The volunteers of Blackburn Empire Theatre have been named Group of the Year at the 2025 Community Volunteer Awards, recognising more than two decades of passion, commitment, and community spirit.
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The annual awards, hosted by BBC Radio Lancashire’s Graham Liver and held at Ewood Park on Thursday, 6 November, celebrated individuals and groups from across Blackburn with Darwen who make outstanding contributions to local life.
This year’s ceremony received a record 1,200 nominations and recognised 17 winners in categories covering People, Planet, Peace, Place, and Participation.
You can read the full list of winners via the Council’s story here:
🔗 Celebrating community heroes in Blackburn with Darwen
The Heart and Soul of Blackburn’s Cultural Scene
Presenting the award, Graham Liver praised the Blackburn Empire Support Team (BEST) as:
“A passionate, multi-generational team of volunteers who are the heart and soul of Blackburn’s cultural scene.”
He highlighted their work supporting more than 300 events each year, covering ushering, accessibility, box office, admin, bar service, cleaning, and maintenance — summing it up simply:
“They do the lot.”
A Lasting Impact
Each year, BEST helps welcome more than 60,000 audience members to the Blackburn Empire Theatre — from local families to visitors travelling from as far as London, Leeds, and Newcastle.
The team supports relaxed and BSL-interpreted performances, provides free carer tickets, and manages an access register to make bookings more inclusive.
They also work closely with community groups including Blackburn Drama Club, Zoe Taylor Dance Academy, and Made for Stage.
In 2024, their support helped deliver a record 76 performances of Jack and the Beanstalk — including 38 school shows, more than any other theatre in the region. The volunteers are now preparing for an even bigger 2025 pantomime, Snow White.
Voices from the Team
“Volunteering here is a joy – there’s a real family atmosphere. I love meeting new people, helping out, and knowing we’re giving our community something to be proud of.”
— Christine Ward, Volunteer
“This award means the world to our team. Our volunteers give their time, energy, and hearts to keep the theatre running and make every visitor feel welcome. I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of them.”
— Kris Connell, Manager, Blackburn Empire Theatre
More Than an Award
The recognition marks a milestone for the Blackburn Empire volunteers — a celebration of the people who keep the theatre’s lights shining and its doors open.
It’s not just an award, but a tribute to those who give their time, week in and week out, to make sure audiences leave with a smile and a memory to treasure.
