May is packed full of amazing shows, family fun and of course Dance!

This month sees the centenary of our world- renowned dance festival spanning 2 weeks of sequins, salsa and spray tans! You can watch all the action live each day and join us for a very special community celebration on the 15^th where Strictly Come Dancing stars Amy Dowden MBE and Carlos Gu will perform a special showcase and you can take to the floor too!

For tickets and to plan your visit, head to wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

1^st May  - Dance Floor Heroes Live 2026

The Ultimate Battle of the Ballroom

If you love Strictly, this is for you! The Dance Competition with every ounce of sparkle, making real people the stars! All in aid of mental health charity Tia’s Crown.

Our 12 finalists are set to strut their stuff in the World famous Empress Ballroom, Winter Gardens Blackpool, for their chance to win their own Glitter ball trophy. With hosts & judges direct from Strictly, this is every dance fans dream show.

1^st May – 3^rd May – MAMMA MIA!

Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA.

Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget.

This irresistibly funny show has been thrilling audiences all around the world and now there’s never been a better time to see this unforgettable musical in Blackpool

5th May – Aijaz and Janette

Your favourite Strictly couple return in their Brand-New show. LET’S FACE THE MUSIC AND DANCE

With special guest Tom Seals and his Band.

Celebrating the hit makers of yesterday and today.  Join Aljaz and Janette as they dance their way through music history including the work of Cole Porter, Hans Zimmer, Quincy Jones, George Gershwin, David Foster and many more music greats!

9^th May – Lancashire Hits

Winter Gardens Blackpool invites students from Lancashire Dance Schools to perform at the Opera House. This gives the opportunity, for the children, to experience performing at the Opera House on a professional stage that has been home to many of the world’s biggest stars throughout the years.

10^th May – Yorkshire Hits

Attention all dance enthusiasts and lovers of dazzling performances! Get ready to be swept off your feet as Winter Gardens Blackpool proudly presents an extraordinary event that will leave you spellbound. We are thrilled to invite you to witness the awe-inspiring talent of Yorkshire Dance Schools as they take the stage at the renowned Opera House. Prepare to be transported into a world of pure artistry and spectacle, as these young stars showcase their skills on the very same stage that has witnessed the magic of global icons throughout the years.

15^th May. – Blackpool Dance Festival Community Celebration

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the Blackpool Dance Festival, the most prestigious and renowned ballroom dance festival in the world.

Over two weeks, thousands of competitors and spectators from across the globe travel to Blackpool, where the world’s greatest dancers compete on the famous floor of the Empress Ballroom — a moment widely regarded as the pinnacle of any dancer’s career.

For this special centenary year, the doors of the iconic Empress Ballroom will be opened to the local community for a unique celebratory event, giving Fylde Coast residents the opportunity to experience this world-class festival on their doorstep.

On Friday 15 May, Strictly Come Dancing stars Amy Dowden MBE and Carlos Gu will perform a special showcase, alongside a programme featuring youth, amateur and professional dancers demonstrating the skill, dedication and spectacle of Ballroom and Latin dance.

As part of this free event, attendees will also have the opportunity to take part in a Cha Cha Cha masterclass.

This is a truly unique opportunity to step into the world of dance, experience the spectacle and prestige of the Blackpool Dance Festival, and be part of a globally significant celebration.

Individuals, couples and groups from across the Fylde Coast are invited to apply for tickets via ballot below with entries closing midnight on Sunday 3 May 2026.

School groups can apply by emailing Dancefestival@wintergardensblackpool.co.uk 

May 16^th – May 29^th – Blackpool Dance Festival

Covering a period of fourteen days, the May Blackpool Dance Festival is by far the largest of the five festivals held in Blackpool. The Festival covers Ballroom and Latin American dancing, incorporating the British Open Championships for Adult Amateur and Professional couples, plus Formation Teams.

2005 saw the introduction of two new events, the British Rising Star Amateur Ballroom and Latin Competitions.

2026 will see the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Festival. 

May 23^rd – Man in the Mirror

Join us for a Thriller of an evening, as we celebrate the legendary music of the KING OF POP.

This is the “Man in the Mirror” – The brand new must-see, electrifying tribute concert to Michael Jackson.

Starring CJ, one of the world’s greatest Michael Jackson Tribute Artists and supported by a talented cast of performers and musicians who capture the essence of Michael Jackson’s unique style and charisma like no other, in this scintillating production that will keep you on the edge of your seats.

Featuring all his greatest hits you know and love, including “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Smooth Criminal,” and of course, “Man in the Mirror.” Complete with dazzling choreography, stunning visual effects, light show and authentic costumes. This is the show that pays tribute to Jackson’s musical legacy.

May 24^th – Rumours of Fleetwood Mac

Personally endorsed by Fleetwood Mac founding member, Mick Fleetwood, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac is the ultimate tribute to one of rock and roll’s most remarkable groups.

Channelling the spirit of Fleetwood Mac at their very best, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac offers a unique opportunity for fans, both old and new, to rediscover the songs and performances that have ensured Fleetwood Mac’s place as one of the most loved groups of all time. 

May 30^th – Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals

Strictly The Professionals returns — bigger, bolder, and more breathtaking than ever.

Take 10 world-class professional dancers from the hit TV series Strictly Come Dancing, a sensational live band, and powerhouse vocalists. Add show-stopping choreography, dazzling costumes, and a stunning set. Finish with a killer soundtrack – and suddenly every move, every beat, every shimmer of sequins pulls you into the heart of the action, creating the ultimate night out.

Strictly The Professionals is a high-energy production which takes the glitz and glamour of BBC One’s hugely popular Strictly Come Dancing to dazzling new heights. With years of experience and undeniable chemistry, these fan-favourite professional dancers, all from the latest series, will light up the stage as they perform in some of the UK’s most iconic venues.

Starring: Julian Caillon, Vito Coppola, Neil Jones, Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, Lauren Oakley, Jowita Przystał, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington, and Nancy Xu.

May 31^st – Waterloo – A tribute to ABBA

Waterloo A Tribute To ABBA looks back at the sensational rise to stardom of the Swedish pop group ABBA, capturing their unique ABBA sound and feel with incredible attention to detail.

The iconic lyrics composed by Benny and Bjorn are sung in wonderful, captivating harmony from the opening refrain to the final sing-along chorus of this two-hour spectacular, featuring a full live cast and band, stunning costumes and breath-taking choreography.

From the iconic Waterloo, Mamma Mia and Voulez-Vous and so much more, this sensational show is an experience not to be missed by any ABBA fan.