Saving the Sparkles

Visitors to Blackpool will be wowed with sequins, stitches and Strictly sparkle this November as Showtown unveils a dazzling conservation showcase.
 
From Tuesday 18 to Sunday 23 November, Showtown invites visitors to step ‘behind the seams’ for a rare backstage pass into the world of costume conservation. As BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing returns to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, our award-winning museum transforms its temporary exhibition space into a working conservation lab, revealing the delicate art of keeping the iconic dresses gleaming long after its last dance. 
 
Included with entry, this special event offers a front-row seat to the meticulous cleaning, repair and preservation by the museum’s team of experts of original Strictly Come Dancing costumes, each one tailored to a performer and designed to dazzle on screen.
 
Visitors will be able to see the conservation team in action as they care for dresses worn by some of Strictly Come Dancing’s most iconic stars, from celebrated professional dancer Katya Jones to 2018 champion Stacey Dooley, and Joanne Clifton's Blackpool ballgown from 2016. From sequins to satin, every stitch tells a story.
 
They will see the team clean, repair and restore original Strictly costumes and have an opportunity to ask the team about the techniques behind the work.
 
Showtown has a Dance Gallery section where visitors can see dazzling Strictly Come Dancing costumes and learn about the creative process from Vicky Gill, the show’s renowned costume designer.
 
Whether you're a museum lover, a costume enthusiast or a Strictly Come Dancing superfan, the ‘Strictly Conservation’ showcase offers a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the expert care that keeps these dazzling creations at their best.
 
‘Strictly Conversation’ runs from Tuesday 18 to Sunday 23 November excluding Friday 21 November.
 
Tickets can be purchased online – www.showtown.co.uk