King George’s Hall celebrates grand reopening with the Hallé Orchestra

Blackburn’s historic King George’s Hall has officially celebrated its grand reopening following a £13.5 million transformation, with a sold-out performance by the world-renowned Hallé Orchestra marking the occasion.

The special concert on Sunday 18 October brought the orchestra back to the venue where it performed at the original opening in 1921, creating a fitting celebration of more than a century of entertainment in Blackburn’s heart.

The Grand Civic Reopening welcomed guests and audiences to experience the newly refurbished Grade II listed building, following the most significant investment in its history.

A £13.5 million transformation

The refurbishment, funded through Government and Blackburn with Darwen Council investment, has brought substantial improvements to the historic venue.

Visitors can now enjoy new bars, upgraded seating, improved toilet facilities and better accessibility, alongside restoration and improvements to the building’s exterior.

The project aims to preserve King George’s Hall’s historic character while creating a more comfortable and welcoming experience for audiences and performers.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, who delivered an opening speech at the event, described the occasion as a historic moment for Blackburn.

“We wanted the Grand Civic Reopening of King George’s Hall to be special and what a triumph it was!” he said.

“King George’s Hall is rightly the jewel in our crown, and it deserved an event as grand as this to celebrate its exciting next chapter.”

The Hallé returns after 105 years

The Hallé Orchestra’s appearance held particular significance, with the orchestra having performed at King George’s Hall’s original opening on 21 October 1921.

Almost 3,000 people attended that first concert, when programmes cost just one penny.

For the reopening celebration, the orchestra performed a programme combining classical favourites by composers including Shostakovich and Haydn with familiar film music from Jurassic Park, Moana, Star Wars and Aladdin.

Conducted by Stephen Bell, Associate Conductor for Hallé Pops, the performance also featured vocalist Izzy Taylor and award-winning trumpet player Matilda Lloyd.

For Bell, the return was particularly meaningful because of his own childhood memories of the venue.

“My Grandad brought me to a brass band concert here in the early 70s, so I go back through the history of this hall too,” he recalled.

He also highlighted the Hallé’s longstanding connection to King George’s Hall, including its appearance at the venue’s centenary celebrations.

Celebrating Blackburn’s entertainment history

Alongside the building’s transformation, a new People’s Archive celebrates the remarkable performers, events and communities that have shaped King George’s Hall over the decades.

Created by Blackburn artist Jamie Holman, the installation features 101 prints displayed throughout the building, together with two illuminated lightbox installations.

The archive captures the venue’s diverse history, from legendary concerts by The Beatles, Queen and David Bowie to bhangra dancing, acid house events, political rallies and sporting occasions.

Holman, whose studio is based nearby at Prism Contemporary, said the hall’s story reflects Blackburn’s rich cultural heritage.

“Its history is an extraordinary reflection of the town’s long history of cultural diversity – something we should all be incredibly proud of,” he said.

The installation gives visitors a chance to discover the memories and stories behind one of Blackburn’s most recognisable buildings.

A special birthday at the reopening

Among those enjoying the celebrations was lifelong Blackburn resident John O’Malley, who marked his 92nd birthday in the front row.

Wearing a blue birthday sash and his Blackburn Rovers tie, John shared memories of attending Saturday night dances at King George’s Hall with his wife, Joan, and watching performers including Frankie Vaughan during the 1960s.

“King George’s Hall has always been incredibly special to me,” he said.

“When I was a teenager, I would meet with the lads in the pub before heading to King George’s Hall to a dance on a Saturday night.”

To celebrate John’s birthday, Councillor Mahmood presented him with a bouquet of blue and white flowers and a birthday card.

His memories reminded everyone of the generations of Blackburn residents who have enjoyed concerts, dances and special occasions at the venue.

A new chapter for King George’s Hall

The grand reopening marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of Blackburn’s best-known entertainment landmarks.

The Hallé concert launches a busy programme of live performances, including music, comedy and family entertainment.

Upcoming attractions include The Proclaimers, comedian Jimmy Carr’s Killing Jokes tour and the 2026 Christmas pantomime, The Wizard of Oz.

With its newly refurbished facilities and a programme of major entertainment, King George’s Hall is looking to build on its history while attracting new generations of visitors.

Source: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, 19 October 2026.