Top Blackpool Events You Can’t Miss in 2023: Illuminations, Festivals, and More

Blackpool, a vibrant seaside town on England’s northwest coast, is renowned for its lively events and attractions. From dazzling light displays to thrilling amusement parks, there’s always something happening that draws visitors from far and wide. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, Blackpool’s event calendar promises excitement and entertainment for all ages.

We can’t talk about Blackpool without mentioning its iconic Illuminations, which transform the town into a glowing wonderland every autumn. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Throughout the year, Blackpool hosts a variety of events, from music festivals and theatre shows to sporting events and family-friendly activities. Let’s dive into some of the must-see events that make Blackpool a top destination for fun and adventure.

Key Takeaways

• Diverse Year-Round Events: Blackpool offers a wide range of events year-round, from iconic illuminations and air shows to music festivals and theatre performances.
• Family-Friendly Attractions: The town is a hotspot for families with events like the Blackpool Air Show, Children’s Festival, and Christmas By The Sea, providing activities for all age groups.
• Live Music Venues: Blackpool boasts renowned venues like the Opera House and Winter Gardens, hosting a variety of live music and performances.
• Sporting Events: Significant sporting events such as the Blackpool Dance Festival, Marathon, and football matches at Bloomfield Road draw sports enthusiasts.
• Cultural and Art Festivals: Blackpool’s cultural scene is enriched by festivals like the Lightpool Festival, Festival of Arts, and the Sand, Sea & Spray urban art festival.

Overview Of Blackpool Events

Blackpool hosts various events throughout the year, making it a top entertainment destination. The Blackpool Illuminations, running from late August to early November, attract millions of visitors with their nightly displays. This event spans six miles along the promenade, featuring over one million lights.

The town also offers several music festivals, such as the Rebellion Punk Festival in August and the Blackpool Jazz and Blues Festival in July, which bring together renowned artists and music enthusiasts. Several events cater to theatre lovers, including performances at the Winter Gardens and the Grand Theatre.

Sporting events form another key attraction. For example, the Blackpool Dance Festival, held annually in May, draws dance professionals and enthusiasts from around the world. Other significant sporting events include the Blackpool Marathon in April and the World Matchplay Darts tournament in July, showcasing top-tier athletes.

Families can enjoy various activities and festivals throughout the year. The Blackpool Air Show in August features impressive aerobatic displays, while the Blackpool Children’s Festival offers engaging activities and performances for younger visitors. Seasonal events like the Christmas By The Sea festivities provide winter entertainment, including markets, ice skating, and live shows.

By offering a diverse range of events, Blackpool remains an all-year-round destination that continuously attracts visitors from different age groups and interests.

Annual Festivals And Celebrations

Blackpool hosts a range of annual festivals and celebrations, enhancing its reputation as a vibrant destination. These events bring excitement and joy to visitors year after year.

Blackpool Illuminations

The Blackpool Illuminations brighten the town from late August to November each year. This spectacle features over one million lights along a six-mile stretch of the promenade. Visitors can experience themed displays, illuminated trams, and interactive installations, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Blackpool Air Show

The Blackpool Air Show, held in August, draws aviation enthusiasts with its thrilling aerial displays. Military and civilian aircraft perform breathtaking stunts over the Irish Sea. Spectators can enjoy free entry, making it a popular family event. The Red Arrows and Typhoon jets are crowd favourites, showcasing impressive feats of aviation.

Ride The Lights

Ride The Lights offers a unique cycling experience, allowing cyclists to ride through the Illuminations before the official switch-on. This free event, held in late August, invites families to pedal along the traffic-free promenade. Participants can decorate their bikes with lights and enjoy a fun, community atmosphere.

Live Music And Performances

Live music and performances in Blackpool offer a vibrant mix of genres and styles. This section covers key venues and highlights upcoming concerts.

Venues To Visit

Blackpool Opera House stands out as a prime venue for large-scale concerts and performances, with past shows from artists like Bob Dylan and Little Mix. The venue accommodates around 3,000 guests, making it one of the largest theatres in the UK. Another notable venue is the Winter Gardens, hosting a range of performances from musicals to comedy nights. The Grand Theatre, with its classic Victorian architecture, offers an intimate setting for plays and smaller concerts. For a more relaxed atmosphere, the Bootleg Social presents local and emerging artists, providing a more personal live music experience.

Upcoming Concerts

Blackpool’s live music scene boasts an exciting lineup of upcoming concerts. At the Opera House, we’ve got Kaiser Chiefs performing on 5th November. Jazz enthusiasts can head to the Jazz and Blues festival on 9th and 10th December at the Winter Gardens. For pop music lovers, the Grand Theatre hosts an X Factor Live Tour event on 15th January. The Bootleg Social will feature several local bands in their “New Music Night” series, with performances on the first Friday of each month from January to March. Abundant choices ensure there’s something to suit everyone’s musical tastes.

Family-Friendly Events

Blackpool Air Show

The Blackpool Air Show, held in August, thrills families with stunning aerial displays from military and civilian aircraft. With famous teams like the Red Arrows delivering breathtaking performances and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight showcasing historical planes, children and adults alike enjoy the spectacle. This free event usually takes place over the seafront, providing ample viewing points along the promenade.

Blackpool Children’s Festival

The Blackpool Children’s Festival offers a variety of activities designed to entertain and engage young minds. Puppet shows, craft workshops, and family-friendly theatre performances are just a few of the highlights. Conveniently held within the town’s parks and theatres, the festival creates a safe, welcoming environment for children and their families.

Christmas By The Sea

Christmas By The Sea transforms Blackpool into a winter wonderland. Families can enjoy ice skating, festive markets, and twinkling lights. Carollers and seasonal performances add to the festive atmosphere. Running from late November to early January, this event offers a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.

Ride The Lights

Ride The Lights precedes the annual Illuminations switch-on and lets families cycle through the dazzling light displays. Conducted on a closed-off section of the promenade, this unique event encourages a fun, safe, community-oriented experience. It usually occurs in late August, offering a preview of the captivating Illuminations.

Blackpool Tower Circus

The Blackpool Tower Circus provides entertainment for all ages. Featuring acrobats, clowns, and daring stunts, this historic circus has been a family favourite for generations. Open from April to November, the circus often introduces new acts, ensuring each visit is unique and exciting.

Sandcastle Waterpark

Sandcastle Waterpark is a must-visit for families. As the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, it features over 18 slides and attractions. From the thrilling Master Blaster to the relaxing Ushi Gushi River Creek, there’s something for everyone. Open year-round, it’s an excellent destination for indoor fun.

Blackpool Zoo

Blackpool Zoo offers educational and interactive experiences, making it a perfect family outing. With over 1,350 animals, the zoo hosts daily talks and feeding times to enhance visitors’ understanding. Popular exhibits include the Dinosaur Safari and the Gorilla Mountain. Open year-round, it provides an engaging way to learn about wildlife.

Nickelodeon Land

Located within Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Nickelodeon Land features 12 themed rides and attractions based on popular Nickelodeon characters. From SpongeBob SquarePants to Dora the Explorer, children can meet their favourite characters while enjoying the roller coasters and other rides. The park is open from April to November, with plenty of activities for younger visitors.

By focusing on inclusive, engaging experiences, Blackpool ensures that families have a wealth of activities to enjoy throughout the year.

Sporting Events

Blackpool hosts an array of sporting events that cater to diverse interests, from football matches to beach sports festivals.

Blackpool FC Matches

Blackpool FC, established in 1887, competes in the English Football League. Home games at Bloomfield Road draw both local supporters and visitors. Match days buzz with excitement, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Attending a Blackpool FC match provides an authentic football experience, with fans showcasing their passion and loyalty. The club’s storied history includes winning the FA Cup in 1953, adding historical depth to each game.

Beach Sports Festivals

Blackpool’s sandy beaches host various sports festivals, attracting participants and spectators. Events include the annual Beach Volleyball tournament, where teams compete in fast-paced matches. The Blackpool Beach Games feature activities like sand soccer, handball, and beach rugby, fostering a community spirit. These festivals turn the beaches into lively arenas, encouraging engagement and physical activity. The seaside backdrop enhances the appeal, combining sport with scenic beauty.

Cultural And Art Events

Blackpool hosts a variety of cultural and art events that enrich the town’s vibrant scene. These events highlight local and international talent, providing visitors with unique experiences.

Blackpool Festival of Arts

The Blackpool Festival of Arts takes place every June, celebrating various art forms like painting, sculpture, and photography. Local artists showcase their work at the Grundy Art Gallery and other venues, allowing attendees to explore new and established talents.

Lightpool Festival

Held in October, the Lightpool Festival offers an immersive experience blending light installations, live performances, and art exhibitions. The festival features award-winning artists who create visually stunning displays throughout the town, making it a must-see event.

Blackpool Music Run

Combining fitness and culture, the Blackpool Music Run occurs in May, where participants run or walk along the promenade while enjoying live music performances. This event brings together local bands and artists, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Blackpool Art Trail

The Blackpool Art Trail, hosted in various locations across the town, offers an interactive way to discover public art installations. Running throughout the year, this trail includes murals, sculptures, and other artworks, inviting both locals and tourists to engage with the cultural landscape.

Word Fest

Blackpool’s literary festival, Word Fest, takes place in April. It features author talks, poetry readings, and writing workshops, attracting literary enthusiasts from across the region. Events are held at the Winter Gardens and local libraries, making it accessible to everyone.

Grundy Art Gallery Exhibitions

Throughout the year, the Grundy Art Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions featuring contemporary artists. These exhibitions provide a platform for thought-provoking works and establish Blackpool as a cultural hub.

Vintage By The Sea

In September, Vintage By The Sea celebrates mid-century culture with art, fashion, music, and film from the 1920s to the 1980s. Held at the Winter Gardens, visitors experience the nostalgia of past eras through exhibitions, live performances, and vintage markets.

Sand, Sea & Spray Urban Art Festival

Sand, Sea & Spray brings street art to Blackpool’s public spaces every July. International artists create murals, graffiti, and installations, transforming the town into a vibrant, open-air gallery, perfect for art lovers.

These cultural and art events not only showcase Blackpool’s artistic diversity but also enhance its reputation as a dynamic destination, catering to a wide array of tastes and interests.

Conclusion

Blackpool’s vibrant events and attractions make it a premier destination for visitors of all ages. From the magical Illuminations to diverse music festivals and thrilling sporting events there’s always something happening in this lively seaside town. Families can enjoy a variety of activities and seasonal festivities while cultural enthusiasts will find a rich array of art and performance events. Blackpool truly offers a dynamic and unforgettable experience year-round. Whether you’re a local or a visitor there’s always a reason to celebrate in Blackpool.