Discover the exciting events held at the Winter Gardens Blackpool, a premier entertainment venue hosting concerts, theatre shows, exhibitions, and conferences.
From music festivals to pantomimes and comedy shows, the Winter Gardens offers a diverse range of events throughout the year. Find out what's happening at this iconic venue during your visit to Blackpool.
Blackpool Dance Festival
The Blackpool Dance Festival is a standout event held annually in the Winter Gardens Blackpool. Known globally as one of the most prestigious dance events, it brings together a fascinating blend of dance enthusiasts from around the world. The affair is a multi-day spectacle featuring both amateur and professional dancers competing in various styles, such as Ballroom and Latin American dance.
The venue's Empress Ballroom becomes a grand stage, providing an elegant backdrop for this competitive and highly entertaining event. Participating dancers often spend months, if not years, preparing to perform at this prominent festival.
Audiences can expect to witness high-calibre performances marked by intricate choreography and dazzling costumes. This event not only celebrates the art of dance but also fosters an international community united by a shared passion.
Blackpool Vegan & Green Festival
The Blackpool Vegan and Green Festival is an annual highlight in the calendar of the Winter Gardens Blackpool. This festival is dedicated to promoting sustainable and healthy living choices, making it a key event for environmentally conscious individuals.
Held in the expansive Conference and Exhibition Centre, the event features numerous stalls offering vegan food, eco-friendly products, and informative literature on sustainable practices.
Workshops and talks form an integral part of the festival, educating attendees on various aspects of veganism and green living.
Prominent speakers and activists are often invited to share their insights, inspiring more people to adopt a responsible lifestyle. These sessions cover a broad range of topics, from nutrition and animal welfare to renewable energy and waste reduction.

Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to sample a variety of plant-based dishes and beverages, providing a practical glimpse into the world of vegan cuisine. Interactive zones aimed at children make this festival a family-friendly event.
Activities include crafting sessions using recyclable materials and cooking classes, ensuring that young minds are engaged and educated on the importance of environmental stewardship.
These hands-on activities are designed to be both fun and informative, encouraging children to think creatively about sustainability. The marketplace at the festival is another attraction, with vendors offering a range of eco-friendly products.
From cruelty-free cosmetics and organic clothing to zero-waste household items, there is something for everyone looking to make greener choices.
Seasonal, locally sourced produce is also available, highlighting the benefits of supporting local farmers and reducing carbon footprints. The Blackpool Vegan and Green Festival is a significant event for anyone interested in a more sustainable lifestyle.
It offers something for all ages and levels of knowledge, from seasoned vegans to those simply curious about green living. By bringing together a diverse community of like-minded individuals, the festival fosters a spirit of collective responsibility and shared learning.
PDC World Matchplay Darts
The PDC World Matchplay Darts is a major attraction at the Winter Gardens Blackpool, held annually. This high-stakes tournament attracts top darts players from around the world, competing for the coveted title.
The Empress Ballroom transforms into a vibrant and electric venue where fans gather to watch intense matches featuring some of the biggest names in the sport. The atmosphere is always electric, filled with cheers and chants from enthusiastic supporters.
For both participants and spectators, the event offers a unique blend of competitiveness and camaraderie. It’s not just the thrilling matches that draw crowds; the event often features entertainment between sets and opportunities for fans to meet their favourite players. The atmosphere is always electric, filled with cheers and chants from enthusiastic supporters.
For both participants and spectators, the event offers a unique blend of competitiveness and camaraderie. It’s not just the thrilling matches that draw crowds; the event often features entertainment between sets and opportunities for fans to meet their favourite players.
The PDC World Matchplay Darts significantly contributes to Blackpool’s tourism, boosting local businesses. Hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants see increased patronage, creating a bustling environment throughout the town. Local attractions and shops also benefit, as visiting fans explore what Blackpool has to offer beyond the darts arena.
The PDC World Matchplay Darts is more than just a tournament; it’s an experience that brings people together, drives local economies, and showcases the thrill of darts on a grand stage. Whether you’re a die-hard darts fan or just looking for an exciting event to attend, this annual tournament in Blackpool is undoubtedly a highlight in the sports calendar.
Corporate Events
The Winter Gardens Blackpool isn’t solely for public entertainment; it’s also a premier location for corporate events. Many businesses choose this iconic venue for conferences, trade shows, and award ceremonies.
The venue offers a range of adaptable spaces, including the modern Conference and Exhibition Centre and the classic Opera House, making it suitable for events of all sizes.
Corporate clients appreciate the state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced audio-visual technology and high-speed internet.
The dedicated in-house team assists in planning and executing each event, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. The picturesque location provides a unique setting that impresses delegates and attendees alike.

Additionally, the venue hosts specialised industry exhibitions, bringing together professionals across various sectors to network and share insights. The strategic location of the Winter Gardens Blackpool makes it easily accessible, adding to its appeal as a top choice for business events.
Choosing the Winter Gardens Blackpool for corporate events offers many benefits. The adaptable spaces can cater to various group sizes, from small meetings to large conferences.
The experienced in-house team ensures each event runs smoothly, providing personalised service to meet all your requirements. Advanced audio-visual equipment and high-speed internet enhance presentations and connectivity, ensuring your event is successful. The Winter Gardens Blackpool’s iconic setting and convenient location make it ideal for impressing delegates and attendees. The venue’s mix of classic and contemporary spaces adds a unique touch to any corporate function.
Rebellion Festival
One of the most iconic events held in the Winter Gardens Blackpool is the Rebellion Festival. Known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, this festival is a haven for punk music enthusiasts.
The event features an impressive lineup of both legendary and emerging punk bands, offering a mix of music that resonates with various generations of fans. Spanning several days, attendees can expect non-stop musical performances, taking place across multiple stages within the venue.
The Rebellion Festival isn’t just about the music; it also includes a variety of exhibitions, stalls, and workshops aimed at celebrating punk culture. From vintage vinyl records to rebellious fashion accessories, the stalls offer unique finds that hark back to the roots of punk. Workshops provide an interactive experience, enabling festival-goers to engage more deeply with the culture, whether through art, music, or history-themed activities.
The atmosphere is enriched by a sense of community, where attendees from diverse backgrounds come together to share their love for punk. Regular attendees often describe it as a reunion, where friendships are renewed, and new ones are formed. This sense of camaraderie is one of the festival's most cherished aspects, making it a unique experience each year.
Beyond the music and camaraderie, the Rebellion Festival also serves as an educational platform. It sheds light on the history and evolution of punk, featuring talks and panel discussions with punk icons and historians. These sessions provide invaluable insights and foster a deeper understanding of the genre’s impact on music and society. For younger fans and newcomers, the festival offers a gateway into the rich and varied world of punk.
Those who attend the Rebellion Festival for the first time often leave with a newfound appreciation for the genre and its cultural significance. By blending music, education, and community, the Rebellion Festival creates a multifaceted experience that celebrates all aspects of punk culture.
In summary, the Rebellion Festival in the Winter Gardens Blackpool stands out as a premier event that goes beyond music. It offers a comprehensive celebration of punk culture through its diverse lineup, engaging activities, and a strong sense of community, making it a must-attend for punk enthusiasts of all ages.
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