The Crypt at Blackburn Cathedral
Hidden beneath historic Lancashire streets is The Crypt at Blackburn Cathedral, a venue like no other - perfect for a variety of events.
Our historic surroundings offer a stunning blend of centuries-old stonework and handcrafted arches, when matched with modern facilities, you have the ideal venue for your next event.
From the fully refurbished main Crypt, to the strikingly modern and newly remodelled Builder’s Yard - it is one of the region’s most memorable event spaces.
The unique appearance and large capacity make it an exceptional location for private functions, receptions and dinners, exclusive corporate events, live performances, art installations and exhibitions.
The Crypt can be transformed to meet your requirements, whilst our catering team provide delicious hospitality, all carefully aligned to suit your budget.
With timeless charm and modern facilities, find out why there is genuinely nothing quite like... The Crypt at Blackburn Cathedral.
Built For The Future
Within The Crypt, a separate area - where talented Cathedral stonemasons honed their skills - is affectionately known as The Builder’s Yard.
Once a disused area, this historic space has been reimagined and meticulously transformed into a stylish venue that balances history with modern luxury.
The Crypt delivers a striking contrast between exposed, original brickwork and contemporary oak detailing. The space is fully soundproofed and features intelligent lighting allowing you to tailor the atmosphere to your needs.
This highly flexible area provides a sleek, professional backdrop - ideal for hosting corporate meetings, talks and presentations, interactive training sessions, or to bring people together for networking events.
Down to Business
With our atmospheric spaces and experienced team, we handle corporate events of every scale and style, ensuring whatever your plans, we deliver it flawlessly.
We bring your event vision to life by combining events expertise and the flexibility to accommodate your precise requirements.
The type of events we host include: conferences and seminars, networking events, workshops and training days, trade shows, product launches, corporate meetings, talks and panel discussions, team-building sessions and award ceremonies. Plus: drinks receptions, celebrations and socials, staff parties and corporate gatherings.
Private Functions
Whatever the occasion, we’re ready to help you celebrate milestone moments in our unique, historic surroundings.
The Crypt is the perfect place to host intimate celebrations, special anniversaries, and larger private, family gatherings.
The type of events we host include: special birthdays, engagement parties, wedding receptions, milestone anniversaries, wakes and celebrations of life, baby showers and gender reveals, Christening celebrations, family reunions, private gatherings, retirement parties, and dinners.
We are happy to discuss styling options to ensure our spaces perfectly match the theme of your occasion.
Take to The Stage
As a self-contained venue, The Crypt is ideal for live events - from concerts, intimate sessions and theatre performances, to fashion shows and stand-up comedy.
This dramatic heritage space offers outstanding acoustics and unique historic atmosphere, The Crypt is perfect for small-scale live performances.
We host a wide range of live events including live music, DJ sets, theatre and other artistic performances.
Our team are equipped to turn ambitious ideas into reality; whatever you need to make your event a success, we offer the skills and experience to make it happen.
Art Installations & Exhibitions
Our distinctive spaces and flexible approach allow cultural organisations to bring innovative art installations and exhibitions to the region.
This distinctive, historic setting provides an exceptional space to showcase creative works and curated exhibitions.
We can facilitate the creative takeover of our spaces via the installation of temporary wall panels, dividers and display panels, to ensure the space delivers your desired visual impact.
The Crypt has been a host partner for internationally-acclaimed festivals and exhibitions including The National Festival of Making, The British Textile Biennial and Art in Manufacturing.
Hospitality Excellence
Whether it’s relaxed platters or buffets, an elegant multi-course dining menu or something in-between, we are at your disposal to create delicious dishes tailored to a range of per-head budgets.
You can choose from our carefully curated seasonal menus, or work directly with our Head Chef to design a bespoke culinary experience that is unique to your event.
The Crypt has its own bar and we are happy to offer flexible options, including pre-paid accounts or competitively priced, hot and cold beverages with payments accepted via cash or card.
The Ideal Location
As one of Lancashire’s key locations, Blackburn is an economic and cultural hub in the North West, boasting outstanding local, regional and national transport links.
The Cathedral is in Blackburn town centre within a minute’s walk of the railway station and bus interchange. Blackburn town centre benefits from easy access to the wider region via the M65, M61, M55 and M6 motorways.
Regional rail links from Preston, Bolton, Blackpool, Manchester, Leeds and York connect directly to Blackburn. London Euston can be reached within 2½ hours. Manchester Airport, the UK’s third largest airport is just 33 miles away.
Useful information
Layouts
The Crypt layout can be customised to meet your needs and we also offer further venue enhancements - including raised platforms, staging, backstage, breakout, screening and VIP areas - giving you the ultimate flexibility to configure the space as required.
Technical
Advanced, remote-controlled lighting offers the flexibility to adapt the ambience, whilst soundproofed areas and a range of audiovisual options can be accommodated. The Crypt has high-speed guest WiFi.
Hospitality
Our highly experienced, in-house catering team provide expertly crafted dining solutions, delivered by a friendly team who ensure your individual demands are met. Whether you require a sophisticated working lunch, canapés for networking, or bespoke menus crafted by our chefs, we provide the hospitality to elevate your event.
Event Support
Our experienced team is on hand to help complement your installation with launch events, private viewings and VIP sessions. We can also provide comprehensive event support, including ticketing, stewarding, and security.
Availability
The Crypt is available for daytime and evening hire, subject to availability and other activities taking place across the Cathedral estate.
Accessibility
There is level access into, from and around The Crypt. There is also a wheelchair lift, enabling easy access to the rest of the Cathedral building.
Toilets
The Crypt has it's own dedicated, separate male, female and accessible Changing Places® toilets.
Promotional Support
Our expert marketing and communications team can support the promotion of your event through our established marketing channels.
Accommodation
The local area offers a wide choice of overnight options to suit all budgets - from simple lodgings to award-winning, Michelin-starred, five-star hotels. For the ultimate convenience, there is a Premier Inn hotel located right next door, in Cathedral Square.
Parking
There are many public car parks within easy walking distance, however there is no dedicated guest parking at the Cathedral.
To find out more, please contact
Sian Goggins
Enterprise Development Manager 01254 845313 [email protected]
