Information for Promoters

Welcome to the Blackburn Empire Theatre.
This page provides key information and guidance for promoters whose shows are hosted at the theatre.

Marketing and Communications

All marketing, website, and promotional activity for the Blackburn Empire Theatre is managed by Square Cactus.

Please direct all enquiries, content updates, offers, discounts, e-shots, press releases, and website amendments to:
📩 support@squarecactus.co.uk

Square Cactus also manages our website content, email campaigns, social media activity, and advertising support.

1. Ticketing and Listings

  • Your show will appear on our website, and tickets are sold via Ticketsolve.

  • Please review your listing to ensure the title, times, images, copy, and ticket prices are correct.

  • To request any changes, contact support@squarecactus.co.uk.

  • Ticket Sales Reports are issued every Monday at 8am to the nominated email addresses.

2. Facebook Event & Promotion

  • A Facebook Event will be created, and a co-host request will be sent to your page.

  • Events are also listed on Blackburn Life’s online What’s On section.

  • Blackburn Life, operated by Square Cactus, can offer extra promotional opportunities such as competitions, interviews, or ticket giveaways.

To accept your co-host request:

  1. Log into your Facebook page.

  2. Visit the event and click Accept Co-Host Request.

3. Print Requirements

Please send all printed materials directly to the Theatre.

Recommended quantities:

  • A5: 500 minimum

  • A3: 10

  • A2: 5

  • Outdoor PVC Banner: maximum 6ft x 3ft (landscape)

  • Pull-up Banners: welcome if available

We do not provide leaflet or poster distribution services.

4. Email Campaigns & E-Shots

Every show at Blackburn Empire Theatre is entitled to one complimentary solus e-shot to our mailing list of over 7,500 subscribers.

Please let us know when you would like this scheduled in relation to your show date so we can plan the timing effectively.

In addition to this solus e-shot:

  • All new shows automatically feature in our Weekly “New on Sale” email.

  • Around 8–10 weeks before your performance, your listing will appear in our Weekly “What’s On Soon” email.

If you would like to arrange additional solus e-shots, these can be provided at cost.
For scheduling or pricing, please contact Square Cactus at support@squarecactus.co.uk.

5. Press Releases

All press releases and media communications for shows at Blackburn Empire Theatre are coordinated by Square Cactus.

If you would like a press release created or distributed, please email support@squarecactus.co.uk with the following details:

  • Show title and performance dates

  • Production company or key cast details

  • A short summary or show description

  • High-resolution images (minimum 1MB preferred)

  • Any quotes or special information for inclusion

Square Cactus will prepare and distribute your press release through the theatre’s regular media network, including:

  • The Blackburn Empire Theatre website

  • Blackburn Life’s online What’s On listings

  • Local and regional media contacts (Lancashire Telegraph, BBC Radio Lancashire, and others)

If you have already prepared a release, please send it to support@squarecactus.co.uk before issuing to ensure consistency with the theatre’s overall marketing and branding.

6. Media & Press Contacts

We work regularly with local press contacts including:

Square Cactus can assist in preparing press releases, competitions, or features to support media coverage.

7. Advertising & Competitions

  • Facebook Ads: can be arranged and managed by Square Cactus, recharged at cost via settlement.

  • Target audiences typically include people aged 25–65+ within a 30-minute drive of the theatre.

  • Boosted posts perform best when scheduled at 8am, 1pm, or 6pm on weekdays.

  • Competitions: We can arrange short social media competitions (e.g., Monday–Wednesday) to drive awareness and early sales.

All paid advertising and competitions must be coordinated through support@squarecactus.co.uk.

8. Promotional Scheduling System

We use a bespoke in-house scheduling system to plan and deliver promotional content for all upcoming shows.

This unique algorithm prioritises events within the next four calendar months, automatically adjusting the intensity and frequency of posts based on factors such as ticket sales, engagement, and audience interest.

The system ensures every production receives consistent, fair, and effective coverage across our website, social media, and email channels.

9. Groups, Offers & VIP List

Our VIP mailing list reaches over 7,500 local subscribers.

Promoters can request:

  • Early bird or group discount codes

  • Flash ticket promotions

  • Limited-time competitions

All offers, discounts, and promotional codes should be approved and set up via Square Cactus.

10. Website & Social Media

  • Your show may feature on the website home page outside the pantomime season.

  • Supplied teaser videos are added to our online What’s On playlist.

  • We do not offer Facebook header graphics.

  • Website copy, image updates, or other content changes should be sent to support@squarecactus.co.uk.

11. Additional Promotion

  • Exit Leafleting: carried out as standard.

  • Window Vinyls: not available.

  • Postal Mailshots: no longer used.

  • Radio Advertising: not recommended due to limited local return.

  • Local Magazines: The Carrier Pigeon is the only free direct-to-door magazine – thecarrierpigeon.co.uk.

12. Marketing Support

Square Cactus provides complete marketing and promotional support for shows at Blackburn Empire Theatre.

For all promotional queries, advertising options, press releases, competitions, or content updates, please contact:
📩 support@squarecactus.co.uk

Thank you for working with Blackburn Empire Theatre.
We look forward to helping make your show a success.