Blackpool Dance Festival Opens Doors to Local Community for Historic 100th Anniversary Celebration

Residents across the Fylde Coast are being invited to step inside one of the world’s most iconic dance venues as part of a special community celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the Blackpool Dance Festival.

Taking place on Friday 15 May 2026, the free event will see the doors of the legendary Empress Ballroom open to local audiences, offering a rare opportunity to experience the spectacle, prestige and global significance of the Festival first-hand.

2000 free tickets are up for the grabs, with the ballot now open.

Widely regarded as the most prestigious ballroom dance festival in the world, the Blackpool Dance Festival attracts thousands of competitors and spectators from more than 50 countries each year. For generations of dancers, performing on the famous Empress Ballroom floor represents the pinnacle of their careers.

As part of this landmark centenary celebration, audiences will be treated to a special showcase from Strictly Come Dancing stars Amy Dowden MBE and Carlos Gu, alongside performances from youth, amateur and professional dancers, highlighting the extraordinary skill and artistry of Ballroom and Latin dance.

Natalie Hayes, Festival Organiser, said: “This is a rare chance for our local community to step onto the world’s most famous dance floor and experience the magic of the Blackpool Dance Festival first-hand. In our centenary year, it’s incredibly important to us that we share this moment with the people of Blackpool and the Fylde Coast.”

Attendees will also have the chance to take part in an interactive Cha Cha Cha masterclass, offering a hands-on introduction to the world of competitive dance within the historic surroundings of the Empress Ballroom.

This free community event forms part of a wider programme celebrating 100 years of the Blackpool Dance Festival — a globally significant milestone for both the town and the international dance community.

Tickets for the event will be allocated via a public ballot, open to individuals, couples and groups across the Fylde Coast. To apply, visit wintergardensblackpool.co.uk, with entries closing at midnight on Sunday 3 May 2026.

School and community groups are also invited to apply by emailing Dancefestival@wintergardensblackpool.co.uk