The K’s to Headline the Grand Reopening of Blackburn’s Historic King George’s Hall

Notting Hill Music signing The K’s have announced a landmark headline show at Blackburn’s newly restored King George’s Hall on Saturday 26 September 2026.

The chart-topping indie band will be the first band to take to the venue’s stage following an extensive £13.5 million transformation—the most significant investment King George’s Hall has received since it opened more than a century ago.

It is a fitting new chapter for a venue deeply woven into the musical history of the North West. The foundation stone was laid by King George V in July 1913, but construction was interrupted by the First World War, during which part of the unfinished building was used as a field hospital. The Concert Hall was eventually opened by Lord Derby on 21 October 1921, with an original capacity of 3,500.

Its unusual history can still be seen in the building today. The lower and upper sections were designed by different architectural firms on either side of the war, while carved figures representing war and peace overlook Blakey Moor. Inside, original plasterwork and striking Art Deco house lights have been carefully preserved.

Across the following century, King George’s Hall welcomed some of the biggest names in popular music. The Beatles played their only Blackburn concert there in June 1963, on the final night of their UK tour with Roy Orbison. Queen, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin are also among the legendary artists to have graced its stage.

The K’s will now become part of that history as live music returns to the beautifully restored venue.

The band said: “We’re buzzing to be part of such a special night. King George’s Hall has an incredible history and it’s a real honour to be the first band back on stage after its transformation. We can’t wait to see everyone in Blackburn and help kick off this exciting new chapter for the venue.”

The announcement follows an extraordinary period for the Earlestown four-piece. Their second album, Pretty On The Internet, entered the Official UK Albums Chart at Number One in August 2025, building upon the success of their Number Three debut, I Wonder If The World Knows?

Known for their explosive live performances and fiercely loyal following, The K’s have since continued to sell out headline shows and command major festival stages across the country. Their return to Lancashire promises to give the restored hall exactly the kind of loud, celebratory reopening it deserves.

The event will also support Nightsafe, a Blackburn-based charity providing vital assistance to young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The K’s headline King George’s Hall, Blackburn, on Saturday 26 September 2026. Presale tickets will be available from 10am on Thursday 6 August, before the general sale begins at 10am on Friday 7 August.