Top Blackpool Shows to See During the 2026 Illuminations
The Blackpool Illuminations 2026 begin on Friday 4 September, with the display continuing through to Sunday 3 January 2027. Alongside the famous lights, visitors can enjoy an outstanding programme of musicals, concerts, drama and family entertainment at Blackpool’s leading venues.
From Dirty Dancing and Heathers The Musical to Bob Dylan, The Choir of Man and Blackpool’s traditional Christmas pantomime, these are some of the best shows to catch during an Illuminations break.
Blackpool Shows During the Illuminations at a Glance
| Show | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| The British Country Music Festival | 4–6 September 2026 | Winter Gardens |
| Dirty Dancing | 8–19 September 2026 | Opera House |
| Surinderella | 22–26 September 2026 | Grand Theatre |
| Heathers The Musical | 27–31 October 2026 | Grand Theatre |
| Sweeney Todd | 28 October–1 November 2026 | Winter Gardens |
| The Disappearing Man | 3–7 November 2026 | Grand Theatre |
| The Choir of Man | 17–21 November 2026 | Grand Theatre |
| The Lord of the Rings in Concert | 24 November 2026 | Opera House |
| Bob Dylan in Concert | 30 November–1 December 2026 | Opera House |
| Jack and the Beanstalk | 4 December 2026–3 January 2027 | Grand Theatre |
| Scrooge | 10–13 December 2026 | Opera House |
| Trainspotting The Musical | 15–19 December 2026 | Opera House |
| Burlesque The Musical | 21 December 2026–2 January 2027 | Opera House |
September Shows in Blackpool
The British Country Music Festival
Dates: Friday 4–Sunday 6 September 2026
Venue: Winter Gardens Blackpool
The Illuminations season gets underway on the same weekend as The British Country Music Festival. More than 100 musicians will perform across five stages, making this a full weekend of country, Americana, blues and roots music inside the historic Winter Gardens.
The festival is an excellent choice for music lovers planning to combine the Illuminations opening weekend with live entertainment.
Dirty Dancing
Dates: Tuesday 8–Saturday 19 September 2026
Venue: Opera House, Winter Gardens
The stage adaptation of Dirty Dancing returns to Blackpool as part of its UK and Ireland tour. The production brings the story of Baby and Johnny to life with energetic dancing, romance and familiar songs including Hungry Eyes and (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.
With performances spread across two weeks, visitors have plenty of opportunities to include the show in a September Illuminations break.
Surinderella
Dates: Tuesday 22–Saturday 26 September 2026
Venue: Blackpool Grand Theatre
Surinderella gives the familiar Cinderella story a lively British South Asian twist. Expect comedy, romance, music, a Bollywood ball and a distinctly modern interpretation of the traditional fairytale.
This colourful, feel-good production is a strong choice for families, couples and groups looking for something a little different during their stay.
October and Halloween Shows
Heathers The Musical
Dates: Tuesday 27–Saturday 31 October 2026
Venue: Blackpool Grand Theatre
Darkly funny, sharp and packed with memorable songs, Heathers The Musical arrives in Blackpool for Halloween week.
Based on the cult film, the musical follows Veronica Sawyer as she becomes involved with her school’s most powerful clique. The production is recommended for ages 14 and over, making it better suited to teenagers and adults than younger children.
Sweeney Todd
Dates: Wednesday 28 October–Sunday 1 November 2026
Venue: Conference and Exhibition Centre, Winter Gardens
For a suitably dark Halloween night out, Sweeney Todd offers an immersive journey into the world of Fleet Street’s infamous demon barber.
The venue will be transformed into Mrs Lovett’s pie shop, placing the audience close to the action. Each ticket also includes a choice of meat or vegan pie. The production carries an age recommendation of 12 and over.
November Shows in Blackpool
The Disappearing Man
Dates: Tuesday 3–Saturday 7 November 2026
Venue: Blackpool Grand Theatre
Set in a once-glittering seaside town, The Disappearing Man follows washed-up magician Bazza Cadabra as he attempts one final comeback.
Combining drama, live magic and emotional storytelling, the production explores family relationships, second chances and the price of returning to the spotlight.
The Choir of Man
Dates: Tuesday 17–Saturday 21 November 2026
Venue: Blackpool Grand Theatre
Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award-nominated The Choir of Man transforms the theatre into an uplifting musical pub.
Nine performers combine singing, live instruments, movement and storytelling, with music associated with Queen, Adele, Paul Simon, Avicii, Sia and several other major artists. It is an energetic celebration of friendship, community and a good night out.
The Lord of the Rings in Concert
Date: Tuesday 24 November 2026
Venue: Opera House, Winter Gardens
Fans of Tolkien’s Middle-earth can experience its music on a grand scale when The Lord of the Rings in Concert comes to the Opera House.
An orchestra, choir and guest performers recreate music inspired by The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and The Rings of Power, accompanied by the recorded voice of Sir Christopher Lee.
Bob Dylan in Concert
Dates: Monday 30 November–Tuesday 1 December 2026
Venue: Opera House, Winter Gardens
One of the most influential songwriters in modern music, Bob Dylan performs for two nights at Blackpool Opera House.
The Blackpool concerts form part of a limited UK visit and will use Yondr technology to create a phone-free performance. Demand is likely to be high, so anyone hoping to attend should secure tickets and accommodation early.
Christmas and New Year Shows
Jack and the Beanstalk
Dates: Friday 4 December 2026–Sunday 3 January 2027
Venue: Blackpool Grand Theatre
Blackpool Grand Theatre’s annual pantomime is one of the highlights of the town’s festive calendar. For Christmas 2026, Jack and the Beanstalk promises comedy, colourful costumes, songs and a spectacular 3D adventure.
The cast includes Coronation Street star Lisa George as the Spirit of the Beans, alongside returning Blackpool pantomime favourites Steve Royle and Ben Harlow. The production is recommended for ages three and over.
Scrooge
Dates: Thursday 10–Sunday 13 December 2026
Venue: Opera House, Winter Gardens
Scrooge combines Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story with musical theatre and circus entertainment.
West End performers, aerial artists, acrobatics, festive music and family comedy create an alternative Christmas production suitable for children, parents and grandparents.
Trainspotting The Musical
Dates: Tuesday 15–Saturday 19 December 2026
Venue: Opera House, Winter Gardens
Trainspotting The Musical brings Irvine Welsh’s uncompromising story to the Opera House stage.
This is one for adult audiences seeking something darker than conventional Christmas entertainment. Visitors should check the venue’s age guidance and content information before booking.
Burlesque The Musical
Dates: Monday 21 December 2026–Saturday 2 January 2027
Venue: Opera House, Winter Gardens
After a successful West End run, Burlesque A BIG New Musical arrives in Blackpool for Christmas and New Year.
Based on the film and produced by Christina Aguilera, the production features songs by Aguilera, Sia and Diane Warren alongside new music. Its combination of powerhouse vocals, choreography and spectacle makes it one of the biggest shows of the Illuminations season.
Make a Night of It in Blackpool
An Illuminations break offers much more than an evening viewing the lights. You can explore the Promenade, enjoy dinner in the town centre, watch a major show and return to comfortable self-catering accommodation afterwards.
Swish Holiday Apartments are situated just a minute’s walk from North Promenade and the Illuminations route. Blackpool Grand Theatre and the Winter Gardens are also easily accessible by tram, taxi or a walk through the town centre.
Our collection includes stylish one, two and three-bedroom apartments suitable for couples, families and groups of up to six guests. Selected apartments also include sea views, hot tubs and other luxury features.
Accommodation can fill quickly for the opening weekend, October half-term, Christmas and New Year. Check availability and book directly with Swish Holiday Apartments to secure our best available rates.
Show dates and details were correct at the time of publication. Please check the individual event listing before travelling, as performances and availability may change.
