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Celebrations to mark the renovation of Burnley's Empire Bingo Hall went with a swing, and with some emotions as well. Soloist Diane Summers finished her act by singing "Land of Hope and Glory" and there were lumps in a few throats as audience members, who had all been given miniature Union Jacks, rose to their feet to join in.
A military touch was given to the evening by a section of the Band of the Royal Greenjackets. The soldiers played a fanfare for the Burnley Express Queen of Industry, Lindsey O'Connell, who performed the re-opening ceremony. The idea of re-opening could never quite ring true for regular patrons, however, despite spending a six-figure sum on complete renovations, EMI managed to keep the hall open except for just one session. And that was for a rehearsal for the opening.
Miss. Summers was backed by the John Christie Sound, and the evening was run by area manager Mike Hall and hall manager Mr. Stan Kennedy. The firm's managing director, Mr. H. Simpson, was also present.
As reported in the Burnley Express last Tuesday, the ceremony was only one aspect of the re-opening celebrations. On Thursday, the Dallas Boys are visiting the Empire, and Diana Dors and Alan Randall are visiting in future weeks. There are also promotional offers to patrons. A spokesman for EMI said that even though bingo had known busier times, the refurbishment was well worthwhile from the firm's point of view.