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.

 

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!

 

blackburn-empire-LET THE MUSIC PLAY - Celebrating the music of BARRY WHITE

LET THE MUSIC PLAY – Celebrating the music of BARRY WHITE

    MUSIC

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Saturday 14th February 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Direct from the USA, it’s the critically acclaimed Barry White Revue, starring the big man with the big voice – William Hicks.

Get ready to experience the magic of Barry White’s timeless hits, including:You’re the First, the Last, My Everything, Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe, You See the Trouble with Me, Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up, Just the Way You Are, What Am I Gonna Do With You, I’ll Do for You Anything You Want Me To, Baby, We Better Try to Get It Together, Don’t Make Me Wait Too Long, Sho’ You Right, and, of course, Let the Music Play… you’re never more than a song away from another million-selling hit.

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, William’s mesmerising stage presence effortlessly recreates the distinctive style and silky-smooth bass-baritone vocals of the three-time Grammy Award-winner.

Joined on stage by his Soul Unlimited Orchestra and supported by the stunning Motown trio, The Supreme Dreamgirls, this show delivers incredible attention to detail and has really “got it together.”

If you love soul and Motown, you will love this—book your seats now!

100 million records sold, 20 gold and 10 platinum singles – the world loves Barry White, and Barry White loved the world.

 

blackburn-empire-Man of the World: The Music of Peter Green

Man of the World: The Music of Peter Green

    MUSIC

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Friday 16th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Celebrating the life and music of Peter Green, founder of the original Fleetwood Mac. Guitarist Remi Harris will be joined by vocalist Dave Small, bassist Tom Moore and Shane Dixon on drums to perform music from throughout Peter Green's career. Including such classics as Man Of The World, Black Magic Woman, Need Your Love So Bad, Albatross and The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown).

 

blackburn-empire-Oasiz

Oasiz

    MUSIC

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Friday 13th February 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

OASIZ are one of the UK’s most authentic tribute bands, a point proved in 2023 when a short clip of frontman Steve performing as Liam went viral on social media with over half a million views. Many fans were convinced the clip was actually of Liam Gallagher himself, which led to the story being covered in the national press as well as a high-profile TV appearance later that year.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the record-breaking Oasis shows at Knebworth, OASIZ are embarking on their third UK tour – and this is your chance to see them in top form. The setlist will pay homage to the most memorable parts of the Knebworth shows and will also include all the big-hitting, career-spanning anthems that you would associate with a greatest hits tour.

One not to miss!