Why is Blackpool significant?

Blackpool is a beloved destination among delegates and event organisers have been seriously impressed with what the town has to offer. Blackpool sits right in the middle of the UK, on the North West coast of England. The resort is on the doorstep of major north west cities likes Manchester and Liverpool, and a short commute from most other major cities in the UK. Blackpool provides event organizers with an impressive range of venue options, from the recently opened 21st century Conference and Exhibition Centre to the stunning Tower Ballroom, accommodating groups ranging from 5 to over 7,000 delegates. Blackpool is home to a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury hotels, ensuring attendees can choose the perfect accommodation that suits their needs and budget. Following significant investment in the accommodation offer, Blackpool has welcomed 700 new hotel rooms of 4* quality and above since 2019. Blackpool is set to become the UK’s fastest growing economy digital economy by 2035, now connected to the transatlantic loop fibre network, Blackpool boasts some of the fastest and most reliable internet speeds in the whole of the UK. Blackpool is also home to Fourth largest aerospace cluster in the World, A global leader in energy & environmental innovations, The UK’s leading destination for advanced manufacturing. Among destinations in the UK, Blackpool stands out as offering event organisers highly competitive rates for per-person delegate costs, bedroom accommodations, and catering services. Retaining its title as the UK’s most popular seaside destination with more than 18 million visits a year and a tourist economy of £1.58bn.

Blackpool is a place like no other, an ambitious resort with a resolute sense of pride and history and a unique bond with the British public. During the past decade, there has been a gradual repositioning of the resort to create a place with a rich blend of heritage and contemporary attractions. This considered and consistent approach has led to the town cementing its position as the most visited seaside destination in the UK. Now, with an enviable track record of delivering an exceptional experience for around 18 million visitors every year, Blackpool is revitalising its business tourism offer. More than £500 million of investment in the town’s infrastructure has resulted in the emergence of a vibrant conference and meetings destination that can offer an unforgettable delegate experience. The completion of the new Conference & Exhibition Centre alongside an unsurpassed range of unique venues, a fusion of next-generation hotels and all-budget accommodation, world-class attractions, outstanding year-round shows and entertainment, great connectivity and direct transport links, all means the resort is more than ready for its next exciting chapter.

Blackpool is undeniably also one of the Britain's greatest seaside towns and a cultural institution. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Blackpool's very own cultural landmark has been an iconic sight of the North West since it first opened to the public in 1894. Since 1896 the Blackpool Pleasure Beach has been one of the most beloved theme parks in the UK. Blackpool tramway has been in operation for over 135 years, running along 11 miles of Fylde Coast since 1885. Our trams are the quintessential image of Blackpool. Blackpool has played a prominent role in Rock, with the First Musical Festival held in Blackpool back in 1901, and the town has since continued to host live performers from the Beatles and Rolling Stones to present day one-nighters including The Killers, Stone Roses and Florence and the Machine. Blackpool also welcomes punks with the annual Rebellion festival at the town’s impressive Grade II listed building, Winter Gardens. Blackpool’s famous Illuminations, first lit up the town in 1879 when they were described as 'Artificial sunshine' ingeniously extending the resort’s season. Blackpool's piers are all included in the World Monuments Funds 2018 World Monuments Watch list, and all well worth a visit. The most culturally significant is arguable North Pier, created by Eugenius Birch and built in 1862, it’s designated as a Grade II listed building by English Heritage.

The Blackpool Tower is one of the most famous and easily recognised landmarks in the UK. It’s visible from so far away, giving drivers along the motorway the reassurance that they are firmly in the North. But it’s not just a glorious sight to see as you approach the iconic seaside town, it’s also a tourist attraction that brings thousands of visitors a year to the seaside town. There’s so much to do there that you can spend an entire day inside and not be bored for one minute. The Tower is 518 feet and 9 inches tall. On a clear day The Blackpool Tower can even be seen from as far away as Wales and the Lake District. The Blackpool Tower Ballroom opened in 1899 was designed by the Victorian architect Frank Matcham and it really is a tremendous sight. You probably already know that dozens of famous faces descend on The Blackpool Tower every year when Strictly Come Dancing rolls into town, but did you know that The Blackpool Tower has also seen other celebs over the years? Beloved British band Take That, Duke Ellington and Cleo Lane are among some of the famous acts that have performed here.