Dreamboats & Petticoats.

Transporting you back to the fabulous 50s and swinging 60s in stunningly authentic style, Rave On promises to be a musical experience like no other.

 

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!