Mechanics lands top cultural award

The Manchester Road theatre beat off stiff competition from venues including Winter Garden Blackpool to land the prestigious title.

The ceremony was held at Blackburn Cathedral and Mechanics’ programme and marketing manager Barbara Hood said it was fitting recognition for all the hard work put in by the team.

“The whole team are extremely delighted that we have been recognised in this way. We are very focused on ensuring our customers have an excellent experience when they come to the venue.

“The Mechanics team together with our external partners work hard to present a balanced program of events and we have been very successful. But it’s not just about the programme.

“We have forged an exceptional partnership with Simply Classic our catering partners who have transformed our Bistro offer and our Pre-show catering to offer that ultimate evening out experience.

“Our technical team are amongst the best technicians in the north of England and their expertise add so much to the shows and events.

“Local Societies continue to be an integral part of our success and new partnerships have been formed with arts organisations to increase our diversity, the creation of the largest Gin Bar in the area and the massive improvements and refurbishment to our front of house bars and foyer have pushed us forward.

“Our dedicated team work so hard to make visiting the Mechanics an excellent experience and this has been recognised by our visitor attendance having risen from just under 40,000 per year to over 70,000 so it’s fantastic to be recognised in this way and win this award.

“Our vision is that everyone is given the opportunity to experience and be inspired by theatre and the arts and the Mechanics has been recognised as an accessible place to do this.”

Gerard Vinton, chief executive of Burnley Leisure Trust who operate the Mechanics, said: “This is great news and acknowledgement of our commitment to Sport and Culture across Burnley.

“The Mechanics is without doubt a flagship venue in East Lancashire and recognition from the Lancashire Tourism awards is very welcome.

“I urge everyone to come along to the venue and see for themselves why it has been voted the best Cultural Venue in Lancashire.”