This beautiful, Victorian building is open to the public most days of the week. Unless there’s a closed event taking place inside. Why don’t you pop inside Blackpool Winter Gardens and take a look around the Floral Hall and public spaces?
Meet Morecambe and Wise in the Church Street entrance. Marvel at the dome and arched glass ceiling. Pop into the Mazzei Cafe or Victoria Bar for refreshments. If you want to see even more, pre-book a venue tour!
Or book your tickets for one of the amazing shows…
- Look Inside the Winter Gardens
- 2023 AT BLACKPOOL WINTER GARDENS
- Annie – 6 to 9 Sept
- Blackpool Male Voice Choir Centenary Concert – Sat 9 Sept at 7.30pm
- Whitney – Queen Of The Night – Sun 10 Sept at 7.30pm
- Heathers The Musical – 12 to 16 Sept
- Le Classique De Danse Awards – 16 Sept
- The North Of Britain Open Ballroom & Latin Titles And The Icon Classical Sequence Titles
- Blackpool Int Soul Fest Inc Wigan 50th Anniversary – 22 – 24 September
- Dirty Dancing – 27 Sept – 7 Oct (not Sun 1 Oct)
- Fastlove – Sun 8 Oct at 7.30pm
- Jack Whitehall: Settle Down – Mon 9 Oct at 7.30pm
- An Audience With Val McDermid – Thurs 12 Oct at 7.30pm
- The Price of Football Live! Thurs 12 Oct at 8pm
- Alfie Boe – Fri 13 Oct at 7.30pm
- An Audience With Dr. Sheila Kanani – Sat 14 Oct at 11am
- An Audience With John Whaite – Sat 14 Oct at 2pm
- The Book Lovers Quiz With Garry Wigglesworth – Sat 14 Oct at 4pm
- An Audience With Gareth P. Jones – Sat 14 Oct at 4pm
- An Audience With Ciannon Smart, Sun 15 Oct at 11am
- Children’s Creative Writing Workshop With Jack Meggitt-Phillips – Sun 15 Oct at 1pm
- An Audience With Milly Johnson & A.J. Pearce, Sun Oct 15 at 2pm
- An Audience With Sophie Hannah, Sun 15 Oct at 4pm
- An Audience With Michael Davies – Sun 15 Oct at 5.30pm
- Cash For Kids LIVE With Scouting For Girls – Sun 15 Oct at 7.30pm
- James Martin Live – Thurs 19 Oct at 7.30pm
- Sixties Gold – Fri 20 October at 7.30pm
- Blackpool Sequence Dance Festival – 21 to 24 Oct
- World Famous Elvis Show Starring Chris Connor – Sat 21 Oct at 7.30pm
- Peter Pan – The Arena Spectacular – 26 to 29 Oct
- S2S X 90s Baby Present 90s Halloween Live – Sat 28 Oct, 2-11pm
- The Full Monty – 5-9 December
- There's Something for Everyone at the Winter Gardens
- While you're here…
Look Inside the Winter Gardens
Covid played havoc with everything, but the Winter Gardens has been fabulous again, since reopening in May 2021. We went for a look behind the scenes a few days before re-opening, to see how preparations were going –
Visit popular Mazzei Café – packages including Afternoon tea are available to pre-book on the venue’s website. The Old Victoria Bar, formally Gillow’s, features live entertainment throughout the day. Enjoy a wide selection of drinks and classic pub food.
The Box Office counter service at Church Street is where you can book in person. It’s open daily from 11am – 3pm.
Afternoon Tea at the Mazzei Cafe
Soak in the surroundings of the stunning Winter Gardens Blackpool whilst enjoying Afternoon Tea in the Mazzei Café. A perfect gift, or indulgent experience for yourself, our Afternoon teas including sandwiches, cream scones with clotted cream and jam plus a selection of cakes. Upgrades are available to include a glass of fizz with your afternoon tea. Available to pre-book daily from 11am.
The Old Vic Bar
Find this traditional British Bar at the centre of the venue, serving a wide range of drinks. With live entertainment throughout selected days, featuring some of the UK’s best cabaret artists. Plus the legendary Old Vic favourites – Pineapple Jack! Free entry for the whole family, no booking required. Seasonally: Enjoy live entertainment on Saturdays and Pineapple Jack on Sundays.
Venue Tours
Book now for 2023! 13 September, 25 October 2023
Join a fascinating tour of the Winter Gardens Blackpool. The knowledgeable guides have many years’ experience at the venue and will give you a unique insight to the fascinating building and the many events its hosted. These tours are one of the best ways to re-live the history of the venue and visit backstage areas not often open to the public.
Visit backstage of the Opera House and get a chance to tread the boards so many famous faces have walked on before. The grandeur of the Empress Ballroom will be explored. And the refurbished Spanish Suites offer a unique insight into Blackpool’s largest entertainment venue.
- LOVE THE WINTER GARDENS? Explore the building and its history here
Venue Tour admission price includes a tea or coffee in the Mazzei Cafe following the tour. Options are available to upgrade to include a traditional Afternoon Tea or with Fizz in the stunning Mazzei Cafe after your tour. Please note the Winter Gardens is a working building and access cannot be guaranteed to all areas.
2023 AT BLACKPOOL WINTER GARDENS
Annie – 6 to 9 Sept
The smash-hit West End production of ANNIE comes to Blackpool for 1 Week only. This ‘glorious revival’ (The Times) stars Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood (Thu-Sat) and Jodie Prenger (Wed) as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan!
Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family…
With its Tony® award-winning book and score, including the unforgettable songs It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it!
Blackpool Male Voice Choir Centenary Concert – Sat 9 Sept at 7.30pm
Blackpool Male Voice Choir, finalists in the 2022 Lancashire Choir of the Year competition, invite the people of Blackpool to help them celebrate a momentous occasion – a Centenary Concert.
Whitney – Queen Of The Night – Sun 10 Sept at 7.30pm
Direct from The West End, Whitney – Queen Of The Night is coming back in 2023 to celebrate the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time with a sensational cast and stunning live band.
This phenomenal production consistently delivers an outstanding concert that has been described as “a powerhouse performance that delivers on every level…”
Heathers The Musical – 12 to 16 Sept
Following two smash hit West End seasons, a record-breaking run at The Other Palace and winning the WhatsOnStage award for BEST NEW MUSICAL, Heathers The Musical, the black comedy rock musical based on the eponymous 1988 film, embarks on a new national tour.
Westerberg High’s Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody dreaming of a better day. But when she joins the beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers and her dreams of popularity may finally come true, mysterious teen rebel JD teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it is murder being a somebody.
Le Classique De Danse Awards – 16 Sept
A glittering evening to honour the Dance Profession in Ballroom, Classical Sequence, Latin, Freestyle and Theatre.
Presented by Former Strictly Star – Aljaz Skorjanec. 13 amazing Cabaret and dancing under the direction of Duncan Trever.
For full details on the website – www.dancefestivals4you.co.uk
The North Of Britain Open Ballroom & Latin Titles And The Icon Classical Sequence Titles
Sunday 17th September 2023.
Full details on the website – www.dancefestivals4you.co.uk follow the link to North of Britain Titles.
Blackpool Int Soul Fest Inc Wigan 50th Anniversary – 22 – 24 September
In the early hours of Sunday, September 23rd 1973, a new Northern Soul All-Nighter was launched in Wigan, Lancashire. For one year only, our next 7-room soul festival will be in September rather than June to enable us to host the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the opening night of the world-famous Wigan Casino All-Nighters as well as providing all the usual highlights of the festival launched back in June 2016.
With Soulful Dance in the Olympia, 60s Soul, Mod & Ska in the Pavilion, Contemporary Luxury Modern Soul in the Dereham Lounge, Connoisseurs Crossover and Rare Groove in the Old Vic. The Opera House will be open for a filmed documentary premiere (Wigan Casino – The Legacy) and a Q+A with a Wigan Casino DJ launching his autobiography at the event. Added to all that will be the Wigan Casino and Mr/M’s sessions in the Empress Ballroom and the Spanish Hall respectively.
Dirty Dancing – 27 Sept – 7 Oct (not Sun 1 Oct)
Dirty Dancing returns to Blackpool following a season at London’s Dominion Theatre. Exploding with heart-pounding music, breath-taking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing.
Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.
Dirty Dancing Party Night – Fri 6 Oct
Immerse yourself in the world of Dirty Dancing with this ultimate party experience! Start your night with a delicious pre-show meal, then take your seat in the Opera House to experience the magic of Dirty Dancing live on stage! After the show, dance the night away at the afterparty, complete with all your favourite Dirty Dancing tunes and a welcome drink. This is the perfect opportunity to relive the magic of Dirty Dancing, so don’t miss out!
Fastlove – Sun 8 Oct at 7.30pm
Direct from London’s West End, this is the world’s favourite George Michael Celebration!
Few shows have reached the dizzy heights of Fastlove, now touring in 18 countries, selling over 250,000 tickets worldwide. Join us for one very special night as we celebrate the late great George Michael.
Our talented cast will recreate for you, a night like no other! The brand new Everything she wants tour 2021/22!
Jack Whitehall: Settle Down – Mon 9 Oct at 7.30pm
International comedy superstar Jack Whitehall is back with his highly anticipated new live show. Following three complete sell-out arena tours Jack is eager to get back on the road doing what he does best – delighting audiences!
An Audience With Val McDermid – Thurs 12 Oct at 7.30pm
Ticket includes entry plus a signed copy of Past Lying (RRP £22.00). A captivating evening with the Queen of Crime, Val McDermid, as she delves into the dark and gripping world of her latest novel. Set against the haunting backdrop of Edinburgh, a city renowned for its literary ghosts, “Past Lying” presents a chilling tale where a mysterious manuscript eerily mirrors an unresolved crime. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the intrigue of the novel and engage in a Q&A session, where you can pose your burning questions directly to Val McDermid.
The Price of Football Live! Thurs 12 Oct at 8pm
Experience the wit, wisdom, and wonder of The Price of Football as we bring you a live rendition of the twice-weekly podcast sensation. This special evening celebrates the launch of their captivating new book, “Unfit & Proper Persons”. With unparalleled insight, the team ventures into the world of football finance and ownership, revealing the intricate dance of decisions and dilemmas.
Alfie Boe – Fri 13 Oct at 7.30pm
Following his very special evening with at the Royal Albert Hall earlier this month celebrating 20 years in entertainment; Much-loved tenor, Alfie Boe has announced a nationwide UK tour for autumn 2023 including a date at the London Palladium.
Alfie Boe has conquered the world’s most prestigious opera stages and has entertained fans around the globe. From leading the cast of Les Misérables – which received a Grammy nomination for ‘Best Musical Theatre Album’ and three sold-out solo UK tours, Boe has always strived to bring great music to different audiences.
An Audience With Dr. Sheila Kanani – Sat 14 Oct at 11am
Ticket includes entry and a signed copy of Can you get Rainbows in Space (RRP £14.99). Embark on a colorful journey through the cosmos with renowned astronomer Dr. Sheila Kanani. Join us for an enlightening session as Dr. Sheila introduces an illuminating exploration of space, science, and the captivating play of light, all told through the vibrant spectrum of the rainbow.
With mesmerizing science demonstrations to bring the magic of the book to life. And, for the brave and curious, there’s a chance to be a part of a hands-on experience!
An Audience With John Whaite – Sat 14 Oct at 2pm
Ticket includes entry and a signed copy of Dancing on Eggshells (RRP £22.00). Dive into the compelling life story of an individual who has known both the spotlight’s bright glare and the shadows of personal struggles. From the glittering stage of The Great British Bake Off to the shining floors of Strictly Come Dancing, John’s journey is one punctuated with joy and challenges, triumphs and introspections.
John’s chronicle is not one of uninterrupted success. It speaks of the valleys as much as the peaks – of battles with bulimia, the struggle with body dysmorphia, and the quest for self-acceptance.
The Book Lovers Quiz With Garry Wigglesworth – Sat 14 Oct at 4pm
Ticket includes entry plus a signed copy of The Book Lovers Quiz Book 2 (RRP £16.99). Literary buffs and casual readers alike, get ready to put your book knowledge to the test! From classic literature to contemporary bestsellers, the quiz promises to challenge and entertain.
The book quiz will comprise diverse rounds, including multiple-choice questions and picture rounds. It’s designed to be engaging for hardcore bibliophiles, offering them an intense mental challenge. But, even if you’re just an occasional reader, you’re bound to have a blast!
Get your teams ready, and let’s see who the ultimate book nerd is! The winning team will bag £50 in book tokens, with £25 in book tokens for runners up.
An Audience With Gareth P. Jones – Sat 14 Oct at 4pm
Ticket includes entry and a signed copy of Rabunzel the Musical (RRP £7.00). Embark on a whimsical journey to a world where fairytales take an unexpectedly furry twist! Gareth Jones brings to stage a rabbit with extraordinarily long ears and a story that’s bound to leave you hopping with joy. But, this isn’t just any ordinary fairytale adaptation. It’s a tale enriched with hearty laughs, deep emotions, and empowering life lessons.
Beyond the giggles and the charm lies a narrative that delves deep. Through Rabunzel’s journey, the musical touches upon the anxieties of parenthood, the courage to face our fears, the importance of mutual respect, and the delicate nature of life itself.
An Audience With Ciannon Smart, Sun 15 Oct at 11am
Ticket includes entry plus a signed copy of Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters (RRP £7.99). Renowned for her acclaimed YA title Witches Seeped in Gold, Ciannon dives into the enchanting middle-grade domain with this new adventure, aiming to captivate readers aged 9-12. Infused with Caribbean myths, magic, and a sprinkle of humour, this series endeavors to show that sometimes the monsters aren’t the real villains after all.
Rooted in Ciannon’s early aspiration for representation in magical tales, this middle-grade series stands as a testament to her passion and commitment to diversifying the literary landscape.
Children’s Creative Writing Workshop With Jack Meggitt-Phillips – Sun 15 Oct at 1pm
Ticket includes entry plus a signed copy of The Beast and the Bethany (RRP £7.99). Allow your imagination to roam free and dive into an interactive, hour-long session brimming with creativity, puppetry, and excerpts from the internationally celebrated series. Jack Meggitt-Phillips will be your guide, providing cues and inspiration, ensuring that every young participant crafts and concludes their distinct short story.
Essentials: A pen, paper, and your untamed imagination.
Target Audience: Ages 7-12. We welcome budding writers without any attendance cap.
An Audience With Milly Johnson & A.J. Pearce, Sun Oct 15 at 2pm
Ticket includes entry plus a signed copy of Together Again (RRP £8.99) and Mrs Porter Calling (RRP £16.99). Explore the intricacies of female camaraderie, the nuances of community, and the art of creating captivating female protagonists with two of the best in the business.
A literary luminary, Milly Johnson‘s contributions to female fiction have earned her a position in the UK’s Top 10 Female Fiction authors. Celebrating women through her prose, Milly accentuates the essence of friendship and community, crafting characters that are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
The global success story, Dear Mrs Bird, introduced readers to the literary prowess of A.J. Pearce. This debut creation, which took inspiration from a 1939 issue of Woman magazine purchased on eBay, unveiled the captivating tales of Emmy Lake and her colleagues at the Woman’s Friend magazine. Celebrated and admired worldwide, Emmy Lake’s Chronicles grew with Yours Cheerfully in 2021 and the recently unveiled Mrs Porter Calling in May 2023.
An Audience With Sophie Hannah, Sun 15 Oct at 4pm
Ticket includes entry plus a signed copy of Poirot’s Silent Night (RRP£22.00). Engage in a spellbinding evening as you delve into the intricate mindscapes of Agatha Christie’s iconic detective, Hercule Poirot, through the lens of the accomplished Sophie Hannah. Be prepared to be whisked away into the captivating world of mystery, murder, and Christmas tales that make the heart race.
The legendary detective is renowned for solving enigmatic cases like the Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile, and he’s called upon once again. This time, he navigates through the chilling landscapes of Norfolk during the Christmas season, where a murder has occurred within the seeming safety of a hospital ward. The clock is ticking as Poirot races against time to unravel the mystery, prevent further killings, and ensure he celebrates Christmas without any more bloodshed. Yet, there’s someone with their own intentions for Poirot, someone unyielding in their pursuit…
An Audience With Michael Davies – Sun 15 Oct at 5.30pm
Ticket includes entry plus a signed copy of Outback (RRP £16.99). Embark on a riveting journey into the vastness of the Australian Outback. Michael Davies discusses his exhilarating sequel to Desmond Bagley’s “Domino Island”. Be prepared to dive deep into the realms of mystery, suspense, and relentless adventure. The evening promises an enriching exploration of Davies’ intricate storytelling, mastery of character development, and the inspiration behind his continuation of the gripping Bill Kemp saga.
Cash For Kids LIVE With Scouting For Girls – Sun 15 Oct at 7.30pm
Excited to announce that English pop rock band SCOUTING FOR GIRLS play Blackpool Opera House on Sunday 15th October 2023 plus support to be announced. All profits for this show go to the Cash For Kids charity.
James Martin Live – Thurs 19 Oct at 7.30pm
Celebrity chef James Martin is turning up the heat with a brand-new tour for 2023.
Following a sell-out 2022 tour James Martin Live will visit 20 towns and cities entertaining audiences with live demonstrations and cooking tasks.
Sixties Gold – Fri 20 October at 7.30pm
60’s EXPLOSION TOUR. HERMAN’S HERMITS, MARMALADE, SPENCER JAMES, LEAD SINGER OF THE SEARCHERS, plus many more.
Blackpool Sequence Dance Festival – 21 to 24 Oct
The Blackpool Sequence Dance Festival will now see its 73rd anniversary in 2023, in the impressive Empress Ballroom, Winter Gardens. The festival’s format has changed over the years and it now covers Classical, Modern and Latin Sequence Dancing.
The festival accommodates both Children and Adult competitions. The British Sequence Championships are held on all three evenings.
The Inventive Dance competition is held on Monday. The categories are Classical Sequence, Modern Sequence and Latin Sequence. The winning dances will also be taught on Monday to associates, members and fellows affiliated with the British Dance Council, and then to members of the public. There’s plenty of opportunity for social dancing in between the competitions and also on Sunday and Tuesday afternoon.
World Famous Elvis Show Starring Chris Connor – Sat 21 Oct at 7.30pm
Voted by the first ever world wide Elvis Presley fan poll as – The greatest Elvis Tribute in the World! – awarded in Memphis.
If you were not lucky enough to see Elvis live, you will walk away from this concert feeling that you have! Many Elvis fans are left emotionally moved when they leave the show. This show is made by Elvis fans for Elvis fans. You seriously do not want to miss this electric show!”.
Peter Pan – The Arena Spectacular – 26 to 29 Oct
A big budget extravaganza adaptation of J.M Barrie’s much-loved tale Peter Pan flies into top UK venues from October promising a spectacular spin on the timeless classic adventure.
Following the success of ELF -THE MUSICAL arena tour last year, the same production team headed by the maestro producer Jon Conway are at the helm of a “supersize spectacle” with awe-inspiring special effects and lots of fun.
Boy George said: “I’m really looking forward to playing Captain Hook and showing off my evil side! I make my first entrance on a life size galleon that sails around the stage in front of an amazing water-wall fountain. Although the show has traditional pantomime elements, it is so much more, being a mix of cirque and spectacular event … and I get a chance to fight a giant animatronic crocodile. What’s not to like?”
S2S X 90s Baby Present 90s Halloween Live – Sat 28 Oct, 2-11pm
We are thrilled to announce that @s2s x @itstheninetysbaby will be back this Halloween with world-class acts straight out of the 90s.
A spine-chilling experience unlike any other, as you immerse yourself in the haunting nostalgia of the era. Expect to be transported back to the golden age of music with electrifying performances from some of the biggest names in the industry. With a spine-tingling atmosphere and an endless supply of thrills, this Halloween event is not one to miss. So, gear up to get your spook on and join us for an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and pure fright.
The Full Monty – 5-9 December
Simon Beaufoy’s heartfelt play, THE FULL MONTY arrives at Blackpool Winter Gardens in December 2023 as part of the UK tour. There are no heroes, just a group of lads trying to regain their dignity and pride. This fast and funny play is still very much of our time, as again we’re hit by a cost-of-living crisis. Gaz and his mates are down on their luck and feel they’ve been thrown on the scrap heap, but are determined to fight back and bare a little more than they ever thought they would have to.
As in the 1997 smash hit film, this brand-new production is a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, laughs and heartbreak. Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the film on a major national tour. Relive the music of the 90’s and have a great night out in the company of our lads as they work to put on the show of their lives.
There’s Something for Everyone at the Winter Gardens
This huge and magnificent building has 11 main separate spaces over two floors. The variety of events the Winter Gardens has to offer means there’s always something on offer for locals and visitors to the resort.
- Find out more about the history of the Winter Gardens.
The Opera House
New, upcoming bands have played in the Opera House including the like of Little Mix. Old favourites, such as Jane McDonald and Daniel O’Donnell continue to return. Some of the world’s best bands, including Canada’s Arcade Fire, who selected the Winter Gardens as only one of three venues to play in the UK.
The Empress Ballroom
The magnificent Empress Ballroom is just as comfortable staging the World Dance Championships each year as it is hosting some of the world’s best rock and pop acts in concert.
Heritage Tours
Find out about this magnificent building with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Winter Gardens
The Winter Gardens is an incredible building with a long history. It first opened on 11 July 1878 and since then has grown and developed as an entertainment complex which mirrors the growth of the seaside town of Blackpool.
In the centre of the complex, in what’s now the coffee shop, you can see the original building around which the whole of the Winter Gardens was built.
A Perfect Venue for your Event
The Winter Gardens offers a wide variety of venues for events ranging from small private business lunches to large scale conferences.
You can also hold your wedding at the Winter Gardens. What could be better than a reception or banquet in the recently refurbished Derham Room? (below).
The main rooms include the 2,900 capacity Opera House (the largest theatre stage outside London), the grand Empress Ballroom with a capacity of 3,250 people for concerts, and the 2,600 sq metre Olympia Exhibition Hall.
Remember Illuminasia?
Illuminasia was the indoor Illuminations attraction inside the Winter Gardens.
Always designed to be temporary, the doors finally closed on Sunday 29 October 2017.
While you’re here…
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