Blackpool’s Flying High with a Dazzling New Guide For 2023

Blackpool has unveiled a brand new guide for 2023 showcasing a spectacular programme of events, shows and attractions for the year ahead.

The resort’s 2023 Destination Guide is fronted by resort ambassador, Nigel C. Gull, the seagull puppet that featured in a £1m TV advertising campaign during 2022.

Nigel gets pride of place on the cover of the new 88-page glossy guide, which also includes a fascinating behind-the-scenes insight into how he was created by award-winning puppeteer, Andy Heath.

The guide, illustrated with stunning photography, celebrates a very special milestone - the 160^th anniversary of Blackpool’s majestic North Pier, charting its history from its opening day in 1863 when more than 20,000 people turned up to stroll along its wooden boardwalk.

Other highlights include:

New for 2023: A taste of things to come with the completion of a £1.5m, state-of-the-art big cat facility at Blackpool Zoo, giving outstanding indoor and outdoor views of the resident lions and tigers. 2023 also sees the opening of a new four-star Holiday Inn, a multi-screen cinema incorporating one of the UK’s biggest IMAX screens, a new family entertainment centre on the Golden Mile, and the much-anticipated unveiling of Showtown, a museum celebrating Blackpool’s glorious entertainment history.

World Class Events: A sneak peek at the resort’s multi-million pound events programme including some firm favourites such as Pride, Air Show Weekend, Rebellion Punk Festival, Ride The Lights, World Fireworks Championship Blackpool, Lightpool Festival, Illuminations Switch-On weekend and Christmas By The Sea. Many of the events are free and 2022 saw Air Show weekend attract 250,000 visitors!

The Best Seat In Town: A chance to book ahead for a brilliant line-up of shows at a multitude of venues including the Winter Gardens, Grand Theatre and Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Just some of the shows already announced include Mamma Mia!, Six The Musical, The SpongeBob Musical, Greatest Days (the official Take That musical), Annie, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Shrek The Musical, The Rocky Horror Show, The Mousetrap, Titanic The Musical, a new musical stage adaptation of Winnie The Pooh and the return of a dazzling new Hot Ice production, Amore, Amor, Amour.

2023 will also see the legendary Peter Pan of pop, Sir Cliff Richard, performing in Blackpool, one of only three locations on his Blue Sapphire tour. He will appear at the Opera House on Tuesday 14 November, marking 60 years since he performed a summer season in the resort with The Shadows.

The Best Things In Life Are Free: Proof that some of the best things in life really are free! Blackpool specialises in offering visitors the chance to enjoy the time of their life without parting with a penny. Glorious beaches and promenade, the annual Illuminations, world-class events, Stanley Park (again voted England’s favourite), and attractions such as the Comedy Carpet, a side-splitting celebration of fun and laughter.

Amazing Attractions: A visitors’ guide to some of the UK’s best family attractions including The Blackpool Tower & Circus, Tower Ballroom, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Blackpool, The Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Sandcastle Waterpark, Winter Gardens, three piers and the famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach, billed as the most ride-intensive theme park on the planet!

Taste The Good Life: Whether it’s award-winning restaurants, lavish tasting menus, afternoon high tea, traditional ice cream or good old-fashioned fish and chips eaten al fresco, the guide gives an at-a-glance look at the best places to eat and drink both on the Promenade and off the beaten track.

Only In Blackpool: A guide to some of the things that make Blackpool such a special place with unique attractions such as the world’s biggest mirror ball, illuminated vintage trams, a cocktail bar almost 400 feet in the sky, two breath-taking ballrooms, wonderful Victorian architecture, and some of the best selfie spots imaginable!

Access All Areas: A visitor guide to how Blackpool rolls out the welcome mat to make the resort accessible for everyone whether people have physical, sensory, mental health or learning difficulties.

Check Out, Then Check In: A must-have guide to Blackpool’s diverse accommodation ranging from traditional guest house to luxury hotel, from budget bolthole to boutique chic – there is something to suit all tastes and pockets and all carrying the Blackpool seal of approval.

The 2023 guide also provides a wealth of information on how to get around the resort as well as highlighting some of the many initiatives that are already in place to create an eco-friendly environment.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “It is particularly pleasing to be able to launch the new guide at a time when Blackpool is attracting large volumes of visitors on the back of the return of the Christmas By The Sea village and the two-month extension to the Illuminations season.

“Over the past year, Blackpool has once again heavily invested in marketing and events, and recorded record visitor numbers on the back of that.

“We pride ourselves on being the UK’s most popular resort and the new guide gives a taste of what is already lined up for next year, with a vast selection of shows, attractions and free events.”

To view a copy of the guide online, or to order your copy, please go to visitblackpool.com/guide