Saving the Sparkles: See how Showtown cares for its objects with ‘Strictly Conservation’

Sequins, stitches and Strictly sparkle, Showtown unveils a dazzling conservation showcase this November.

From Tuesday 18 to Sunday 23 November, Showtown invites visitors to step ‘behind the seams’ for a rare backstage pass into the world of costume conservation. As Strictly Come Dancing returns to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, our award-winning museum transforms its temporary exhibition space into a working conservation lab, revealing the delicate art of keeping the iconic dresses gleaming long after its last dance.  
(Please note: excludes Friday 21 November)

Included with your museum ticket, this special event offers a front-row seat to the meticulous cleaning, repair and preservation by the museum’s team of experts of original Strictly Come Dancing costumes, each one tailored to a performer and designed to dazzle on screen.

Watch our conservation team in action as they care for dresses worn by some of Strictly Come Dancing’s most iconic stars, from celebrated professional dancer Katya Jones to 2018 champion Stacey Dooley, and Joanne Clifton's Blackpool ballgown from 2016. From sequins to satin, every stitch tells a story.

Event Details

• Dates & Times: Tuesday 18 – Sunday 23 November 2025 (*excludes Friday 21 November)
• Tickets: Included with your Showtown admission, (Adults £9.50, Children £4.50)
• Location: Showtown, Bank Hey Street, Blackpool, FY1 4TQ

What to Expect

Live conservation in action: See our team clean, repair and restore original Strictly costumes.

Ask the experts: Learn about the materials, techniques and magic behind the work.

Explore our glittering Dance Gallery: See dazzling Strictly Come Dancing costumes and learn about the creative process from Vicky Gill, the show’s renowned costume designer.

Whether you're a museum lover, a costume enthusiast or a Strictly Come Dancing superfan, the ‘Strictly Conservation’ showcase offers a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the expert care that keeps these dazzling creations at their best.

Why Visit Showtown? 
Since our grand opening in March 2024, Showtown has earned national and international acclaim:

Permanent Exhibition of the Year - Museums + Heritage Awards 2025
Finalist - International Children in Museums and National Kids in Museum Awards
Highly Commended - Civic Trust Awards
Travellers’ Choice Award - TripAdvisor (4.8/5 rating)

Described as “the museum equivalent of a thrilling arcade,” Showtown is a place of joy, discovery, and theatrical wonder.

Showtown Blackpool: Bank Hey Street, FY1 4TQ

www.showtownblackpool.co.uk

Instagram: @ShowtownBlackpool
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