BLACKBURN’S King George’s Hall is enjoying a resurgence, and three major pop acts are on the verge of being booked for this summer.

It follows on from a trio of major concerts aimed at young music fans being confirmed and an impressive list of comedians heading to Blackburn’s premier live venue.

With attendance and catering revenues at the hall rising, the complex, which was losing £300,000 annually four years ago, is close to breaking even.

Borough leisure boss Damian Talbot reported on its success to the full Blackburn with Darwen Council Forum, revealing good results for the Tropicana, Soul and Utopia club nights with ticket sales averaging 800 per event.

The Comedy Club has increased capacity from 150 to 190 and is still selling out with wedding, dinner events and awards lunches booming.

New kitchens and menus aim to attract more events, while Blakey’s has exceeded its bar takings target by £30,000 in the past year and the food sales target by £38,000.

Comedians booked for the rest of 2014 include Sarah Millican, Ken Dodd, John Bishop and Jimmy Carr.

Bands with youth appeal confirmed for coming months include The Enemy, We are Scientists, and Funeral for a Friend.

Coun Talbot said three high-profile bands ‘which have been chart-topping in the last five to 10 years’ are on the verge of confirming. He added: “Four years ago the hall was losing £200,000 to £300,000 a year. The cash gap has narrowed and King George’s is close to breaking even, securing its future.”

Other acts on the way include Gerry and Pacemakers, Joe Longthorne, The Halle, The Vienna Festival Ballet and a night with snooker legends Steve Davis, Steven Hendry, Dennis Taylor, Jimmy White and John Virgo.