Blackpool is making a bold bid to become the UK City of Culture 2029, a designation that could bring a £10 million boost to the seaside town and significantly increase tourism. The invitation to bid, announced on March 18, 2026, recognizes Blackpool’s vibrant arts scene and its potential to showcase British culture on a national stage. This comes as the town also prepares to submit an Expression of Interest for the inaugural UK Town of Culture competition, with a deadline of March 31st.
The council’s pursuit of both titles underscores a commitment to leveraging culture as a catalyst for economic growth and community pride. A £60,000 grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will support the development of a comprehensive bid for the City of Culture title, with a full application due this summer, according to Lancashire Business View.
A Town Steeped in Entertainment History
Blackpool’s claim to cultural significance isn’t latest. For over a century, the town has been a magnet for entertainment, attracting millions of visitors annually. Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, emphasized this heritage, stating, “Blackpool is bursting with culture and variety.” She highlighted recent events like a circus and magic festival and upcoming exhibitions featuring Claude Monet and William Shakespeare as evidence of the town’s diverse offerings. The town’s visitor economy is currently valued at £2 billion, making it the 45th largest place in the UK with a population of 141,500, according to council figures.
More Than Just the Illuminations
While famed for the Blackpool Illuminations – which will celebrate their 150th anniversary in 2029 – the town’s cultural landscape extends far beyond its dazzling light displays. The bid will highlight institutions like Showtown Museum, dedicated to the history of entertainment in Blackpool, and the Grundy Art Gallery, a National Portfolio Organisation showcasing both national and local contemporary art. Blackpool also hosts international events, including the World Dance Championships, and supports a range of community-led arts programs.
A Triple Anniversary in 2029
The year 2029 holds particular significance for Blackpool, marking not only the sesquicentennial of the Illuminations but also the 135th anniversaries of both The Blackpool Tower and the Blackpool Grand Theatre. In 2028, the historic Blackpool Winter Gardens will celebrate its own 150th anniversary, further cementing the town’s long-standing commitment to arts and entertainment.
Following Bradford’s Lead
The UK City of Culture competition, run every four years by the DCMS, aims to celebrate and elevate cultural hubs across the country. Bradford held the title in 2025, hosting over 1,000 events, attracting an estimated 3 million visitors, and generating £140 million for the local economy, as well as creating 6,500 new jobs. The new UK Town of Culture competition expands this opportunity to a wider range of locations. The competitions are intended to address inequalities in cultural funding and access, as stated by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who believes these initiatives recognize the contributions of communities throughout the UK. Blackpool Council’s website confirms these details.
The bid for both City and Town of Culture status represents a significant investment in Blackpool’s future. The council, working with Creative Blackpool, is now focused on developing a compelling application that showcases the town’s unique cultural identity and its potential to become a national leader in arts and entertainment. Further updates on the bidding process will be available through the Blackpool Council website and official government channels.
What happens next will depend on the strength of Blackpool’s full application, but the initial invitation to bid signals a growing recognition of the town’s cultural value. The deadline for submitting an Expression of Interest for the Town of Culture competition is March 31st, and the full City of Culture application is due this summer.
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