Here comes summer as Blackpool rolls out bucket loads of family fun!

School’s out for summer – and Blackpool is rolling out a spectacular programme of free events and affordable entertainment over the holiday period.

With the biggest collection of indoor and outdoor family attractions outside London, as well as a huge mix of hospitality and accommodation to suit all pockets, there is something for everyone.

These are just some of the highlights of the summer season:

FREE EVENTS

Blackpool Air Show Weekend – August 10 and 11

The Red Arrows will once again perform on both days of our free to watch Air Show Weekend. This year, only a handful of air shows in the UK will see the Red Arrows before they set off on a tour of North America. Celebrating their 60^th anniversary, the Reds will be bringing a special diamond anniversary show to our seafront. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Typhoon are also confirmed on both days.

Ride The Lights, Tuesday 27 August

One of the most extraordinary nights in our events calendar. For one night only, the six-miles of Promenade is closed, giving cyclists an opportunity to get a sneak preview of the 2024 Illuminations before Switch-On.

Illuminations Switch-On – Friday 30 August

This year’s Illuminations display, which includes new tableaux from designers Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Leigh Francis (aka Keith Lemon), will be triggered at the annual Switch-On celebration, providing a fitting finale to the summer holidays. That event, staged in association with Hits Radio, will see a free-to-access music concert on the Tower Festival Headland, culminating in the iconic Switch-On moment when a celebrity will pull the switch to trigger the start of Illuminations season, which runs nightly until January 5, 2025. More details on the live entertainment programme and, of course, the identity of who will switch on this year’s Illuminations will be revealed in the coming weeks.

TOP CLASS SHOWS

HOT ICE – Pleasure Beach Resort

Pleasure Beach's spectacular Hot Ice show has returned with a brand new production, Eternity. Running until 7 September. Witness the world's longest running ice show in action throughout the summer season.

& JULIET – Winter Gardens

After a phenomenal run in London’s West End, & JULIET heads to Winter Gardens from 23–27 July.

Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as Juliet ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. Created by the Emmy-winning writer from the hit TV programme, Schitt’s Creek, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told.

Grease The Musical – Winter Gardens

The world's best-loved musical is back! Round-up your Burger Palace Boys and pick up your Pink Ladies as Grease the Musical heads to Winter Gardens from 19-24 August.

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory – Grand Theatre

Are you ready for a golden ticket adventure? The magical musical is coming to the Grand Theatre from August 29 – September 1. It’s going to be a Wonka of a musical!

Ultimate Pop Party – VIVA Blackpool

The Ultimate Pop Party is heading to Viva Blackpool every Thursday throughout August. The concert brings together the UK's top tribute acts from Ariana Grande (Ariana Live), Dua Lipa (Dupa Lipa), to Little Mix (Little Fix). Ideal for a child’s first concert experience, sing along to all the hits and enjoy an afternoon of non-stop pop fun

FABULOUS FAMILY ATTRACTIONS

SpongeBob month at Pleasure Beach Resort

It’s a Bikini Bottom extravaganza at the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land. Celebrate SpongeBob month with your favourite underwater friends, meet and greet the characters, and join all the SpongeBob-themed activities throughout July at Pleasure Beach Resort.  Why not extend the fun and take advantage of the Late Night Riding sessions on selected dates throughout the summer? The park will be open from 10am – 10pm, finishing with a spectacular fireworks display, on Saturday 27 July, Saturday 3 August, and Saturday 24 August.

Backlot Cinema

Get the popcorn ready! Experience the new Backlot Cinema & Diner where you can enjoy a variety of summer blockbusters, including the eagerly anticipated Despicable Me 4. Join Gru, Lucky, their adorable daughters and the hilarious Minions on their latest escapade. Located in the new extension of the Houndshill Shopping Centre, the cinema features one of the largest IMAX screens in the North West, measuring a massive 10.85m high and 19.87m wide.

Try out the AirSlides at Ascent Adventure Park

Ascent Adventure Park is the first trampoline park in the region to feature the thrilling new AirSlides. Typically found in water parks, slide headfirst on a special mat, launch through the air, and land safely on a giant airbag. Ascent offers a wide range of other activities including over 100 interconnected trampolines, the North West's first indoor caving system and a Ninja Assault course.

Silly Summer Crafts at Showtown

Join Showtown every Wednesday throughout the summer holidays for family fun craft sessions. Come along to the Sir Ken Dodd Learning Space, get crafty and create your own Blackpool themed creation - from a silly seagull to your own personalised paper bag puppet. With a new theme each week, add a little extra fun to your summer with Showtown. Note: Museum admission prices apply.

Spot the babies at Blackpool Zoo

Whilst Blackpool Zoo eagerly prepares for some super-sized arrivals later this year, there’s already a buzz of excitement with a recent baby boom in various parts of the park. The birth of its second critically endangered Bornean orang-utan was announced last month, plus several pairs of Magellanic penguins have welcomed some fluffy chicks. These new additions offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the zoo’s important conservation efforts.

Wild Shore Blackpool

The brand new water-based adventure park offers a range of dynamic, unique, and adrenaline-charged activities. Located at Reams Hill Holiday Park on the outskirts of the resort, take your pick from wakeboarding, paddle boarding, open water swimming and the all-new Aqua Park, a giant floating playground with Ninja warrior-style adventures.

Merlin Magic

Merlin's magic awaits and there are more attractions in resort than you can shake a stick of rock at.
Choose your adventure from The Blackpool Tower Eye, SEA LIFE Blackpool, Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse, Peter Rabbit Explore & Play, and Madame Tussauds Blackpool or buy a money-saving Pick ‘n Mix pass to experience them all!

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We pride ourselves on being the ultimate family destination in the UK.

“There are so many reasons why millions of people come to Blackpool every year – award-winning attractions, brilliant shows, great hospitality, beautiful sandy beaches, a wide range of dining and accommodation options, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

“Add to that the traditional Blackpool welcome which has just seen us voted the country’s friendliest destination - and it’s a fabulous mix of fun and entertainment for all the family.”

For more information and to plan your summer staycation, head to visitblackpool.com.