Blackburn's Grade II listed civic concert hall, seating up to 1,800, reopened in September 2026 after a 13.5 million pound refurbishment.
King George's Hall is a Grade II listed Edwardian concert hall on Northgate in Blackburn, designed by Briggs, Wolstenholme and Thornely with Stones and Stones, and built of stone from Butler's Delph, Pleasington. Its foundation stone was laid by King George V in 1913; construction was interrupted by the First World War, when the unfinished building served as a Red Cross hospital, and it finally opened in October 1921. It has hosted major touring acts through its history, including David Bowie and Queen (supporting Mott the Hoople) in 1973, and also houses Blackburn's register office for civil ceremonies.
The Hall reopened in September 2026 after a 13.5 million pound refurbishment, funded by Government and Council investment, which delivered a new roof, more comfortable seating, bigger bars, additional toilets, new lifts and improved heating and air conditioning. The reopening season includes Tim Peake, Gabrielle, Jason Donovan and the 2026 pantomime The Wizard of Oz.
Operated by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council as BwD Venues alongside Darwen Library Theatre, the Hall programmes music, comedy, theatre, tribute shows, panto and family entertainment across its Concert Hall and Windsor Suite, plus Blakey's Cafe Bar for pre- and post-show dining and drinks.
Main auditorium
The Hall's main flat-floor auditorium with a raked balcony, used for touring music, comedy, theatre and panto.
Standing 2,235, seated flat stalls 1,665 (raked stalls 1,425), theatre 925, banquet up to 500 on the main floor - other configurations (ballet 835, wrestling 1,415) also listed by the venue.
Function suite
An adaptable flat-floor suite that can be reconfigured into break-out spaces, used for weddings, conferences and mid-size events.
Standing concert 742, seated 410, theatre-seated 325, standing and seated combined 450, banquet/wedding up to 200.
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