Leona Lewis has been announced as a patron of Hackney Empire, as part of the venue's 120th anniversary celebrations later this year, and will work on the Creative Futures Programme, continuing to 'offer mentorship and support to the young people supported by the venue' in the role.

The British singer commented 'I am honoured to become a Patron of Hackney Empire, one of the London's most loved and magical venues. For me this feels like homecoming - it was on Hackney Empire’s legendary stage I won the first competition which started me on my journey as a professional artist, it’s the place I launched my album Echo, and is home to amazing memories of generations of my friends and family. More recently during the pandemic it’s been a huge pleasure and inspiration to work with young people from Hackney Empire’s Creative Futures programme. I’m looking forward to continuing that work as a Patron - getting involved creatively and helping to amplify the voices of some of our amazing young artists'.