Published Thursday 14 October 2021 at 12:20
Listen as Cllr Damian Talbot appeals for your King George’s Hall memories, giving you the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime tickets to celebrations for Blackburn’s iconic venue – featuring popstar Grace Davies, comedian Tez Ilyas, weatherman Owain Wyn Evans and more.
This morning, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture at Blackburn with Darwen Council, Cllr Damian Talbot, spoke to Graham Liver and Leanne Pilkington on BBC Radio Lancashire.
The trio discussed the exciting upcoming birthday celebrations that are taking place at King George’s Hall, as well reminiscing on the incredible history of the venue and the role it plays in our borough.
One of the key birthday events is a red carpet party night, happening next Thursday October 21st, to mark the opening of the historic hall exactly 100 years ago.
It will feature music from chart-topping, Blackburn-raised popstar Grace Davies, laughs from Blackburn’s own comedian and TV-personality Tez Ilyas, and a performance from local dance troupe Lancashire Dance Academy, all hosted by the everyone’s favourite weatherman Owain Wyn Evans.
To be in with a shot of winning tickets to the exclusive celebrations, Blackburn with Darwen Council are asking you to share your own stories and memories of King George’s Hall.
Simply like, share and comment on this post via Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Facebook page!
Cllr Talbot, Graham and Leanne even shared some brilliant memories of their own attached to the Hall! You can listen in the clip below.
There’s 25 sets of two tickets up for grabs and the competition closes on Sunday 17th October.
The best stories may even feature as part of a retrospective project showcasing 100 years of the Hall – so be sure to make them interesting.
When Blackburn’s new concert hall opened in 1921 it initially hosted grand musical soirees, Masonic balls and orchestral concerts – and 100 years later it is still centre stage in the borough’s cultural life.
Some of the biggest artists across the globe have walked through the doors of the iconic King George’s Hall.
Audiences have been entertained by the likes of The Beatles, Queen, Blondie, AC/DC, New Order, The Courteeners, Peter Kay and Joanna Lumley – to name just a few.
David Bowie brought his Ziggy Stardust tour to Blackburn on May bank holiday in 1973, Paul Weller has sold out King George’s Hall on more than one occasion and The Clash did a gig in 1984 for £4 a ticket.
From Prime Ministers and Kings to pop stars and comedians, the entertainment complex, originally named Blackburn Public Halls, has played host to them all.
Cllr Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:
King George’s Hall is such an important piece of our boroughs cultural heritage. I am so excited and honoured to be a part of celebrating 100 years of the iconic venue.
We are delighted to be able to offer those who have fond memories associated with King George’s Hall the opportunity to attend the celebratory party night. It will be a fantastic evening filled with fun and laughter!
Thousands of people not just here, but across the world, have experiences or memories attached to King George’s Hall, and I hope all our residents are as excited as I am about this very special birthday.