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Guide

A Very Blackpool Christmas Market

Following the success of last year’s event and hot off the heels of its ...

Supper Club: Salt of the Earth

As the Earth approaches its end Tim Christian craves its salt and is not ...

Supper Club: Wallings

Ice cream for dinner? Why not? Food reviewer Tim Christian breaks all the rules ...

Festival Review: Deer Shed 2023

As she boxes off another family festival Antonia Charlesworth tells us why Deer Shed ...

Preview: Rebellion Fringe

Punks are set to descend on the town centre this week as Rebellion Festival ...

Blackpool Social Club Presents: Claire McGlasson in conversation

Blackpool Libraries and Blackpool Social Club present author Claire McGlasson in conversation on 14th ...

Review: Lytham Festival 2023

Read our rolling coverage of 2023’s Lytham Festival – from end to start. Jamiroquai, ...

Social Guide: Ten festivals within an hour of Blackpool

Festival season is upon us and you don’t have to travel to Glastonbury to ...

Supper Club: Paradise Coast with Nerdvana

For this week’s Supper Club it’s a side of pizza and fries with a ...

Listings

New Contemporaries 2023

From: 30 Sep 2023 - 19 Dec 2023
Location: The Grundy Art Gallery
art | exhibition

The Grundy launches the prestigious New Contemporaries 2023 exhibition which includes 55 exhibiting artists selected by internationally-renowned artists through an open call that received over 1,900 entries. The artworks will be presented thematically within the Grundy’s gallery spaces. A variety of supporting events will also be open to the public including artist talks and workshops.

The Grundy at Lightpool

From: 20 Oct 2023 - 16 Dec 2023
Location: The Grundy
art | exhibition

Work by internationally recognised artists, Laura Daly, Shezad Dawood, and RA Walden presented onsite at the Grundy and offsite via Augmented Reality. These neon and new media works explore time, tides and the site of lost bandstands. Shezad Dawood and RA Walden are presented as part of Hybrid Futures. Laura Daly is presented in collaboration with The University of Salford Art Collection.

HiveArts Winter Collective Art Exhibition

From: 17 Nov 2023 - 25 Jan 2024
Location: Hive Alternative Gallery
art | community

An exhibition, spanning two expansive floors, is a celebration of artistic expression and diversity with an eclectic mix of art forms and genres on display. Much of the art, created by local artists on the theme of winter, is available to buy.

Christmas Grotto Wonderland

From: 25 Nov 2023 - 24 Dec 2023
Location: Pleasure Beach
family

Santa pitches up his grotto at the Pleasure Beach is a magical experience where little ones can not only meet Santa, but also marvel at a winter wonderland including games, food and warming drinks.

Christmas by the Sea

From: 25 Nov 2023 - 24 Dec 2023
Location: Tower Headland
family

With the free-to-use skating rink as its centrepiece, Blackpool’s Christmas “village” includes festive light installations and projection shows, themed log cabins, artificial snowfalls, Christmas trees and tram rides. The village will also see themed children’s attractions including a new 100ft-long snow slide and the return of the Star Flyer. Open daily except Christmas Day.

Aladdin Pantomime

From: 1 Dec 2023 - 1 Jan 2024
Location: Grand Theatre
family | theatre

Join hero Aladdin, his mother Widow Twankey and his brother Wishee Washee as they embark on a magical adventure and try to defeat the evil Abanazar and his plan to become master of the world. With help from the Genie of The Lamp and the Spirit Of The Ring. Will Aladdin save the day, will he marry the beautiful Princess Jasmine? Will the Genie be freed? There’s only one way to find out… This year’s pants at the Grand sees the return of West End star and TV soap sensation Tom Lister as Abanazar joining comic and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Royle as Wishee Washee.

Mini Festive Heritage Tram Tour

From: 1 Dec 2023 - 29 Dec 2023
Location: North Pier Heritage Tram Stop
family

These 25-minute Christmassy travel from the North Pole (Pier) to the Pleasure Beach and back. Join Santa on board and see the illuminations, stop for a go on the free ice rink, enjoy artificial snowfall and more.Trams will be decorated for the festivities and every child will receive a festive Heritage activity booklet… plus don’t forget to write your letter to Santa and post it at the end of your tour! Running at various time on weekends throughout December.

Festive Afternoon Tea

From: 2 Dec 2023 - 30 Dec 2023
Location: Winter Gardens
food and drink

Get into the Christmas spirit and celebrate the festive season in the Winter Gardens. Enjoy our twist on the traditional afternoon tea with a decadent selection of festive delights. It’s the perfect way to kick back and relax after Christmas shopping.

Electric Pink Voices

Date: 5 Dec 2023
Location: The Old Electric
community | music

Blackpool’s new LGBTQ+ choir. In partnership with Manchester’s The Sunday Boys is an inclusive singing group who sing great tunes, perform and make new friends. No audition, no entry fee, everyone welcome including allies. There’s the opportunity to socialise after sessions 8-9pm in a relaxed, friendly alcohol-free space. The choir will be working towards a showcase in December.

The Full Monty

From: 5 Dec 2023 - 9 Dec 2023
Location: Winter Gardens
theatre

There are no heroes in Simon Beaufoy’s heartfelt play, just a group of lads trying to regain their dignity and pride. Gaz and his mates are down on their luck and feel they have been thrown on the scrap heap, but they are determined to fight back and bare a little more than they ever thought they would have to.

Good Boy – evening dog walks for women

Date: 5 Dec 2023
Location: North Pier
activism | walk

BasicBxtch – naughty treats for good dogs – and Reclaim Blackpool – the campaign to tackle sexual harassment in the town – team up to host weekly evening dog walks for women. If you’d like to simply walk your dog without the fear of being hounded, then join them as they try and tame the pack mentality, bring misogyny to heel and make it clear that anyone passing us needs to be a good boy! The walks take place in different locations each week. If you’re interested in joining join the WhatsApp group by messaging ‘Good Boy!’ and your name to 07738 411 891.

Bounce and Rhyme

Date: 5 Dec 2023
Time: 10:30am - 11:00am
Location: Central Library
community | family

Join in with stories and songs suitable for little ones up to about four years old and their grown ups. Older siblings welcome during the summer holidays. Free sessions to enjoy time together and spark your child’s love of books and reading. No booking required.

Knit & Natter

Date: 5 Dec 2023
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Mandus House
crafts

A beginner friendly knitting circle – everyone welcome!

Wool and Words Knitting and Social Group

Date: 5 Dec 2023
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Palatine Library
community | crafts

If you enjoy knitting go along to Palatine Library every Tuesday for knitting and a chat.

Silent Meditation

Date: 5 Dec 2023
Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Mandus House
community | wellbeing

Find a foundation for peace in your life through silent meditation. (Shh!)

Festive Bounce & Rhyme

Date: 6 Dec 2023
Time: 10:30am - 11:00am
Location: Abingdon Street Market
community | family

Get ready to bounce and sing along with your little ones. Jools from Blackpool Central Library spreads holiday cheer with festive stories and songs for toddlers and babies.

Singalong Session

Date: 6 Dec 2023
Time: 11:15am - 11:45am
Location: Mandus House
community | music | wellbeing

Pop along to Mandus House for their singalong session every Wednesday. Make new friends and share the gift of music! This activity is free but it’s recommended that you book a slot beforehand if you’re interested.

Group Quiz at Mandus House

Date: 6 Dec 2023
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Mandus House
community

Get a group together or come alone and test your knowledge with this free weekly group quiz. Although this event is free to attend, you must book a slot on the date or dates you wish to attend.

Spiritual Teachings

Date: 6 Dec 2023
Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Mandus House
community | wellbeing

Start your spiritual journey by attending this enlightening meeting at Mandus House. By attending you will hear about the lives and teachings of spiritual teachers from around the world. This event is free but the must book a spot to attend.

Layton Library Social Group

Date: 6 Dec 2023
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Layton Library
community

If you would like to meet up with other local folk and play a game, colour a picture, do some knitting or just have a chat – then come along and join us. No need to book, just turn up.

Fairy Trail

Date: 6 Dec 2023
Time: 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Location: Revoe Park Community Garden
community | family | Nature

Blackpool Park Rangers host a magical, wintery session full of crafts, forest school adventures and more.

In Good Company Open Mic Night

Date: 6 Dec 2023
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Bootleg Social
gigs

Hosted by Imogen Evans, see the best of new local acts courtesy of In Good Company. Bands, solo, artists, poets and any other performers welcome.

Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time

Date: 7 Dec 2023
Location: Thornton Little Theatre
comedy

One of the UK’s favourite TV household names, stand up Ed Byrne returns to the stage with a brand-new show this autumn.

Warm welcoming working space for creatives

Date: 7 Dec 2023
Time: 10:30am - 3:30pm
Location: Aunty Social
community

Looking for a town centre creative space in which to work? Open to connecting with other local artists, makers, students and producers? Join Aunty Social at 28 Topping St every Thursday until March for some free hotdesking.

Relaxation Meditation

Date: 7 Dec 2023
Time: 11:00am - 11:45am
Location: Mandus House
community | wellbeing

Go along to these weekly relaxation sessions on a Thursday and learn how to live a more balanced life.

Theatre Preview: Alternative Christmas Cabaret

‘Tis the festive season and The Old Electric, a vibrant hub of creativity and ...

December Almanac: waxwings and starlings

Waxwings are a rare but possible sight in Blackpool in December while starlings form ...

Patrick Meehan: Music is Therapy

How writing and performing music helped Patrick Meehan survive cancer, bereavement and lockdown. “I ...

Gig Review: Personal Trainer 

From emotional accordion playing to a topless man with a tambourine, Personal Trainer at ...

Theatre Review: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

So why is everybody talking about Jamie? Blackpool Social Club headed to the Blackpool ...

Strictly Review: Keep Dancing in Blackpool Tower

Paula Burdess was front and centre as the action unfolded on the Tower Ballroom’s ...

Exhibition Review: HIVEArts Winter Collective

Autumn has now transitioned to winter and snow is even forecast. Time to join ...

Dear Diary: Looking for Dorothy Richmond

Did you know Dorothy Richmond? Born in 1927 and died in 2011, she lived ...

Gallery: House of Wingz cultivate roots

As Black History Month drew to a close, House of Wingz opened their doors ...