THE magnificent King George’s Hall has welcomed some of music’s biggest names over the years – and is about to add another to the list as Britpop idol Liam Gallagher prepares to take to the stage next week.

Just last weekend the Northgate venue hosted Florence and the Machine in an intimate gig that took place as part of a trio of small concerts ahead of the band’s stadium tour, which is set to begin later this year.

Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine

From Prime Ministers and Kings to pop stars and comedians, the entertainment complex, originally named Blackburn Public Halls, has played host to them all.

Here we take a look back at some of the biggest names to have entertained the masses from the stage of the iconic East Lancashire venue.

Highlights from the past 100 years at King George’s Hall have included 1950s musician Ted Heath, who led Britain’s greatest post-war big band.

The Beatles visited in 1963 with Roy Orbison and Gerry and The Pacemakers, as part of a UK tour.

David Bowie brought his Ziggy Stardust tour to Blackburn on May bank holiday in 1973, Paul Weller has sold out King George’s Hall on more than one occasion and The Clash did a gig in 1984 for £4 a ticket.

Icon David Bowie visited Blackburn

Regulars over the years included Slade, David Essex, Status Quo and Daniel O’Donnell.

More recently Boyzone, Manic Street Preachers, Robbie Williams and McFly have all enjoyed gigs at the complex.

And it hasn’t only been the stars of the music business that have been drawn to Blackburn.

The country’s top comedians have brought their tours to the town over the years including Jo Brand, Steve Coogan and Billy Connolly.

And today’s successful stand ups continue to visit the venue with recent visits from Lee Evans, Jimmy Carr and Jason Manford.

Funnyman Lee Evans

Liam Gallagher, the former Oasis frontman, will be visiting the iconic venue for the first time next week where he will perform in an exclusive gig to celebrate his latest collaboration with Darwen trainer designer Gary Aspden.

More details of the gig, including how to get tickets, will be announced later today.

Keep your eyes peeled on the Lancashire Telegraph website and social media pages to find out more.