The 2017 Blackpool Bucket and Spade List

Not only have we got sand and sea, more shows, attractions and entertainment than you can shake a stick at, we have also got a collection of unique experiences that will simply blow your mind!

1. Ride (and walk) The Big One
   The Big One is the tallest, fastest and scariest coaster on Blackpool Pleasure Beach (at least until 2018 when the new £16m Icon coaster is launched!). The question is: Are you brave enough to climb on board and face the awesome first drop, travelling at speeds of more than 85mph? The second question is: Could you walk The Big One – a mere 235ft to the top of the first incline? Places available throughout the summer and autumn season.
    
2. Tango In The Tower Ballroom
   You have probably seen it on Strictly – but trust us, the world-famous Tower Ballroom looks even more jaw-dropping when you are actually in it. Step through the doors and you will enter the magical world of one of the most spectacular ballrooms on the planet. There is a unique sprung dance floor where you can quite literally follow in the footsteps of the world’s best dancers. Failing that, you can simply do an Ed Balls impression, Gangnam-style!
    
3. See The Fresh Prince In The Fresh Air
   Hollywood superstar Will Smith is heading to Blackpool for an exclusive live outdoor performance on The Tower Festival Headland. The actor, rapper and self-styled Fresh Prince of Bel-Air will be reunited with DJ Jazzy Jeff to perform on the final night of the new Livewire Festival over the Bank Holiday Weekend from August 25-27. The Jacksons will take the stage on night one, followed by the stars of Pete Waterman’s Hit Factory on the Saturday night.
    
4. Feed The Cat
   Not just any old cat, but one of Blackpool Zoo’s magnificent tigers. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal and serve breakfast to one of the resident big cats. Your experience includes a behind the scenes tour with one of the zoo’s experienced keepers and a whole host of goodies (and memories) to take away with you.
    
5. Take The Plunge
   Picture the scene: You are on the roof of the Sandcastle Waterpark building on South Promenade. Just one thing stands between you and the tropical waters below. Well two things actually: The colossal Montazooma mat slide with 360 degree loops and back-to-back turns, or the Aztec Falls, an electrifying pitch-black descent into a giant bowl. The choice is yours…
    
6. Brave The SkyWalk
   Dare you take a walk of faith at the top of Blackpool Tower? Step out of the lift 380 feet up and the thrilling SkyWalk awaits you. It’s a five centimetre-thick glass platform where you can look out over the Irish Sea and look down on the famous Golden Mile below you.  It’s a viewing experience you will never forget!
    
7. Snorkel With Sharks
   It’s a big step up from swimming with the fishes. This is a unique, exhilarating experience where you will come face to face with more than 20 sharks and other spectacular marine life in Blackpool’s SEA LIFE Centre. It’s your very own 15-minute Jaws adventure which will be followed by a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about shark breeding, conservation and food preparation (don’t panic you are not the food!).
    
8. Have A Drink In The Rovers
   Weatherfield aside, where on earth can you prop up the bar with Ken Barlow? Easy! Take a trip to Madame Tussaud’s on Blackpool’s Golden Mile, fight your way through the dozens of celebrities, take a stroll down Coronation Street and pop into the Rovers Return where you can meet some of the Corrie stars, past and present, and enjoy a freshly-poured drink in the fully licensed bar.
    
9. Get slimed!
   What’s green and messy and only happens in Blackpool? It’s SLIMEFEST – the exclusive Nickelodeon live show featuring brilliant entertainment from Diversity and a host of music stars, with appearances from the stars of Nickelodeon channels and a whole lot of slime. Six shows from October 21-23 at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. If you dare, get a ticket for the slime pit; for the less brave, sit a safe distance away and watch the others turn green. 
    
10. Ride The Tram Train
    It’s the ultimate tramway experience and you can only do it here in Blackpool. Climb on board one of the amazing heritage trams and relive the art deco era of the 1930s. Better still; take a ride on one of the extraordinary illuminated trams that run during the autumn season. Imagine taking a ride on a tram decked out as a trawler or a Great Western train, bejewelled in thousands of tiny lights – what’s not to love?
     
11. Cycle Through The Lights
    Get ready for an electrifying and magical cycle ride under Blackpool’s world-famous Illuminations. Head for the seafront on Tuesday 29 August and you can join thousands of riders as they travel along the Promenade for a sneak preview of the 2017 Lights in a totally traffic-free environment. This is bike riding – but not as you know it!
     
12. Join The Switch On Party
    It’s the biggest night in Blackpool’s events calendar – the night when 20,000 people turn out for a great big free party on the Prom to mark the official start of the Blackpool Illuminations season. 2016 saw an amazing line-up including Diversity, The Vamps, Fleur East and showbiz royalty Dame Barbara Windsor. Are you ready to party under the stars on Friday 1 September? Register to win your free wristbands go to: www.visitblackpool.com/switchon

Keep checking www.visitblackpool.com  for updates and to find out what else is happening during your visit or  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.

To view the online version of our 2017 Event Guide follows https://issuu.com/visitblackpool/docs/events_guide_2017