Blackpool’s world-class events programme in 2017
VisitBlackpool are gearing up for another busy season and the resort will once again host an outstanding programme of award-winning events.
With Armed Forces Week, the two-day Blackpool Air Show, Ride the Lights, Illuminations Switch-On, four weeks of World Fireworks Championships and the world-renowned Blackpool Illuminations, the events calendar is looking pretty packed.
And it’s anticipated that millions of people will enjoy the top free events and festivals held over the next six months.
Blackpool world-class events programme includes:
Blackpool Armed Forces Week 19-25 June
The incredible work of the British Armed Forces has long been celebrated in Blackpool – none more so than with our special week-long celebration honouring serving military personnel, past, present and future. During this week the town comes together with a range of events for everyone and special offers for members of the Armed Forces and their families. The activities include free concerts, exhibitions, military and ceremonial tributes. For more information go to www.visitblackpool.com/armedforces
Blackpool Air Show 12 & 13 August
Those magnificent men and women in their flying machines have been wowing crowds in Blackpool since it hosted the first official air show in 1909. There can be no more uplifting sight than watching the world-famous Red Arrows paint intricate patterns in the sky above Blackpool together with jaw-dropping aerobatic stunts and fly-bys from some incredible aircraft. This year, the two-day event has moved to a weekend slot taking place over a Saturday and Sunday. The air show is free to attend and showcases the finest military and civilian aircraft over Blackpool’s golden sands. For more information, go to www.visitblackpool.com/airshow
Ride the Lights 29 August
Get ready for an electrifying and magical cycle ride under Blackpool’s world famous Blackpool Illuminations. You can join thousands of riders as they travel along the promenade for a sneak preview of the 2017 Lights, days before their official switch-on. The six-mile traffic-free course, is suitable for all ages and abilities, and includes a range of entertainment, stalls, workshops and competitions to keep cyclists entertained throughout the evening. Riders will have another opportunity this year to detour through the thrilling Blackpool Pleasure Beach and take in the theme park’s sites before joining the crowds on the promenade. For more information go to www.visitblackpool.com/ridethelights
Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On 1 September
Blackpool’s biggest night of the year, ‘Switch-On’ is the most historic and enduring event in the resort’s calendar. Every year, tens of thousands of people descend on Blackpool for this musical extravaganza to watch their favourite music artists perform before the Blackpool Illuminations are switched on for another season. Entry is free to those lucky ones who register for tickets so for more information, go to www.visitblackpool.com/switchon
World Fireworks Championship Blackpool 8, 15, 22 & 29 September
Watch the world’s finest pyrotechnic experts battle it out in Blackpool’s annual World Fireworks Championship – four stunning firework displays that light up the night sky above the Promenade – and they are all FREE to watch. The annual event brings together the world’s finest firework elite and promises an amazing series of shows providing jaw-dropping entertainment for all the family. Simply head to the Tower Festival Headland, look up, and be prepared to be truly wowed by these stunning spectacles. For more information go to www.visitblackpool.com/fireworks
Blackpool Illuminations & LightPool 1 September – 5 November
They do not call it ’the greatest free light show on earth’ for nothing. Blackpool illuminations are an awesome spectacle that continues to attract millions of visitors every year. A host of fantastic new features have been added over the last few years, including LightPool – part of which is the stunning digital mapping of The Blackpool Tower which transforms this wonderful building into a truly unique light show in its own right. There are a number of ways you can view the Illuminations, either by car, tram and bicycle, but we’re sure you will agree that by far the best way is to take a walk through the Lights – it’s a truly magical experience.
Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council said: “We offer an excellent FREE events calendar in Blackpool every year enabling as many people as possible to enjoy this fabulous resort.
“It makes no difference whether you are a resident or a visitor because these events are for everyone and we pride ourselves on ensuring they appeal to as wide an audience as possible.
“It is very rare to find a town with so many large scale free events and it is very easy to take them for granted but a huge amount of work is carried out by the VisitBlackpool team to ensure our events are the best every time.”
Don’t forget there are lots of other events taking in place in the resort throughout 2017 for a full list go to www.visitblackpool.com
In addition to Blackpool’s free calendar of events the Blackpool Resort Pass was recently relaunched offering visitor’s access to up to nine of the resort’s top attractions at huge discounts.
To turn your Blackpool visit into a fantastic break, go to www.visitblackpool.com or www.blackpoolresortpass.com for more details.
Keep checking www.visitblackpool.com for updates and to find out what else is happening throughout the year. Why not make a short break of it and book your accommodation package! Click on the link http://www.visitblackpool.com/blackpoolguide/ to view the 2017 Blackpool Destination Guide.