Published Tuesday 26 October 2021 at 11:18
Last week marked the beginning of birthday celebrations for Blackburn’s King George’s Hall, kicking off with a fun-filled centenary party and an exclusive concert from the prestigious Hallé Orchestra, who opened the venue exactly 100 years ago.
King George’s Hall has officially turned 100, and the iconic venue sure knows how to throw a party.
Last Thursday night the Hall opened its doors to welcome hundreds of guests, who were greeted by a plush red carpet, glittering golden decorations and memorabilia-filled picture frames.
The night was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr’s, VIP guests linked to the Hall’s history and our brilliant competition winners – who bagged tickets by sharing their favourite King George’s Hall memories.
We captured some amazing videos with competition winners on the evening that we can’t wait to share with you soon. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to chat with us, it was an honour to have you there and hear your brilliant tales!
The party event was hosted by flamboyant and loveable BBC weatherman, Owain Wyn Evans, who took guests through a jam-packed evening of music and laughter.
After a heart-felt speech from our Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Damian Talbot, Lancashire Dance Academy got the party started with a series of jaw-dropping performances. This was followed by a delicious Lancashire Hotpot, served up by local company Marjory’s Catering.
Classical musicians Paul Barritt and Martin Roscoe then stunned the crowd with a mesmerising rendition of ‘The Lark Ascending’, before talented local popstar Grace Davies took to the stage, warming guests with a touching performance of her brand new single ‘Roots’.
Blackburn’s own comedian and TV-personality Tez Ilyas followed, making the crowd laugh and leaving them a little lost for words with his trademark, on-the-edge humour!
The Mayor, Cllr’s and performers then came together to cut the Hall’s birthday cake.
The night also featured a short commemorative film, reflecting on the last 100 years of King George’s Hall, put together by local marketing company Square Cactus. You can watch the film here:
Finally, local band Supercharged kept guests entertained and up dancing until the early hours with their covers of everyone’s favourite classics.
Anyone who attended the event can see the official pictures here. We’d like to thank everyone for coming – it was an absolute pleasure to have you!
Whilst most of us spent the next day recovering, King George’s Hall was ready to once again welcome over 800 guests to attend another celebration event.
Friday evening saw the prestigious Hallé Orchestra return to the stage, performing the same musical programme their peers did 100 years ago for a special anniversary concert.
A century ago, 60 players performed a variety of Elgar and Wagner — and programmes were just a penny! Nearly 3,000 people attended and the benchmark was set for a future of big names and hit-makers to grace the main stage.
On Friday, guests were once again wowed by the talented Orchestra as they were transported on a breath-taking musical journey, inspired by the same programme from 1921.
Those who attended can view pictures from the night here.
Cllr Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said:
It is a huge honour to be involved with the 100 year celebrations for King George’s Hall.
These events are genuinely contributing to an important part of our borough’s history and adding to its rich cultural heritage.
I hope when the next century rolls round, they look back on these nights and the incredible pictures and memories with fondness – knowing we had the most incredible time!
Thank you so much to everyone who attended – you truly made both evenings a night to never forget.
These two events are just the beginning of a years-worth of celebrations and events planned to mark King George’s Hall’s 100th birthday.
There will be free behind the scenes tours of the building take place over the next 12 months, as well as special performances and more.
Visit www.bwdvenues.com to stay up to date!