Hallé return brings history full circle for venue

A world-renowned orchestra is set to return to a stage it first performed on more than a century ago.

The Hallé will headline the Grand Civic Reopening following Blackburn's King George's Hall's £13.5m transformation.

The performance comes about 105 years after the orchestra played at the hall's official opening in October 1921.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, said: "From one-penny programmes to Star Wars and Skyfall, the Hallé's return perfectly captures the transformation of King George's Hall, celebrating its heritage while looking firmly to the future."

The concert later will see the orchestra blending classical music with modern film scores, reflecting the theme of "old meets new" at the newly transformed venue.

Guests will hear works by composers including Shostakovich and Haydn, alongside music from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Moana and Aladdin's A Whole New World.

The event marks the completion of the refurbishment, which was the largest investment in the Grade II-listed venue since it opened in 1921.

Improvements included upgrades to the building's exterior, new bars, improved seating, upgraded toilets, enhanced accessibility and improvements to sound systems designed to benefit audiences and performers while safeguarding the hall's future.

Tickets for the event cost £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, while children can attend free of charge.

Children from the mayor's chosen charities, Derian House Children's Hospice and Nightsafe, have also been invited.

Mahmood said the Hallé's appearance held special significance because of its connection to the venue's origins.

"The Hallé played at the official opening in 1921, so how fitting that almost 105 years later they will be back on stage to help us celebrate the start of this exciting new chapter," he said.

King George's Hall has hosted generations of performers, from The Beatles, Queen and David Bowie to Liam Gallagher, and welcomes more than 100,000 visitors each year.

The Hallé concert forms part of an autumn programme that also includes The K's, astronaut Tim Peake, David Essex, The Proclaimers, Rachel Parris, Tez Ilyas, Lucy Beaumont and Shed Seven as the venue begins its next chapter.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.