BLACKPOOL LAUNCHES A GLITTERING NEW GUIDE FOR 2024
Blackpool has unveiled a brand new guide for 2024 highlighting a dazzling programme of events, shows and attractions for the year ahead.
The 88-page guide provides a comprehensive insight into the myriad of reasons why people flock to the UK’s most popular seaside destination.
The “cover star” of this year’s guide is the famous Mirror Ball, the world’s biggest, and a shining beacon at the southern gateway to the resort. It has benefited from an extensive makeover that included replacement of the 47,000 mirror tiles and new lighting technology.
The guide turns the spotlight on some of the faces behind the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations, including international designers Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Dr Chila Kumari Singh Burman, MBE, and features some of the amazing installations that turn the Promenade into a sea of light during the autumn and winter months.
Illustrated with stunning photography, the guide celebrates a very special milestone – the 85th anniversary of the Opera House in the Winter Gardens. It charts the star-studded history of a majestic theatre that has hosted an extraordinary cast of showbiz greats down the years including Charlie Chaplin, Frank Sinatra, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Bette Midler, Morecambe and Wise – and many, many more!
Other highlights include:
New For 2024: A taste of things to come with the opening of Showtown, a museum celebrating Blackpool’s glorious entertainment history; a new four-star Holiday Inn and Marco Pierre White New York Italian restaurant; a new Frasers and Flannels department store; and Backlot, a multiplex cinema incorporating one of the UK’s biggest IMAX screens.
World Class Events: A sneak peek at the resort’s multi-million pound events programme including some firm favourites such as Pride, Air Show Weekend, Rebellion Punk Festival, Ride The Lights, World Fireworks Championship Blackpool, Lightpool Festival, Illuminations Switch-On and Christmas By The Sea. New for 2024 is Elmer’s Jumbo Parade, an art trail comprising more than 30 Elmer elephant sculptures, each adorned with an exclusive design. The parade and many other events are free to access.
It’s Showtime: A chance to book ahead for a brilliant line-up of shows at a multitude of venues including the Winter Gardens, Grand Theatre and Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Just some of the shows already announced for 2024 include Sister Act, Jesus Christ Superstar, An Officer And A Gentleman, Grease The Musical, Bonnie & Clyde, a brand new production of the much-loved musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and a new version of the spectacular Hot Ice show.
The Best Things In Life Are Free: Proof that some of the best things in life really are free! Blackpool specialises in offering visitors the chance to enjoy the time of their life without parting with a penny. Glorious beaches and promenade; the Grundy Art Gallery; the annual Illuminations; world-class events such as Air Show, Ride The Lights, firework displays, and Illuminations Switch-On night; the award-winning Stanley Park and seafront attractions such as the Comedy Carpet, a side-splitting celebration of fun and laughter.
Amazing Attractions: A visitors’ guide to some of the UK’s best family attractions including The Blackpool Tower & Circus, Tower Ballroom, The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE, The Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Sandcastle Waterpark, Winter Gardens, three piers, Coral Island, Blackpool Zoo and the iconic Blackpool Pleasure Beach, billed as the most ride-intensive theme park on the planet!
Food For Thought: Whether it’s award-winning restaurants, lavish tasting menus, afternoon high tea, traditional ice cream or good old-fashioned fish and chips eaten al fresco, the guide gives an at-a-glance look at the best places to eat and drink both on the Promenade and off the beaten track. Newcomers include Turtle Bay, Abingdon St Market, Backlot Diner and the prestigious Upper Deck.
Access All Areas: A visitor guide to how Blackpool rolls out the welcome mat to make the resort accessible for everyone whether people have physical, sensory, mental health or learning difficulties.
Check Out, Then Check In: A must-have guide to Blackpool’s diverse accommodation ranging from traditional guest house to luxury hotel, from budget bolthole to boutique chic – there is something to suit all tastes and pockets and all carrying the Blackpool seal of approval.
The 2024 guide also provides a wealth of information on how to get around the resort as well as highlighting some of the many initiatives that are already in place to create an eco-friendly environment.
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “It is pleasing to be able to launch the new guide at a time when Blackpool is attracting large volumes of visitors on the back of the Christmas By The Sea village and the two-month extension to the Illuminations season.
“There are some exciting new developments for the new tourism season including the opening of Showtown, Backlot Cinema, the Holiday Inn and the tramway extension to Blackpool North Railway Station. Collectively, these add up to tens of millions of new investment and will add another dimension to our visitor offer.
“We pride ourselves on being the UK’s most popular resort and the 2024 Destination Guide gives a taste of what is already lined up for next year, with a vast selection of shows, attractions and free events, and a promise of more to come.”
To order your copy or view the guide online, please go to visitblackpool.com/guide