What’s On

Age UK Blackburn with Darwen is holding its annual Christmas stock launch at its Darwen shop on Friday 30th November 10am to 4.30pm.  So if you’re looking for something new for the festive season why not call in to see if you can pick up a bargain or two! A wide range of party wear for all the family, bags, …

This December, King George’s Hall welcomes The Bon Jovi Experience, the worlds only Bon Jovi tribute to have performed live on stage with Jon Bon Jovi himself. In 1994 a group of friends from Crewe, Nantwich and Dudley formed a small tribute band to Bon Jovi. Performing in pubs and clubs, they had no idea that they would become, not …

This Christmas, Blackburn Empire Theatre and Pendle Productions proudly present the pantomime, Peter Pan, playing from Friday 30th November 2018 to Wednesday 2nd January 2019. Peter Pan takes the Darling children and the audience on a magical journey to Never Never Land in this classic British pantomime. Peter, the boy who wouldn’t grow up, and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, …

British rock music phenomena, The Sweet, have announced their 50th-anniversary world tour, including a stop at King George’s Hall this December. A must-see show for 2018! With over 55 million records sold and 34 number one hits worldwide, they are quintessential glam rockers who brought androgynous looks and crunching guitar pop to the masses. One of the most influential British …

Age UK Blackburn with Darwen are starting a new Tai Chi class for the over 50’s led by a qualified tutor. “Tai Chi is a gentle form of exercise which helps improve mobility, balance and general overall fitness. It is suitable for all levels of ability including people with mobility problems. We would encourage people to come along and try …

Multi award winning author to promote the first ever “Great North West Read” at Darwen Library In a first of its kind, public library authorities across the North West region will be promoting one book during November. Sharon Bolton’s “The Craftsman” is a tense thriller with a young female police constable investigating a series of murders in Lancashire in the 1970s, …

Allelujah! by Alan Bennett ‘Leaves you bobbing on a wave of happiness’ Independent Alan Bennett’s sharp and hilarious new play is ‘just what the doctor ordered’ (Daily Telegraph). Filmed live at London’s Bridge Theatre during its limited run, don’t miss this ‘rousing chorus line for the NHS’ (Observer) at Darwen Library Theatre this December. The Beth, an old fashioned cradle-to-grave …

Bay City Rollers icon Les McKeown is at it again! He’s back on tour, bringing his fantastic show to King George’s Hall! The tour promises to be a unique voyage back to the 1970s, when Les and his legendary band ruled the world’s pop charts and The Bay City Rollers’ music became the soundtrack for a generation of teenagers. Les …

This November, Elsa Jean McTaggart brings her deeply personal, poignant tribute to Darwen Library Theatre in Eva Cassidy: The Story. Through video, voice and song Elsa presents a tribute to the inspirational voice of Eva Cassidy. With her voice, guitar and piano accompaniment, Elsa brings alive the essence of Eva as she relates the songs to the beautiful and moving …

This November, Darwen Library Theatre welcomes Britain’s Strongest Man and star of hit Netflix documentary, Strong Man, Eddie Hall. From truck mechanic to superstar, it’s been an incredible journey for Eddie, taking him across the globe breaking world records. Eddie won the World’s Strongest Man competition in 2017, the first Brit for 24 years, and remains the only person ever to …

Following the success of their album Pop Voodoo (Universal Music), which showcased the band’s first new material in 20 years, Black Grape have announce a series of shows, including a stop at King George’s Hall this November. As Irvine Welsh writes in the band’s biography: “I’m delighted to report that Black Grape are back on the road, and with new …

Since learning their craft in the folk clubs of their native Lancashire over 40 years ago, the group – Tony Berry, Steve Millington, David Littler and Jim Berry – have performed thousands of concerts, recorded over 30 albums, starred in their own highly successful BBC TV series, Sit Thi Deawn, which had the highest viewing figures for any regional TV …

This November, Blackburn Empire Theatre welcomes Brassed Off by Mark Herman (adapted by Paul Allen) With Blackburn Drama Club and Blackburn and Darwen Band. Grimley Colliery is set to close as the accountants say there’s more money in it shut than open, even after redundancy payments. It means 1200 job losses, a dying town and the loss of its brass …

Fresh from hosting Live at the Apollo and another total sell out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Dane Baptiste brings his third smash hit show to King George’s Hall this November. Original, provocative and exceptionally crafted, G.O.D. (Gold. Oil. Drugs) explores our worldwide pursuit of wealth, power and pleasure. As seen on 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (Channel …

Following the release of his critically lauded new album Hearts That Strain last year, Jake Bugg heads to King George’s Hall this November as part of his solo acoustic tour. The shows continue Jake’s ‘Hearts That Strain’ tour, a series of solo acoustic shows that included 15 dates across the country last November and a further 16 this spring. This stripped back …

This November, Stone Foundation bring their Midlands funk and soul tradition to King George’s Hall. Think of Sly and the Family Stone, Dexys Midnight Runners and The Specials. Then think again, because the clue’s in the name! Their sound is a fine blend of all that has come to pass; from the blues and early R’n’B, through to soul and …

Multi-award-winning drama The Madness of George III will be broadcast live to Darwen Library Theatre this November, in National Theatre Live’s first ever broadcast from Nottingham Playhouse. Written by one of Britain’s best-loved playwrights, Alan Bennett (The History Boys, The Lady in the Van), this epic play was also adapted into a BAFTA Award-winning film following its premiere on stage …

GAGA make welcome return to Darwen Library Theatre in November with their 20th Anniversary Tour: a show packed with massive Queen hits spanning across the legendary band’s back catalogue. From numerous Queen conventions to TV appearances, GAGA have consistently proved why they are so highly rated by critics and audiences alike. There are no wigs, no make-up and definitely no …

Debussy Prélude à l’après midi d’un faune (arr. Farrington) Françaix Wind Quintet No.1 Ravel Introduction and Allegro Saint–Saëns Fantaisie for violin and harp Debussy La Mer (arr. Farrington) Kyra Humphreys director/violin This November, King George’s Hall welcomes the Royal Northern Sinfonia with a spectacular concert of French music as part of the 2018/19 Blackburn Classics season. The concert begins with …

Here’s our list of events for Half Term in & around Blackburn & Darwen from Monday, 22nd October to Sunday, 28th October 2018. Please note that you may need to purchase tickets for some of the events below. To avoid disappointment, please contact the venues to make sure that there are still tickets/places available if you are planning to attend …

This November, join The Soul Convicts at King George’s Hall for a night of live Motown, soul, pop and funk. It’s been a crazy 12 months for The Soul Convicts. From supporting Madness and Paul Young to performing at the British Grand Prix. But they’re back in their hometown for a night of music to move to! The experienced 10-piece …

An amazing eight-piece show, featuring four stunning vocalists and one of the hottest rhythm sections ever assembled returns to Blackburn Empire Theatre this November. Baby I Need Your Lovin’ is an epic soul review show paying homage to the immense Tamla Motown back catalogue, 1960 – 1976. Starring the Hitsville vocalists: Lucia Matisse, Emma Kelsey and the Soul Meister himself, …

Following the recent revival of one of the most popular and iconic entertainers of the last 40 years, Blackburn Empire Theatre are proud to present an affectionate tribute to the force of nature that is Meat Loaf this November. ‘Rock & Roll Dreams Came True’ features all the Meat Loaf classics: from the extraordinary ‘Bat Out of Hell’, to the …

The undisputed kings of musical comedy, The Lancashire Hotpots are carrying on and they’re back at King George’s Hall to bring you their unique blend of madcap music and laughs! Stop messing about and get ready for the biggest party night of the year. Expect to hear all your Hotpot favourites, including Shopmobility Scooter, I Fear Ikea and Chippy Tea …

The Mall Blackburn has lined up a whole host of ghoulish goings on for the scariest school holiday of them all! From Monday 22nd October until Sunday 28th October the shopping centre’s Victoria Court will be transformed into a free, fun filled spook fest. Ghosts, ghouls, witches and wizards will provide hours of entertainment with spine-tingling stories, action-packed activities and …

The Mersey Beatles’ Get Back Tour will play the same towns, cities and historic venues the original Fab Four rocked in the 1960s, including King George’s Hall this November! The Mersey Beatles have appeared on stage at Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club more than 600 times and have been playing to sell-out theatres around the world for almost 20 years. They …

“The tolling of the iron bell calls the faithful to their knees to hear the softly spoken magic spells.” Iron Bell – The Music of Pink Floyd returns to Darwen Library Theatre this November after headlining in the theatre at Darwen Live in 2017. The six piece band brought a packed ecstatic crowd to their feet after a tour de …

“George don’t do that.” Joyce Grenfell was a British comedienne, and queen of the comic monologue. An acclaimed comedy performer on stage, radio and television. This October at Darwen Library Theatre, Kimberley Russel re-imagines her iconic creations in a one woman show, performing Joyce’s monologues and songs, as she takes us on a journey through smiles and thoughts and tears. …

Roy Chubby Brown is back at Blackburn Empire Theatre this November and he’s as naughty as ever. His choice of language and his politically incorrect jokes are all delivered with a cheeky grin and perfect comedy timing. His trademark flying helmet and goggles, coupled with his coat of many patches, make him instantly recognisable as the man who put the …

“What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” This November, the award winning Box Tale Soup (Northanger Abbey) present Oscar Wilde’s haunting story of evil, debauchery and scandal, featuring puppetry and a powerful original soundtrack at Darwen Library Theatre. Dorian Gray, young and exceptionally beautiful, sinks deep into a frivolous lifestyle …