It's a Grand win at this year's Royal Lancashire Show!

Blackpool Grand Theatre dazzled tens of thousands of visitors this past weekend (18 - 20 July) with a showstopping presence at the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show, taking home FIRST PLACE for ‘Best Stand’ (over 36 sqm) – a triumph that firmly placed the Grand at the centre of the region’s cultural celebration.

The Grand turned heads, dropped jaws, and stole the spotlight with a gloriously over-the-top ‘Shows by the Seaside’ experience that brought the full force of Blackpool’s theatrical magic to the heart of Lancashire. Visitors were greeted by a towering giant bucket and spade, a life-size donkey, striped summer deckchairs, and a non-stop soundtrack of summer hits from a live DJ that kept the energy sky-high all weekend. Rain? What rain? Spirits weren’t just high – they were electric.

And then came the giveaways… The Grand’s award-winning Marketing and Sales team were out in force, handing out an irresistible mix of branded beach essentials – including bucket and spade sets making every child smile and eye-popping Grand Theatre branded legendary Blackpool rock; while the smash-hit limited edition Beauty and the Beast frisbees, proudly showcasing this year’s all-star panto cast of Marc Baylis, Steve Royle, and Betty Legs Diamond, flew out!

The team fielded questions, inspired excitement and gave visitors the inside scoop on a sensational new season of theatre coming up at The Grand - from the captivating stage production of The Shawshank Redemption starring TV favourites Joe McFadden, Ben Onwukwe and Bill Ward; The RSC’s powerful new production of Hamlet; the thrilling theatrical premiere of Midsomer Murders starring Daniel Casey; Single White Female starring Kym Marsh and Murder at Midnight starring Jason Durr and Suzie Blake; to riotous co-productions like Blithe Spirit and this summer’s big West End hit The Last Laugh - which hilariously reimagines a night with comedy greats Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse as they share a pre-show dressing room before they perform one final time. What could be more Blackpool?

But the real show-stealer? None other than comedy genius, juggling maestro and undisputed panto legend of the Blackpool Grand Steve Royle. Steve popped in across the weekend to delight the crowds with his signature chaos – juggling with the audience, unleashing his trademark mischief and sparking roars of laughter and selfies galore. His surprise appearances were pure theatrical gold, proving once again why he’s the heartbeat of panto season.

The impact of the Grand’s presence was impossible to ignore. The stand was buzzing non-stop with families, laughter, conversations and curious new fans – and the judges noticed. Stuart Hirst, President of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society, was so blown away by the sheer scale, energy and engagement that he awarded the Grand FIRST PLACE for ‘Best Stand’ (over 36 sqm) – a landmark win that underlines just how powerfully the theatre connects with the region.

Speaking about the award, Andrew Howard, Head of Audiences, Marketing and Sales, said: “This wasn’t just a stand – it was a show. We spent months dreaming this up, building, sourcing, rehearsing, designing and crafting every detail to create something unforgettable. The team have poured their hearts into this, and the response from visitors was overwhelming. Every laugh, every photo, every question about the shows meant the world. This award is for the entire team – their passion, their belief in what we do and their tireless dedication to making theatre accessible, exciting and everywhere. We didn’t just represent the Grand – we brought it with us!”

Chief Executive of Blackpool Grand Theatre, Adam Knight, added: “We are thrilled to win this incredible accolade – and we send huge thanks to Stuart Hirst and the team at the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society for such a fantastic event. Our team delivered something extraordinary. It was bold, it was joyful, and it put Blackpool Grand Theatre right at the heart of one of the most important regional events in the calendar. With tens of thousands of visitors across the weekend, from the agricultural and non-agricultural communities alike, this kind of engagement is vital. The Grand is a theatre for everyone, and events like this are where those real human connections are forged. We’ll be back next year – and you’d better believe we’re already planning something even bigger!”

And if that wasn’t enough, the Grand’s ever-generous spirit was on full display with their fabulous ‘Spin the Wheel’ fundraising game, where guests could win exclusive Grand Theatre merchandise and big theatre tickets. Every spin raised funds for the beloved Magic and Sparkle initiative, which helps families and organisations who may be facing financial challenges to still enjoy the magic of pantomime. The fund is about making sure no one misses out on the wonder of live theatre – and this weekend, it got a powerful boost thanks to thousands of generous showgoers. Donations are open all year at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/join-and-support-us/magic-and-sparkle

This weekend wasn’t just a win – it was a moment. A statement. A technicolour, donkey-sized declaration that Blackpool Grand Theatre is out in the world, and it’s got stories to tell. From the farm fields of Lancashire to the golden sands of Blackpool’s Promenade, the Blackpool Grand’s message was clear: theatre belongs to everyone. And with crowds still talking, selfies still being shared, and merchandise flying home in beach bags, the legacy of this weekend is already written – in bold, brilliant Blackpool Grand style.

See you next year at Royal Lancashire Show. And wear socks because we plan to knock them right off!

Visit www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk for full information on

Or call the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01253 290190 full show listings, bookings and further information.

LISTINGS

Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HT

Box Office 01253 290 190

blackpoolgrand.co.uk

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