Promoter Information and Digital Guidelines
This page provides key information and guidance for promoters whose shows are hosted at Blackburn Empire Theatre, including ticketing, listings, print, press, email campaigns, promotional support and the images, video and copy we need to promote your show effectively.
“`Marketing and communications
All marketing, website and promotional activity for Blackburn Empire Theatre is coordinated through the theatre’s marketing team.
Please send all content updates, show copy, image updates, video links, seating requests, complimentary ticket requests, ticket sales report requests, website amendments, offers, discounts, e-shots, press releases and promotional queries to marketing@blackburnempire.com.
Please also let us know who should receive ticket sales reports, which email addresses they should be sent to, and how often you would like to receive them.
This helps us keep all show information, ticketing requests, promotional material and campaign planning in one place.
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.
Ticket sales reports are normally issued every Monday at 8am to the nominated email addresses, unless otherwise agreed.
Please tell us where ticket sales reports should be sent and how often you would like to receive them.
Any seating requests, complimentary ticket requests or ticketing-related updates should be sent to marketing@blackburnempire.com.
2. Facebook event and 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.
- Log into your Facebook page.
- Visit the event.
- Click Accept Co-Host Request.
3. Digital content and image requirements
To help your show look its best across the Blackburn Empire Theatre website, social media, email campaigns and advertising, please supply high-quality images and promotional content as early as possible.
Essential image requirement
As an absolute minimum, please supply a strong 16:9 landscape image for your show.
- Minimum size: 1280 x 720 pixels
- Format: high-quality JPG or PNG
- Aspect ratio: 16:9 landscape
- Larger files are welcome if they keep the same aspect ratio
- Clear, sharp images with minimal text work best
Recommended image sizes
Alongside the 16:9 image, please also send any other image formats you have available. These sizes are especially useful:
Best types of images to send
- Performance photographs
- Cast or artist images
- Clean production shots
- Performer images without text
- Landscape images suitable for website listings
- Square images suitable for Meta advertising and social media posts
- Portrait images suitable for Instagram, Facebook and stories
Please avoid relying only on poster-style artwork with lots of text. Text-heavy graphics are harder to read on mobile, in website crops and in social media placements.
4. Video content
Video content is very welcome. Please send either direct video files or links to hosted videos.
Links can include YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Dropbox, Google Drive, WeTransfer or similar services.
- 16:9 landscape video for website, YouTube and general use
- 1:1 square video for Meta and social media feeds
- 9:16 vertical video for stories, reels, TikTok and mobile-first placements
- Videos under 60 seconds usually perform best for social media
We may upload video directly to our social media channels where this is likely to improve reach. Please let us know if direct uploads are not permitted.
5. Website copy
Please send clear and engaging show copy to marketing@blackburnempire.com.
Useful information includes:
- Show title
- Date and time
- Running time, if known
- Age guidance, if applicable
- Short description
- Longer show description
- Production company or promoter name
- Cast, performer or company information
- Reviews, quotes or awards
- Any access notes, warnings or special information
6. Print requirements and logos
If you need to use the Blackburn Empire Theatre logo in artwork or printed material, please use only the approved logo files.
- Logos are available in RGB for web and CMYK for print.
- Do not edit, recolour, stretch, outline, redraw or add effects to the logo.
- If used in video or animated graphics, the logo must remain static.
Download the official logo pack
- A5 flyers: 500 minimum
- A3 posters: 10
- A2 posters: 5
- Standard-sized pull-up banners can be accommodated
- Outdoor vinyl banners can be accommodated in landscape format
- Absolute maximum outdoor banner size: 8ft x 3ft landscape
Please send all printed materials directly to the theatre. We do not provide leaflet or poster distribution services.
Booking Office, Blackburn Empire Theatre, Aqueduct Road, Blackburn BB2 4HT.
A note for couriers: the Booking Office is accessed via the rear car park, not the theatre public entrance.
7. Email campaigns and e-shots
Every show is entitled to one complimentary solus e-shot to our mailing list of over 10,000 subscribers.
- New shows automatically feature in our weekly New on Sale email.
- Around 8 to 10 weeks before your performance, your listing will appear in our weekly What’s On Soon email.
- Additional solus e-shots can be provided at cost.
8. Press releases
All press releases and media communications are coordinated through the theatre’s marketing team.
Please email the show title, dates, production details, description, images, quotes and any special information to:
9. Media and press contacts
We work regularly with local media contacts, including:
- John Anson, Lancashire Telegraph – john.anson@nqnw.co.uk – 01254 298262
- Lancashire Telegraph contact page
- Send news to the Lancashire Telegraph
- BBC Radio Lancashire contact information
10. Advertising and competitions
Paid social media advertising can be arranged and managed where appropriate, recharged at cost via settlement.
Short social media competitions can also be arranged where they are likely to support awareness, engagement or early ticket sales.
Please contact marketing@blackburnempire.com to discuss advertising, competitions or additional promotional support.
11. Promotional scheduling system
We use a bespoke in-house scheduling system to plan and deliver promotional content for upcoming shows.
The system prioritises events within the next four calendar months and adjusts the intensity and frequency of posts based on factors such as ticket sales, engagement and audience interest.
This helps ensure every production receives consistent, fair and effective coverage across our website, social media and email channels.
12. Groups, offers and VIP list
Our VIP mailing list reaches over 10,000 local subscribers.
- Early bird or group discount codes
- Flash ticket promotions
- Limited-time competitions
All offers, discounts and promotional codes should be approved and set up through the theatre’s marketing team.
13. Website and social media
Your show may feature on the website home page outside the pantomime season.
- Supplied teaser videos may be added to our online What’s On playlist.
- We do not offer Facebook header graphics.
- Website copy, image updates, content changes, seating requests and complimentary ticket requests should be sent to marketing@blackburnempire.com.
Please send content to marketing@blackburnempire.com.
14. Additional promotion
- Exit leafleting: carried out as standard where suitable.
- 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.
15. Marketing support
Blackburn Empire Theatre provides marketing and promotional support for shows hosted at the theatre.
For promotional queries, advertising options, press releases, competitions, image updates, video content, website changes, seating requests, complimentary ticket requests or ticket sales report updates, please contact:
Thank you
Thank you for working with Blackburn Empire Theatre. Supplying strong images, useful video content and clear show information as early as possible helps us promote your production more effectively.