Blackpool’s Annual Christmas by the Sea Festival Set to Return

Blackpool’s Tower Festival Headland is poised for its annual transformation into a winter wonderland with the return of the resort’s Christmas by the Sea festival. This popular event is scheduled to commence on Friday, one day prior to the BBC program Strictly Come Dancing’s yearly visit to the Tower Ballroom. The grand opening at Tower Festival Headland is slated for 17:00 GMT on Friday. There are unconfirmed reports suggesting that participants from Strictly Come Dancing might make an appearance. Additionally, local performers are expected to present a routine from the Christmas ice show, which is set to debut at Pleasure Beach Resort in December. Following its launch, the annual festival will operate daily from noon to 21:00 GMT until January 5th, with the exception of Christmas Day. Concurrently, Blackpool’s Illuminations will remain switched on along the seafront throughout this period. Local officials have indicated that this year’s festival will feature its “biggest” village to date. Within the Christmas village, simulated snowfalls are planned to occur every half an hour on the Comedy Carpet, and the outdoor skating rink is slated for its return. Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience festive tram rides, light displays, and fairground attractions, while various cabins will offer food, beverages, and gifts for purchase. The Star Flyer, standing 196ft tall and recognized as one of Europe’s tallest swing rides, is also scheduled to make its reappearance at the resort. According to local officials, these events previously attracted unprecedented numbers of visitors to the seafront during the winter period. The organization of the festival is a collaborative effort by Blackpool Council, Blackpool Transport, and Triangle Attractions. While Christmas by the Sea is generally a free attraction, certain components necessitate tickets or incur a charge. This year, the synthetic 20m (66ft) outdoor skating rink will once again be available on the promenade, offering free usage and complimentary skate hire. No prior reservations are necessary, and a dedicated changing area, along with skate aids and disability aids, will be provided. Certain festive fairground attractions, such as the Star Flyer, are individually priced. Tickets are required for the festive tram tours. Adult tickets are priced at £5, and children’s tickets are £2.50 each. These tours will operate at 17:00, 17:45, 18:30, 19:15, and 20:00 GMT on every Friday and Saturday evening throughout December. A fee of £2 will be charged for four hours of parking at numerous Blackpool Council car parks located in the vicinity. For more content, listeners can access the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story suggestions can also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Further information regarding its policy on external linking is available.