It's looking like a cracking Easter in Blackpool

Blackpool has lined up a whole basketful of Easter fun and entertainment as the 2024 tourism season springs into life.

This year sees the arrival of two exciting new attractions – Showtown, the museum of fun and entertainment, and Backlot Cinema & Diner, housing one of the biggest IMAX cinema screens in the UK.

With most of the main attractions open to mark the start of the school holidays, the resort is boasting a vast selection of shows and visitor attractions, complemented by great and affordable accommodation, and a variety of new independent cafes, bars and restaurants.

You’ll be hard-pressed fitting all your plans in one visit with the vast range of entertainment for all the family!

These are just some of the Easter highlights:

It’s show time!

Showtown, Blackpool’s brand new museum of fun and entertainment, which celebrates the resort’s glorious history as the UK home of popular entertainment, includes interactive galleries featuring seaside, circus, magic, dance, shows, and the world-famous Illuminations.

It's not your run-of-the-mill museum; it's a front-row ticket to Blackpool's entertainment legacy with a whole host of fun and activities for all ages. And with each ticket purchased being valid for 12 months, visitors can come back over and over again!

See Dune 2 in Blackpool’s brand new IMAX cinema

Get the popcorn ready! The highly-anticipated Backlot Cinema & Diner will open on Friday 22 March. Located in the new extension of the Houndshill Shopping Centre, the cinema will feature a state-of-the-art sound system and a giant IMAX measuring a massive 10.85m high and 19.87m wide.

The Backlot Diner will serve a delicious range of food from burgers, hotdogs and wings, along with a range of desserts, including American-style pancakes, sundaes and milkshakes.

Join the herd at Elmer’s Big Parade

Shortly after Easter, Elmer and 30 of his uniquely decorated friends will form the biggest-ever public art trail Blackpool has seen.
 
The sculptures will be placed around key landmarks, streets, and open spaces across Blackpool to form a free walking trail from April 13 to June 9.

Elmer's Big Parade Blackpool is open to everyone and we hope that as many people as possible will explore all or parts of the fully-accessible trail over the spring.

Enjoy a belly laugh at The Blackpool Tower Circus

Join Mooky and Mr Boo as they deliver their slapstick antics in a brand new show for the 2024 season. Produced and directed by the Endresz family at one of the most iconic circus venues in the world, the show promises visitors a host of all-new jaw-dropping performances and never-before-seen acts in the newly-restored Blackpool Tower Circus.

It's all ears at Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play

Move over Easter Bunny, there’s a new rabbit in town! Hop into the oversized world of adventure at Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play and explore the five fluffy-tailed zones – from Mr McGregor’s Garden to Mr Bouncer’s Invention Workshop.  Find the attraction on the Golden Mile next to Madame Tussauds and close to the hugely popular Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse.

All the thrills at Pleasure Beach Resort

Pleasure Beach Resort has reopened for the season! Choose high octane thrills from the iconic Big One, double launch roller coaster, ICON, and the recently re-imagined Valhalla, or take a nostalgic ride on our favourite woodies, the Big Dipper and the Grand National.

If big thrills aren’t for you, check out the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land, featuring 12 amazing rides and a whole host of Nickelodeon characters.

Let us entertain you

Blackpool wouldn’t be Blackpool without some of the best live entertainment you can find. Over the Easter holiday period, the Winter Gardens will be staging a fantastic range of shows including the magical world of Cirque (matinee, April 7), the sound of Abba in Thank You For The Music and glam rock with a performance of Get It On (April 5).

The beautiful Grand Theatre will be bringing Sooty back to his home town with shows from March 31 to April 1, as well as performances of The Tiger Who Came To Tea from April 9-10, a production of My Beautiful Laundrette from April 2-6, and a touch of Strictly magic as Giovanni Pernice brings his new live tour to the Blackpool stage on April 7.

Pick up your free Easter egg at Coral Island

Coral Island is Blackpool's largest free-admission attraction, packed with games, rides, family-friendly restaurants, and this Easter, from Thursday 28 March until Sunday 31 March, they are giving away a free Cadbury's Easter Egg to visitors. Remember to check out the new Coral Harbour Kitchen & Bar for a bite to eat.

Help Charlie & The Chocolate Academy at VIVA Blackpool

From 30 March - 3 April, join VIVA Blackpool for an egg-citing Easter adventure at their special event, where you and your family can help Charlie save the chocolate! From a pre-show meet and greet with the cast to a full stage performance featuring catchy tunes and lots of audience participation, the fun starts as soon as you arrive.

Dive into the world of Willy Wonka as Charlie races against time to recreate the famous Wonka Bar while battling the scheming Ness Lay. With delicious treats, immersive games, and a heart-warming story, it's the perfect family-friendly event this Easter.

Dive into the deep and meet Cocomelon at SEA LIFE Blackpool

In an exciting nationwide event, join JJ and the gang as they meet some incredible animals and discover how to keep them safe in our oceans.

The clan also need you to help them find the missing words to complete the exclusive SEA LIFE song. Bring your little ones from until 22 March and jump into an aquarium adventure this spring!

Meet your furry friends at Blackpool Zoo

Visitors can take advantage of the Easter holidays to catch up with their favourite animals, including the fully integrated herd of Asian elephants, the four members of the red panda family, Western Lowland gorillas, the orang-utans, the sea lions and many more at Blackpool Zoo.

Don’t forget to stop by the newly-renovated Cat House and look out for the three new lionesses, Hira, Emma and Narla.

Visit Stanley Park's egg-cellent Easter Fair

Voted England's best park for three years on the bounce, head to Stanley Park for its Spring Fair from 10.30am – 2.30pm on Saturday 8 - Sunday 9 April.

Enjoy a cracking variety of games for all the family, try your luck at the Easter bonnet competition or get creative in the fancy dress challenge. 

Meet Stick Man at Ridgeway Farm

Discover the magic of Stick Man at Ridgeway Farm Blackpool! Join the friendly farm on March 29 for an exciting outdoor adventure inspired by Julia Donaldson's beloved character. Kids can create their own Stick Man, explore nature, and enjoy readings of the classic tale.

Supported by Magic Light Pictures and Social Farms & Gardens, this free activity trail is designed for children aged three to seven. Complete the trail and earn your Stick Man Trail Certificate!

Venture down the rabbit hole at Blackpool North Pier

Treat the family to a laugher-packed, all-singing, all-dancing stage show at Joe Longthorne Theatre this Easter. Grin from ear to ear as Silly Billy guides you through this colourful Easter adventure.

Watch out for whirlwind jugglers, amazing magicians and incredible acrobatics in this lively circus show, packed from start to finish with audience participation.

There will be a few special appearances throughout, including Bertie The Bear and Leo The Lion together with the Easter Bunny.

Keep it simple at the seaside

When the sun is shining, there's no better way to enjoy all the delights of the seaside than spending time on the beach with an ice cream. Stroll along the sandy beach or bustling Promenade, feel the refreshing salt air and bask in the spectacular coastal views. Remember to check the tide times and stay safe at the beach.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “The Easter holiday period marks the start of a brand new tourism season – and we can’t wait to welcome visitors back to see all of the exciting new things that Blackpool has to offer.

“There is a fabulous mix of traditional family favourites as well as new shows and attractions. As always, we have set our stall out to give visitors a wide choice of free and affordable fun. And with lighter nights and sunnier days, it’s the perfect time of year to experience a seaside adventure.”

For more details on what’s on in Blackpool this Easter, head to visitblackpool.com/easter