The Illuminations being switched off until next September marks the start of a new year in Blackpool, and while it might be the seaside town’s out-of-season, there’s still plenty to see and do if you’re planning a visit.
The beach might not be inviting in winter, and a walk along the Promenade in the howling freezing rain doesn’t seem a good idea, but there’s still a packed calendar of events in Blackpool. Whether it’s live music, tribute acts, musicals, theatre, comedy or opera and dance, there’s something for everyone over the next three months, so let’s take a closer look!
Musicals
If there’s something that’s bound to blow away the new year blues, it’s an entertaining musical, and there are comedy and classic musicals in town this winter.
Vampires Rock is the musical sensation that's been rocking the nation for over 20 years, and it’s coming to The Blackpool Grand Theatre in February. A tongue-in-cheek and laugh-out-loud storyline combined with an incredible stage set, lighting and sound, and a show like no other. Featuring over 30 of the greatest classic rock anthems of all time, including Queen, AC/DC, Bonnie Tyler, Meat Loaf, Bon Jovi, Journey, Guns N' Roses and many more.
Based on the Hilarious hit movie with Jack Black, School of Rock, also at The Grand Theatre in February, follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There, he turns a class of straight-A–pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band.
But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school's headmistress finding out?
Get ready to dive into the world of Elle Woods, as she turns the courtroom and Harvard upside down, all while wearing her signature pink in this unforgettable performance of Legally Blonde: The Musical at the Opera House Blackpool. Don't miss out on this fabulous performance filled with catchy tunes, comedic twists, and an empowering message.
The ‘greatest movie musical of all time’ gets a faithful adaptation in Singin' In The Rain at The Blackpool Grand Theatre in March. Don and Lina are stars of the silver screen during the era of silent movies, but behind the scenes, all is not how it seems, and Lina’s squeaky voice might be the end of her film career in the new talking pictures.
The show is packed with all the most memorable moments from the movie, and a downpour of unforgettable songs, and is guaranteed to be a hit for any theatre audience.
Comedy
Not afraid to say what’s really on his mind, Frankie Boyle is bringing his Lap Of Shame tour to The Blackpool Grand Theatre in February. Buy a ticket, because by the time he arrives, the currency will be worthless and you and your neighbours are part of a struggling militia that could probably use a few laughs.
If it’s a mountain of nonsense, incredibly silly one-liners, wobbly props, and ridiculous humour you’re looking for, then Tim Vine - Breeeep! is the show for you. Witness the stupidity. Then leave. “Is there a more ludicrous comedian in Britain?” Asked The Times.
Music
Blackpool wouldn’t be Blackpool without its amazing tribute acts honouring the legends of almost every genre of music, and some incredible acts and festivals are coming to town over the next few months.
The best place to see the best tribute acts and shows in town has to be Viva! Blackpool, who have Rockloaf – The Ultimate Tribute to Meatloaf on 12 January and Now I'm Here, the UK's Premier tribute to celebrate the amazing music of Queen on 13 January as part of the Viva! Rock Weekend.
I'm Alive - The Ultimate Celine Dion Tribute Show features a live band and the incredible award-winning vocalist January Butler as ‘Celine’, performing all her biggest hits, including ‘All Coming Back To Me Now’, ‘I Drove All Night’, ‘Think Twice’ ‘I’m Alive’ and ‘My Heart Will Go On’.
Gareth Gates in The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is a spectacular high-pitched celebration of timeless music from one of the biggest-selling groups of all time and is coming to The Blackpool Grand on 27 January.
This nostalgic musical journey pays tribute to the life and career of those four boys from Jersey, who started singing under a street lamp but soon went on to become one of the most recognised groups in history.
And there are more tributes to Frankie Valli at The Showboat on 2 February with West End Jerseys, a high-energy tribute to Frankie Valli and the four seasons. This brilliant show will have you dancing and singing along to all of their biggest hits
At The Winter Gardens on 15 March you can find Re-Take That, the ultimate Take That party night, bringing the world's biggest boy band's greatest hits to life – live on stage. You can see the tribute act perform all of Take That's million sellers plus Robbie Williams' massive solo hits feature – including Greatest Day, Let Me Go, Shine, Never Forget, Let Me Entertain You, Rock DJ, Love My Life, Angels and more.
Rock and metal fans will be heading to the seaside for a number of rock weekend festivals in 2024, including the Rock The Gardens Festival at The Winter Gardens on 26 and 27 January, with two days of the finest Rock and Metal tribute bands that Europe has to offer, or head to Valhalla, also at The Winter Gardens on 30 March for a day of tribute acts to Metallica, Slipknot, Black Sabbath and more.
Culture
There’s a trio of incredible ballet performances at The Blackpool Grand Theatre in January, with Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker on 12, 13, and 14 January, all performed by the critically acclaimed Varna International Ballet, which returns to the UK following a breathtaking debut tour.
On 4 February, Ukrainian National Opera Presents La Bohème at The Blackpool Grand Theatre. Performed by the Dnipro Opera from Ukraine, it features an impressive cast and is accompanied by a live Orchestra numbering over 30 musicians. La Bohème is Puccini's passionate story of love at first sight set in 19th century Paris, in a Bohemian district where students and upcoming artists live.
Nights out in Blackpool
There’s still all the amazing nightlife, bars, and fantastic restaurants in Blackpool too, and don’t forget to visit the friendliest casino in town, Coral Island Casino, whether you’re starting your night out with us, or ending it.
We’ve got all the latest slots, as well as live roulette and blackjack tables, and open until 4 am. There’s no membership necessary, just walk on in!
Check out ‘what’s on’ in Blackpool and at Coral Island Casino.