Now that winter is officially over, and spring is in the air once more, it’s time for Blackpool to come alive again, and gear up for another spring and summer of fun, music, events, and much more!
While many attractions and places are open all year round in the Lancashire seaside town, you can’t beat Blackpool when the sun comes out, especially when it starts getting warm enough to head to the beach. It might be a bit chilly to paddle in the sea yet though!
But summer isn’t too far away, and there’s loads to do here in Blackpool right now, whether you’re looking for comedy, live music, shows, culture, or even Lego! Let’s have a look at what’s on over the next few months.
Live Music
We all rediscovered the thrill of live music in 2022, once venues were permitted to host shows and audiences once more, and some amazing acts are coming to Blackpool in spring 2023.
Britain’s biggest black recording star, Billy Ocean, will be appearing at the Blackpool Opera House at the Winter Gardens on 29 April, to perform a selection of his most well-known hits, such as Caribbean Queen, Get Out Of My Dreams, Get Into My Car, and When The Going Gets Tough.
Billy has a Grammy award for best male R&B Vocal Performance, the Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement, and in 2020 was awarded an MBE for services to music. Get your tickets here: https://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/events/billy-ocean/
In May, you can see three amazing live acts, starting with the celebrated and award-winning blues rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter Joe Bonamassa, also at the Blackpool Opera House, on 10 May.
The three-time Grammy-nominated artist, who recently racked up his 25th number-one album on the US Billboard Blues Chart, is only in his early 40s, yet has become a living legend with an astounding back catalogue of music. Make sure you don’t get the blues by missing out, and book tickets here: https://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/events/joe-bonamassa/
Manchester band James have become one of the UK’s most enduring success stories, with 16 studio albums, with their most recent release, All The Colours Of You receiving critical acclaim. They will be bringing their James Lasted tour to the Opera House on 12 May, complete with an orchestra and a gospel choir to perform hits such as Sit Down, Laid, and Sometimes. You’ll want to make sure you get good seats if you want to sit down, so book your tickets here: https://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/events/james-orchestral-tour-2023/
You won’t have to walk 500 miles to catch the timeless songs of The Proclaimers this spring, as they will be at the Blackpool Opera House on 20 May. The twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid’s songs capture an enormous range of emotions, written with wry wit, honesty, and political fire.
Following a tour in Australia and New Zealand, they will be holding a number of summer shows and appearing at UK festivals to play their most famous hits. Get your tickets here: https://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/events/the-proclaimers/
Of course, it wouldn’t be Blackpool without a packed calendar of amazing tribute acts, and you can find tribute acts to Take That with Re-Take That on 14 April, ELO Again bring the hits of the Electric Light Orchestra also on 14 April, Totally Tina brings the music of Tina Turner on 3 June, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac on 26 June, as well as The Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour on 14 May.
Shows and cabaret
If it’s theatre, musicals, and cabaret you’re looking for, then come to Blackpool! From murder mysteries to sing-a-long musicals and even a bit of a saucy spectacle, there’s something for everyone.
Viva Blackpool has to be the biggest night out in the town, and every Saturday is Viva’s incredible party night, with an amazing show featuring a very talented cast of singers and dancers, including the hilarious host Leye D Johns, and the resident Viva Showgirls. It’s the ideal place to head to for a good time, and great for groups, parties and celebrations of any occasion.
It’s also the venue for the brilliant Jersey Beats - Oh! What A Nite, a sensational show dedicated to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, Chic To Chic, a fantastic tribute to Nile Rogers and the music of Chic, and a special Back To The 80s show hosted and DJ’d by Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp.
Classic murder mystery fans are in for a treat this year too, as Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, the world's longest-running play, is coming to The Blackpool Grand on its 70th-anniversary tour. Seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a stately mansion in the countryside, only to discover there is a killer in their midst!
As the cast of characters all reveal their sordid pasts, can you deduce who will be the next victim and solve the mystery? Don’t just see the show, solve it!
If real-life murder mystery podcasts are more your cup of arsenic-laced tea, then a not-to-miss event must be The Making of a Murderer!
Scottish detective David Swindle, the man who caught serial killer Peter Tobin, hosts an evening investigating the mind of a serial killer, delving into what makes them tick, how they were caught, and some famous cases that were never solved, including some cases with a local link!
However, it’s not all murder and mayhem, as there are magical musicals in Blackpool this spring, with the ultimate feel-good sing-a-long Mama Mia! Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA, as a young girl strives to discover her father and bring her face-to-face with her mother.
Adapted from the novel by Booker prize-winning author Roddy Doyle by the author himself, The Commitments smash-hit, West End musical is coming to the Winter Gardens. It’s guaranteed to be a fantastically fun night featuring over 20 soul music classics such as Night Train, Try A Little Tenderness, River Deep, Mountain High, In The Midnight Hour, Papa Was A Rolling Stone, Save Me, Mustang Sally, and many more!
Looking for a night of laughter, cabaret, mystery, and glamour? The UK’s longest-running burlesque show is returning, and bigger and better than ever. An Evening of Burlesque, at the Grand Theatre, promises a night of enchanting ecdysiasts, stylish cabaret, hilarious comedy, music, circus skills and burlesque to tantalise all your senses.
There are dancers of a different sort on 11 May, as Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals 2023 comes to The Winter Gardens, with 10 of the world’s best dancers from the hit BBC series tour the UK. Expect a showcase of exceptional talent as your favourite Strictly pros take the stage.
Finally, something completely different, whether you have kids or just a big kid at heart, as the first-ever Blackpool Brick Festival comes to town for all the fans of Lego! This fan event is dedicated to all things brick, and includes activities for kids and grown-up kids, stalls selling rare and discontinued Lego sets, and what is sure to be a great day out for people of all ages!
Whatever you decide to do in Blackpool this spring, don’t forget to come and visit everyone at Coral Island Casino, the friendliest casino in Blackpool. With live Roulette and Blackjack tables, amazing slot machines, and no membership required, it’s the perfect way to end an evening of fun and entertainment in Blackpool.
Check out ‘what’s on’ in Blackpool and at Coral Island Casino.