Burnley’s iconic Empire Theatre to host open days

Thursday, 22 August 2024 16:29

By Bill Jacobs - LDRS

A HISTORIC East Lancashire theatre undergoing a restoration project is offering members of the public extra opportunities to see inside the venue and hear about its 130-year history.

The Burnley Empire Trust is set to open the building during Heritage Open Days which is England’s largest festival of history and culture.

After filling all allocated tickets within a day earlier this month, the trust will be offering members of the public more opportunities to see inside the Burnley Empire in St James’s Street and hear about acts from the archives.

On Saturday September 7, there will be a talk held at the Burnley Pride of Place Project Hub in Charter Walk, about travelling acts who performed at the Empire with a chance to view the trust’s archive collection featuring rarely seen items for the first time.

The talk is a free ticketed event which will last 45 minutes from 11am.

Afterwards, the hub will be open to members of the public from noon to 4pm to view items from the archives.

More free open days are planned for September 20 and 27.

Burnley Empire Trust chair Sophie Gibson said “We’re excited to share our archive and absolutely thrilled to open the doors once again to members of the public.

“Thanks to a grant awarded to us by the National Lottery Heritage Fund we have been able to make improvements since last year’s visits which means people will be able to move around the auditorium or take a seat.

“We’re also opening the entrance at the top of Cow Lane, which offers street-level access for wheelchair users.”

Green Party councillor for Trinity ward in Burnley Martyn Hurt said “Everyone, whatever their access needs, should see what an amazing building and theatre it is, and understand its potential and importance to the town for the future.”

Tickets are limited and each group visit will last approximately 30 minutes. Booking is required,