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-Simply Red Tribute: Holding Back The Years

Simply Red Tribute: Holding Back The Years

    MUSIC

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Thursday 27th August 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

With over 50 million albums sold worldwide and a catalogue of chart-topping hits such as "Holding Back The Years", "Stars", "Fairground", “Money’s Too Tight (To Mention)”, and “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”, Simply Red stand as one of Britain’s most iconic bands.

Paying meticulous attention to detail, Holding Back The Years faithfully recreates the authentic Simply Red concert experience. Whether performing in intimate venues or on the largest stages, this tribute band is dedicated to capturing the unique atmosphere and energy of a live Simply Red show.

At the core of Holding Back The Years is an exceptional lead vocalist, supported by a band of world class musicians. Together, they reproduce the distinctive sound and era-defining style of Mick Hucknall and Simply Red.

Join us as we honour one of the greatest British bands in history. Whether you’re a long-time Simply Red fan or simply appreciate superb musicianship and classic hits, you can look forward to a memorable evening filled with timeless music.

 

The Dublin Legends

    MUSIC

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Monday 16th March 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

The Dublin Legends – Sean Cannon, Paul Watchorn, Gerry O’Connor & Shay Kavanagh – keep the spirit of Irish folk music alive, performing all the classic songs and ballads loved the world over: Whiskey in The Jar, Dirty Old Town, The Wild Rover, Seven Drunken Nights, The Rare Auld Times, Molly Malone, The Irish Rover, Black Velvet Band – and many more.

With over 100 years of performing experience between them, the lads have wowed audiences across Europe and beyond, bringing the unmistakable sound of Irish folk to a whole new generation of fans.

It was after the sudden death of founding member Barney McKenna in 2012 and John Sheahan’s decision to retire that it was agreed The Dubliners, as a touring band, would end – and The Dublin Legends were born. Since then, they have carried on the proud tradition, touring extensively and recording albums that celebrate both old favourites and fresh arrangements.

Over the past ten years, the band have continued the legacy of The Dubliners by touring far and wide, playing concerts to a whole new generation of Irish music fans. They have wowed audiences in Iceland, Norway, Finland, The Faroe Islands, Sweden, Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, as well as across England, Scotland & Wales.

From Seven Drunken Nights to Whiskey in The Jar – make sure you join the boys for a pint or two on the road. They would be delighted to see you!

 

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-Ray Quinn - King of Swing

Ray Quinn – King of Swing

    MUSIC

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Wednesday 11th February 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Led by a bona fide star of swing music, Ray Quinn, this concert spectacular celebrates the fabulous music and tells the incredible story of the world-famous Rat Pack.

Ray’s debut album, ‘My Way’, features songs from this golden era of music and entered the UK album chart at number one. It sold 127,000 copies in its first week of release before being certified platinum, selling over 250,000 worldwide.

Featuring all the greatest hits of Sammy Davis Jnr, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and many more timeless classics from the stars of swing and the Rat Pack.

 

blackburn-empire-Just Tina

Just Tina

    MUSIC

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Thursday 26th March 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Come and shake a tail feather with the UK's supreme Tina – Justine – and her talented cast from the hit show Totally TINA!

This breathtaking recreation of a live Tina Turner concert celebrates the golden anniversary of the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll's signature tune Proud Mary. Tina's no-holds-barred take on the song established a reputation for fearsome live performances – and those never-ending legs!

Early hits, including River Deep – Mountain High and Nutbush City Limits, were just a taste of what was to come. We Don't Need Another Hero, Simply the Best, What's Love Got to Do With It, I Don't Wanna Lose You and When the Heartache is Over propelled Tina to stadium concert stardom.

Supported by her dazzling dancing girls in sequins, feathers and diamonds, Justine recreates those famed live performances for one night only.

 

Patience

    MUSIC

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From Wed 22nd April 2026 to Sat 25th April 2026


by Blackburn Gilbert & Sullivan Society – 4 shows to choose from.

In a world gone mad with lovesick ladies and pretentious men, the women abandon their handsome soldiers and instead pursue the fake poet Reginald Bunthorne, who thrives on admiration. But he loves the village milkmaid, Patience, who doesn't like poetry or understand love. When Patience finally learns what love is, it is Reginald’s rival she falls for: Archibald Grosvenor, another insipid poet who thinks all women adore him. All the women (except one) fall for him and desert Bunthorne. Then fashions change, the poets become ordinary and the women return to the soldiers. Just one or two romantic loose ends remain…

 

blackburn-empire-Les Misérables : School Edition

Les Misérables : School Edition

    MUSIC

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From Fri 17th July 2026 to Sun 19th July 2026


by Act One Beginners – 5 shows to choose from.

Following
on from their two previous SOLD OUT productions of Disney's Frozen JR. in July
2024, and Dreamworks Shrek JR. in March 2025, Lancashire based Performing Arts
School, Act One Beginners, are back for FIVE PERFORMANCES in 2026 with the most
popular musical of all time 'Les Misérables'.

Winner
of over 100 international awards and seen by over 65 million people worldwide,
Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human
spirit. Now adapted for high school performers, Les Misérables School Edition
features one of the most memorable scores of all time and some of the most
memorable characters to ever grace your stage.

In 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust
imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment.
He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a life-long
struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector
Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the
Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean
spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured
the heart of Valjean's adopted daughter.

Epic, grand and uplifting, Les Misérables School Edition packs an emotional
wallop that has thrilled audiences all over the world. The sung-through piece
is ideal for a cast of exceptional singers and overflows with melodies that are
already standards. This author-approved edition has been abridged to a running
time of just over two hours, while carefully maintaining the integrity of one
the greatest musicals ever written.

Further
details about Act One Beginners can be found on their
website actonebeginners.uk or
via the usual social media links.

Les
Misérables : School Edition

Performed entirely by
students.

A musical by ALAIN BOUBLIL and CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG

School Edition special adaptation licensed by

MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL and CAMERON MACKINTOSH (OVERSEAS) LIMITED

 

Legends of American Country

    MUSIC

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Thursday 29th January 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Now seen by over 350,000 fans live and watched by
millions on TV, Europe’s No.1 multi-award-winning show "The
Legends of American Country",
 this hit country show returns for
another fantastic night of toe-tapping Country nostalgia!

The upcoming tour will showcase highly
acclaimed tributes to Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Don Williams, Patsy
Cline, Hank Williams, Tammy Wynette
 and Kenny Rogers and
new tributes to icons Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, Garth Brooks and the
new kid on the block Luke Combs 
 with countless other well-known
singalong hit songs  in this must-see musical extravaganza.

"Pure raw Classic  Country at its
best" – CMT

The show also features three superb singers
 who are all accompanied by a fantastic  live band of musicians.
Watch that real authentic Tennessee sound coupled with an authentic stage set
and state-of-the-art production that is guaranteed to transport you all the
way, hand clapping and toe-tapping, to Nashville and back in one night.

One thing is for sure, if it’s Country music
you like then this is the only show in town!

Over 2,000 5-star reviews! 

Country Music Northern Ireland “As
good as Country show that you will see live anywhere outside Nashville “ 

Hot Country TV  “fantastic show
of nostalgic country at its best with superb vocalists and musicians “

 

blackburn-empire-poster-MAMA presents - A Tribute to Genesis

MAMA presents – A Tribute to Genesis

    MUSIC

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Saturday 2nd May 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Experience the power, passion, and precision of one of the UK’s most acclaimed Genesis tribute bands – Mama.

Renowned for their phenomenal musicianship and authentic recreations, Mama faithfully reproduce the sights and sounds of a high-octane Genesis rock concert, bringing fans the very best of this legendary band’s music.

From the progressive early Peter Gabriel years, through the chart-topping Phil Collins era of the 70s and 80s, right up to the band’s final studio album We Can’t Dance, Mama take you on an unforgettable journey through Genesis’ incredible catalogue.

Expect to hear all the classics – In The Cage Medley, Mama, Los Endos, Home By The Sea, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, and Ripples – plus fan favourites such as Follow You Follow Me, In The Air Tonight, No Son Of Mine, Land Of Confusion, and A Trick of The Tail.

Frontman John Wilkinson delivers the unmistakable Phil Collins vocal sound with electrifying accuracy, backed by a line-up of exceptional talent – Andy Keegan (keyboards), Simon D’Vali (guitars), James Cooper (drums), and Dave Jones (bass, 12-string guitar, bass pedals). Together, they create a show bursting with energy, emotion, and musical excellence.

As John says:

“The idea of a Mama show is to celebrate the music of Genesis by having a Genesis party. We’re huge Genesis fans, just like our audience. It’s amazing to meet so many likeminded fans as we tour the UK year after year – they know what they like!”

Join Mama for a night of epic anthems, musicianship, and nostalgia – a spectacular live celebration of Genesis that no true fan should miss!