Reopening date for Colne Muni Theatre confirmed for August

The Muni Theatre in Colne has been shut since May 2023 to allow renovations to take place to the 120 year old building.

Pendle Leisure Trust has now confirmed the theatre will reopen on the August bank holiday weekend, just in time for the Great British R&B Weekend, and has a packed out schedule of events planned for the autumn.

Among the bookings are tributes to some of the world’s biggest music acts, a circus, pantomime and ballet.

The Muni Theatre was allocated £1,563,300 for a major refurbishment through levelling up funding, which included new roofing and windows along with new heating and lighting to improve energy efficiency.

The Colne R&B Festival will be the first event to take place in the renovated theatre (Image: Great British R&B Festival)

 The exterior of the building has been extensively cleaned from top to bottom and the original external lights have been fixed and now illuminate the impressive roof line.

The reopening of the Muni had to be knocked back twice due to how much work was needed, with an extra £700,000 having to be put aside by Pendle Council to complete the work.

Alison Goode, chief executive of Pendle Lesure Trust, said: “We’re so excited to be finally able to reopen the doors of this prestigious venue after the unexpected delays due to the much-needed renovation work required to future-proof this building for generations to come.

“The new season will kick off in August with a number of free events, allowing the public to see for themselves the work that has taken place including a new roof, restoration of the ceiling, re-establishing the original 1900s colour scheme, new energy efficient windows and heating including a new boiler system, new toilets throughout and important major structural work, major stage work and fireproofing and an upgraded catering area.

Comedian Ed Byrne will play at Colne Muni Theatre (Image: Roslyn Gaunt)

“Once opened, the autumn season will continue with a packed season of shows, both familiar and new. We’re confident that there will be something for everyone at Colne’s Muni Theatre.”

 On Saturday, August 24, and Sunday 25, as part of the R&B festival, live music will take place in the Albert Room and there will be a record fair in the main theatre space, both free to attend.

Abba, Bruce Springsteen, and Kate Bush tributes are highlights of September, along with disco and Northern Soul nights.

October sees a Wizard of Oz pantomime during half-term, The Nutcracker ballet and more tribute shows including Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, Elvis Presley and a Taylor Swift and Harry Styles show.

Queen, Eagles, Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac tributes will take to the stage in November, while in December comedian Ed Byrne and Pendle Ladies’ Choir top the billing.