The Burnley Empire Trust (BET) has received a grant of £9,468 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for an “exciting heritage project”.
Supported through the Heritage Fund, the project will enable community groups and members of the public to see inside the building and learn about the history of the venue.
This year the Burnley Empire, a purpose-built music hall, will celebrate its 130th opening anniversary and the trust wants to connect and reconnect people to the building.
The Empire Music Hall and Theatre of Varieties was built in 1894 for the people of Burnley and originally designed by architect George Birkbeck Rawcliffe (known as GB Rawcliffe), who had also designed the adjoining Victoria Opera House on St James’s Street in 1886. Both theatres were connected with each other for staff and performers to move easily between the two buildings.
Between 1910 and 1911, the theatre underwent substantial reconstruction by the celebrated theatre architect and designer Bertie Crewe and at its reopening was declared ‘undoubtedly the most beautiful and up-to-date theatre in the north of England’.
Today the large capacity venue retains its elaborate decorative features and is on a journey towards restoration, to serve the community as a stand-out venue once again.
Burnley Empire Theatre chair Sophie Gibson said: “We’re thrilled to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players and our project will support accessible open days over Summer giving people an opportunity to see inside the historic venue and look beyond the photographs, learn about the building, whilst inspiring pride in local heritage.
“Last year we hosted open days for the first time with people travelling from across the UK to Burnley and it’s clear that there’s an ongoing demand from people wanting to see inside the Burnley Empire and we’re looking forward to welcoming people to the building and would like to visit.”
Helen Featherstone, director of the England North area of The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “It is fantastic news that we are able to support the Burnley Empire Trust with this project that will provide exclusive access for local people and visitors to see inside this wonderful building that is absolutely steeped in heritage.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, this summer more people will have the exciting opportunity to learn about the incredible history of the only surviving Music Hall of its kind in Lancashire.”
The Burnley Empire Trust is actively working to protect, preserve and restore the Burnley Empire. It aims promote, maintain, improve, assist and advance public access, appreciation and understanding in the arts.
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