The seaside town of Blackpool is becoming a sought-after destination for business events with its unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities, Blackpool offers a variety of venues, from large-scale conferences to intimate meetings. The town’s strategic location, excellent transport links, and wealth of entertainment options make it an ideal choice for event planners looking to impress their attendees.
We look at seven venues in Blackpool that provide a backdrop for business events.
The Winter Gardens Blackpool
The Winter Gardens Blackpool has been a central feature of the town since opening in 1878. The venue features a variety of spaces, each with its own unique charm and function.
The Empress Ballroom, the largest space at the Winter Gardens Blackpool, can host up to 3,250 and is renowned for hosting the annual Blackpool Dance Festival which has been running for more than 90 years. It also has a rich history of hosting the annual conferences of the UK’s three major political parties – Labour, the Conservatives, and the Liberal Democrats.
The venue also includes the recently renovated Olympia, the Spanish Hall, the Pavilion Theatre and several other smaller spaces. In 2022, The Blackpool Conference & Exhibition Centre opened its doors bringing a further 2,4000sqm of dedicated space, which combined with all of the other spaces in the Winter Gardens Blackpool complex is capable of hosting over 7,000 delegates.
Website: wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
Phone number: 01253 629600
The Imperial Hotel
Located on the North Promenade, the historic Imperial Hotel Blackpool has been welcoming guests since 1867. The 180-bed hotel has played host to numerous famous personalities, including politicians and entertainers. The hotel features 14 versatile event spaces with the largest room, the Lancastrian Suite, hosting up to 600 delegates. Smaller rooms like the Churchill Room and the Louis Suite cater to more intimate events, with capacities of 120 and 60, respectively. In total, The Imperial Hotel can host over 1,000 attendees across its various meeting and event spaces, providing a perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary facilities.
Website: imperialhotelblackpool.co.uk
Phone number: 01253 623971
The Village Hotel Blackpool
The Village Hotel Blackpool is a contemporary and versatile establishment situated near the scenic Stanley Park and Blackpool Zoo. The hotel offers 174 rooms designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers. The largest space, the Inspiration Suite, can accommodate up to 600 guests, making it suitable for large conferences and banquets. Additionally, the hotel provides several smaller meeting rooms, such as the Motivation and Energy suites, each capable of hosting around 50 to 100 attendees, ideal for more intimate gatherings or corporate meetings. Guests can also enjoy 18-hole golf course and spa.
Website: village-hotels.co.uk/blackpool
Phone number: 01253 208870
Viva Blackpool
Viva Blackpool is an entertainment venue located in the heart of the town centre, known for its cabaret-style performances.
Viva Blackpool has three spaces available for events including its largest space, The Viva Arena, which can host up to 632 making it the ideal location for gala dinners and charity evenings. Alongside this is The Festival Suite which can host up 450 and the Round Room which can host up to 115. Viva Blackpool is equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, ensuring top-notch production quality for all performances.
Website: vivablackpool.com
Phone number: 01253 2972
The Boulevard Hotel Blackpool
The Boulevard Hotel Blackpool is located on the seafront, adjacent to the Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Opened in 2019, this contemporary hotel offers 120 elegantly designed rooms and suites as well as an on-site restaurant.
The hotel has a range of meeting and event spaces with the largest space, Shoreside, hosting up 200 guests, with three additional syndicate rooms all well-appointed with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment.
Website: boulevardhotel.co.uk
Phone number: 01253 336073
Blackpool Tower
The Blackpool Tower, once the tallest building in the British Empire, features the world’s most famous Ballroom and the world’s oldest permanent Circus Arena.
The stunning Tower Ballroom, renowned for hosting Strictly Come Dancing’s annual Blackpool episode, hosts up to 3,000. The Tower Circus is available to host events from the performance ring itself. The space, which can host up to 1,300, is the perfect place for awards, creative performances and educational sessions.
The venue is also home to The Tower Eye & 4D Cinema, which can host up to 150 and The Fifth Floor, which can host up to 650.
Website: theblackpooltower.com
Phone number: 01253 622242
The Backlot Cinema
Opened in early 2024, The Backlot Cinema Blackpool is a unique entertainment destination, which is home to Blackpool’s very first IMAX screen.
The Backlot’s cinema screens, are perfect for hosting engaging sessions, conferences and private events for up to 230 delegates. In addition to its screens, The Backlot has two open meeting spaces – The Hangout and The Studio, which are perfect for meeting with colleagues as well as a 16-seat conference room for more intimate meetings.
Website: thebacklotblackpool.co.uk
Phone number: 01253 336073
Credit: VisitBlackpool
Credit: Merlin
Credit: Sean Conboy
