This year, we’re getting our party hats on to celebrate big birthdays for some of our most famous attractions in Blackpool. Come and join the fun!
130 years of the Empress Ballroom
Empress Ballroom opened in August 1896. With its famous sprung dancefloor and glittering chandeliers, it’s home to the Blackpool Dance Festival amongst other events and celebrations.
130 years of Pleasure Beach Resort
The iconic Pleasure Beach Resort is celebrating its 130th year - and in true Blackpool style, the celebrations are set to be epic. This year sees the opening of the brand new Aviktas Gyro Swing - the tallest of its kind in the UK.
100 years of Stanley Park
Stanley Park is celebrating its centenary year in 2026. Stretching across 390 stunning acres, it’s famous for its bandstand, boating lake, Italian gardens, and Art Deco-style cafe. Discover more about Stanley Park on pages 11 and 12.
40 years of Sandcastle Waterpark
Dubbed a 21st Century indoor seaside, Sandcastle Waterpark has been making waves in Blackpool since June 1986. Today, it boasts more than 18 slides and attractions in a tropical 84 degree climate, as well as the Sea Breeze Spa.
40 years of Rebellion
The world’s biggest independent punk festival, Rebellion, celebrates its 40th anniversary in Blackpool, 6 - 9 August 2026. Starting out as a small gathering of punk fans, it’s now a global event that welcomes thousands to the Winter Gardens every summer.
20 years of Blackpool Pride
Blackpool’s annual Pride celebration enters its 20th year in 2026! Join the vibrant parade and support the LGBTQIA+ inclusivity our town is famous for.
15 years of Blackpool Tower Dungeon
The Tower Dungeon opened in 2011 as Lancashire’s very own version of the London Dungeon. It spans a thousand years of gruesome history with an amazing cast of theatrical actors, special effects, stages, scenes and rides. Enter if you dare!
10 years of Lightpool Festival
Blackpool’s award-winning Lightpool Festival celebrates 10 dazzling years in 2026. Running every autumn, it sees the town taken over with breathtaking light installations, live performances, family-friendly activities, and 3D projection shows.
10 years of Blackpool International Soul Festival
The Blackpool International Soul Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026, marking a decade of bringing soul lovers from around the world to Winter Gardens. It’s one of the UK’s leading celebrations of Northern Soul, Motown, and modern grooves, uniting fans of all ages for a weekend of dancing, rare vinyl, and pure soul magic on 19 - 21 June 2026.