Hallé to return for King George’s Hall reopening concert in Blackburn

The Hallé Orchestra will return to Blackburn’s King George’s Hall for a special concert to mark its Grand Civic Reopening after the venue’s £13.5m transformation.

The afternoon event on Sunday, October 18 will bring together classical music and film scores, with works by Shostakovich and Haydn alongside music from Jurassic Park, Moana, Star Wars and A Whole New World from Aladdin.

The Hallé played at the hall’s official opening on October 21, 1921, when almost 3,000 people attended and programmes cost one penny each.

The reopening event will also include a drinks reception, with VIPs from across the region attending.

Tickets have been priced at £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and free for children.

The event will be hosted by the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Mahfooz Hussain, who has also invited youngsters from his chosen charities, Derian House Children’s Hospice and Nightsafe.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said the venue was on the “big countdown” to reopening and described the Hallé’s return as a fitting link to the hall’s history.

He said the hall would welcome performers ranging from Blackburn People’s Choir and James B Partridge to Jason Donovan, with The K’s playing their sell-out official reopening gig the following week and astronaut Tim Peake also on the line-up.

The autumn programme also includes David Essex, The Proclaimers, Rachel Parris, Tez Ilyas, Lucy Beaumont and Shed Seven, with a new panto, The Wizard of Oz, planned for 2026.

Work on the Grade II listed building has included a refreshed exterior, new bars, better seating, upgraded bathrooms, improved accessibility and enhanced sound. The transformation has been funded through a combination of Government and Council investment.

Tickets are now on sale for the Grand Civic Reopening with the Hallé.