Today, Friday 14th September, is a special day in Blackburn Empire Theatre’s history. Today in 1998, we started the 20-Year Dream appeal.
The 20-Year Dream began to raise funds to restore an old, disused cinema in Ewood into the theatre we now call Blackburn Empire Theatre.
In 1998, the building was not functioning for the intended purpose of a theatre. But, in the last 20 years, amazing changes have happened. In the first seven years of The 20 Year Dream, we managed to raise £800,000 from generous businesses and the kind public.
In 2002, we opened the stalls, followed by the balcony in 2005.
This could not have happened without the hard work of the theatre’s volunteers, sponsors, staff members and groups.
They helped us to make a very special place in Ewood.
The theatre has had an incredible journey in those 20 years and has grown to become an extraordinary theatre which continues to thrive.
Today is also a proud day for me personally. I have been lucky enough to be involved in the growth of Blackburn Empire Theatre, and to have had the pleasure of the friendship and incredible support from many people.
Our thanks go to all the brilliant staff, volunteers, directors, sponsors and media.
But we also want to say a special thank you to the wonderful audiences, past and present, that we have the pleasure of welcoming.
We ask that everyone keeps working hard to support us.
Let’s see what we can achieve for Blackburn Empire Theatre in the next 20 years!