Your Guide to Visiting Blackburn Empire Theatre
How to make the most of your time at the show!
Blackburn Empire Theatre hosts a variety of shows, from comedy and music to panto and magic. Being so close to Blackburn town centre, it’s the perfect opportunity to make a full day of it. Grab a meal, drinks with friends or even pick up a treat.
Pre-Show Plans
With parking so easy in the town centre and at the theatre, its the ideal place to grab some food before the performance and make a real night of it. In fact, it’s only a 10 minute walk from town, so you could even spare yourself the queues on exit and leave your car in town.
But where to eat? Totally understand, with so many choices, we always like to show off a few different options to help you decide what’s right for the night.
If you are looking for a few drinks or mocktails as well as good food, then both The Firepit and Turtle Bay are perfect pre-theatre destinations. Tender steaks & ribs or delicious Caribbean food, they have a selection that will fit any appetite.
Istanbul Restaurant is another venue we love to visit thanks to the selection of food, large and small, from tasty kebabs to amazing seafood and the famous Turkish Pide options. It’s a lovely venue before a show, both cosy and vibrant.
If you are looking for a quicker meal or even something to eat on the move, then 16th Street offers spectacular smash burgers, juicy Chicken and amazing shakes.
Post Show Options
You’ve had a great evening and you want to keep the party going, but how? Our answer is to head back into town and grab a bite to eat or have a couple of drinks for the road – or maybe a little treat!
A curry is always a popular decision later in the evening and in Blackburn we are blessed with choice. Masala Fusion has been renamed recently, but its still the same high quality food and dining experience, including those signature Masala Chips!
Akbar’s is a Blackburn institution, serving up some of the best South Asian food you’re ever likely to find.
Finally, we are going to suggest a dish – the Masala Dosa in Thira is that good it’s worth heading there just for this one menu item – the other food is also very good, we just love this dish that much!
If it’s just a quick drink, then catch last orders at Rock Box, The Drummers Arms or The Sun, most of whom have music playing that will keep the vibe going.
And now for that treat we mentioned…
In Blackburn we have a couple of amazing desserts venues, which might be a lovely little treat to end the night. Both Haute Dolci and Heavenly Desserts are open late all week, so you’ll have plenty of time to see a show and then grab a dessert tapas or luxury ice creams, plus pretty much every type of cake you can think of.
A True Family Experience
Blackburn Empire Theatre puts on numerous family shows that occur at kid-friendly times during the day, so here are suggestions about how to make a full day of it by looking at the many places to visit before or after your matinee performance.
Planet Ice is a wonderful place to stretch your legs out after being sat down for a while. It’s ideal for skaters of all experience levels, so Mum and Dad don’t feel left out.
And if you really want some exercise, how about popping over to Blackburn leisure centre for a swim! Don’t worry, we are not making you work too hard, the real attraction for the kids are the slides – lots of slides!
If you want the whole day to be less active, then why not follow your show with a trip to the movies. Between Reel Cinema and Vue Cinema, you are guaranteed to find the movie that works for everyone in the family.
If you are thinking about booking a show, check out the many shows that have concessions. These mean discounted tickets for 3 to 15 year-old or anyone over 60. And if you want to bring a child 2 or under, then pop them on your knee and they won’t need a ticket.
Contacting the Theatre and Getting There
It’s really easy to get in touch with the theatre.
- You can book at anytime on their website, just find the artist/show you are looking for and click to book tickets
- You can also book tickets over the phone and in person at the box office between 10am – 3pm, Monday to Friday
- The box office and phone line are also available to answer any questions you have about a show, booking the venue or tickets you’ve already booked
- You can also stay up to date with all the acts they are promoting by following their social channels or signing up for their newsletter
Getting There
By Road
Sat Nav users should use BB2 4HT. The Theatre is easy to reach from Junction 4 of the M65 motorway on the A666 heading toward Blackburn Town Centre. There is a large open car park on Aqueduct Road at the side of the Theatre. This is usually free but on Blackburn Rovers match days may be chargeable.
By Train
Regular train services to Blackburn Railway Station from major North West towns. The station is 1.3 miles from the Theatre which is approximately a 30 minute walk, although buses and taxis are available from the railway station. Blackburn and Darwen (Service Number 1)
By Bus
Frequent buses run on the route past the Theatre from Blackburn and Darwen (Service Number 1)
Have a great time at your show and if you do combine it with a visit into Blackburn, then do let us know and remember, we’ve suggested a few places above but Blackburn has so many place, do check them all out.
Places to eat & drink in Blackburn
