As with all the best tv makeovers, it was touch and go whether the building would be ready in time for the scheduled reopening weekend (30 & 31 May 2026). But thanks to the hardworking and commitment of our volunteers, we were able to open safely. For the first time in over a year, we opened the new doors to visitors to see the completed £1.5m phase of restoration to the iconic octagonal tower. Trustee Dr Alastair Murdoch said: “We’re absolutely delighted with how it’s turned out. The entrance is even more stunning that we imagined it and it certainly gives people a ‘wow’ as they walk in. The most common compliment is about the new toilets!”
Cllr Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council dropped in to pay tribute to the volunteers and shared details of the wider cultural strategy and investment, including great news of long awaited repairs and refurbishment at Holy Trinity Church, home of the Confessional Music Festival. We are so grateful to the Council for the grant of £1.5m that made this project possible.
It was great to welcome back old friends and fans, plus new visitors experiencing The Exchange for the very first time. There were also lots of people who worked in the cinema who came to share their stories. You had plenty of creative ideas, hopes and dreams for what The Exchange can become now and in the future! Thank you for all your lovely comments and encouragement.
Our VIP visitors included Rebekah Newton from Burnley who we tracked down from an archive story in the Lancashire Telegraph. In 2002, she had been injured in a traffic accident and her parents complained about the lack of access to the cinema. We invited her to be one of the first to use the new lift.
Music for the weekend was expertly curated by Jamie Turner of Actual Music. We were also joined by The Brick Consultant, Steve Guinness and Artist, Gosha Gibek who came together for a unique collaboration involving hundreds of visitors in a collaborative LEGO mosaic.
Watch video highlights from Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May on our You Tube channel.
