07/09/2026
House prices record first annual fall since 2023, says Lloyds
Andrew Asaam, mortgages director at Lloyds, says that sellers are stubbornly holding out rather than cutting their asking prices, which means fewer homes are changing hands.
03/09/2026
First time buyers can now borrow 6.5 times their salary
Borrowers using the mortgage could buy the average first-time buyer property in England with a deposit of just £12,273.
02/09/2026
With the sad news of Dolly Parton’s passing, this long-awaited visit to Blackburn Empire Theatre will feel especially poignant. Dolly Forever is first and foremost a warm celebration of the remarkable talent, humour and music that inspired fans around the world. ❤️
Featuring Jolene, Nine to Five, Islands in the Stream and Little Sparrow, Claire Daye is joined by a live five-piece band of professional touring musicians to bring that unmistakable Dolly sound to the stage.
A very special night to celebrate an extraordinary artist. Book your place now.
Dolly Forever
Wednesday 23 September 2026, 7:30pm
Tickets £28.00
https://blackburnempire.com/show/dolly-forever/
02/09/2026
UK long-term borrowing costs highest since 1998 ahead of October Budget
Higher borrowing costs have piled fresh pressure on Andy Burnham ahead of his first Budget.
01/09/2026
Dust off the cowboy boots - Dolly is taking over the Empire for one feelgood night of country sparkle. 🤠✨
Dolly Forever
Wednesday 23 September 2026, 7:30pm
Tickets £28.00
https://blackburnempire.com/show/dolly-forever/
Get ready for a joyful live celebration of one of the world’s biggest stars.
Dolly Forever captures the humour, heart and unforgettable songs of Dolly Parton, backed by a live five-piece band handpicked to create that authentic Dolly sound.
Expect all the favourites including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream, Little Sparrow and more.
Big hair. Big heart. Big country hits. 💛
Book your seats now!
Dolly Forever
30/08/2026
How Dolly Parton's business acumen helped her succeed far beyond the charts
While country music and films brought her fame, her entrepreneurial zeal brought her fortune.
28/08/2026
📸 Alice Hawkins • Artist Photographer 💗🫶🏻 Well… the first weekend after the heartbreaking news about our Dolly. 🥺💗
I’m often asked how long I’ve been playing Dolly as a tribute artist, and honestly, it’s not as long as some might think — around 5 years in total.
But in those five years, playing Dolly has brought so much light, love, laughter and happiness into my life. It has given me the most amazing opportunities, allowed me to meet some truly incredible people, and created memories that I will treasure forever. ✨
Playing Dolly has always felt like such a natural fit for me. I’ve always admired her morals, her kindness, her determination and, most of all, her incredible work ethic. I like to think that in my own little way, I share some of those values too. ❤️
This weekend is going to feel very different. It’s going to be emotional and, I’m sure, there will be tears. 🥺 But I also know that I have the most beautiful job in the world — keeping her music, her spirit and the joy she gave to so many people alive through what I do.
So tonight, I’ll put on the big hair, the sparkles and the famous Dolly smile… and I’ll do what I’ve always done — celebrate Dolly. 💎💗
For the lady who has given us so much love, laughter, music and inspiration…
This one’s for you, Dolly. 🦋💗✨
28/08/2026
If you have a soft spot for Dolly Parton, this feels like a lovely excuse for a big night out. Dolly Forever brings the humour, the sparkle and a live five-piece band recreating that unmistakable sound, with favourites including “Jolene”, “Nine to Five”, “Islands in the Stream” and the beautiful “Little Sparrow”.
Dolly Forever
Wednesday 23 September 2026, 7:30pm
Tickets £28.00
https://blackburnempire.com/show/dolly-forever/
With professional touring musicians who have performed everywhere from theatres around the world to London’s West End, this is a celebration made for Dolly fans, country-pop lovers and anyone who appreciates a brilliant catalogue of songs. Cowboy boots entirely optional, but very much in the spirit of the evening.