Category: Venue News
Having a Night Out in Blackpool When You’re Disabled
7 March 2024
As a highly popular seaside resort visited by millions each year, Blackpool is a town that caters for everyone, adults and children alike, including people with disabilities.
There are plenty of tourist attractions that have disability access, from Blackpool Tower to the Pleasure Beach. But what about if you want to have a night out? Thankfully, it doesn’t disappoint. From disability-friendly venues, revolution bars, to where to hire a wheelchair, we show you what Blackpool has to offer on a night out when you’re disabled.
Disability-friendly venues in Blackpool
If you’re disabled and looking for a good night out in Blackpool, there are plenty of bars, pubs and clubs that provide good access. This includes facilities that are easy to enter and exit, space for wheel chairs to move and manoeuvre, and disabled toilets. Some venues to consider for your night out, which have such facilities, include the:
- Beach House Bar and Bistro – Sophisticated and stylish, live entertainment, great cocktail selection, breathtaking views of the Irish Sea
- Revolution Blackpool – Referred to as one of the town’s best cocktail bars, good restaurant, smart casual style, huge variety of premium drinks, nice sea views
- The Albert and The Lion – Classic Wetherspoon pub, fun and relaxed atmosphere, good-sized space, large food and drinks menu
- Yates Blackpool Market Street – High-street party pub, said to have Blackpool’s number one DJ, typical English decor, broad drinks menu including cocktails
Where to hire a wheelchair
If you’d like to hire a wheelchair or scooter while you’re at Blackpool, there are a number of places around the town to visit or contact. Shops that offer the option to hire equipment include:
- Access Disability
- Millercare Blackpool
- Blackpool Wheelchair Store
- You can also hire from the British Red Cross
Getting about
It’s also easy to get around in Blackpool if you’re disabled, with accessible trams and buses running regularly across the town. The modern trams have wheelchair access, while buses are designed with a low floor to allow wheelchair users easy access too.
Of the town’s famous heritage trams, the Western Train tram has a wheelchair lift. Conductors are also helpful and will assist where possible on trams which have steps.
Providing access for everyone at Viva Blackpool
At Viva, we want all our guests to have an amazing time and we are proud to provide full access to people with disabilities – whatever the requirements. This includes lift access, a disabled washroom and toilet facilities. We’re centrally located, so there’s also plenty of pay and display car parks with designated disabled parking nearby.
Our fabulous entertainment is on five nights a week, and we offer half price show tickets to registered carers with a valid ID. From magicians to musical tribute acts, we present a whole range of spectacular shows. And we offer much more than fantastic entertainment too, including delicious food matched with a stunning service. Our ‘Show & Dine’ packages also allow you to add a pre-show dining experience to your visit, letting you enjoy an impressive two or three-course meal before our shows begin.
For more information about accessibility at Viva Blackpool, see our details on our disabled access & facilities web page. Or to find out more about what else we offer, just get in touch with our dedicated team.
Other recent news
Viva launches Dynamic Pricing
8 November 2023
Every now and again, we review our Viva seating plans to meet demand, react to feedback and popularity of the 900+ seating positions we have in the venue.
This has recently been undertaken, and we are introducing some improvements to our seating plans for 2024.
– The area previously known as ‘Premier’ has been upgraded to ‘PremierPLUS’ and has been reduced to a focused area in the centre of the room, nearest the stage. These are the BEST seats in the house and will typically be highest priced tickets
– The seating areas previously known as ‘Bar Area’ and ‘VIP/Tall Table’ seating have been combined and renamed ‘Standard’ seating. They offer a great view at an affordable price.Some of our tables/seats have been re-categorised. If for example there is a slight viewing restriction – we’ve moved these seats into the ‘Standard’ seating category to reflect this in the price of the tickets.
There has been no change to the table numbering. So if you have already purchased tickets – this will not change.
Where ticket demand is very high, fewer changes have been made to the price bands, and only the names of the seating areas have been changed (to PremierPLUS, Premier and Standard).
We have also introduced some more information onto the seating plan – such as what the colours mean on the different seats, where venue facilities are etc.
We are retaining our ‘Child (U7) tickets (which are FREE for most in house performances) and Junior Tickets (7-15) but we are combining Adult and OAP tickets into a single ‘Adult 16+’ ticket as we seek to reduce the complicated number of options available, and introduce Dynamic Pricing.
Dynamic Pricing
This is similar to how airline tickets are priced – with prices fluctuating according to demand. So our advice is to BOOK EARLY and get the best price possible, as it is likely it won’t go any cheaper before the performance.To introduce Dynamic pricing, we will be removing the option to book with a ‘Flexible Deposit’ for a trial period – as we will require payment in full in order to manage the dynamic pricing.
FAQs…
What will happen if I’ve already booked? You don’t need to do anything! Your seat will still be in the same position, and the table number/seat number remain the same – so please don’t worry.
I’ve already booked with a flexible deposit, is this cancelled? No – your flexible deposit is still holding the seat/table you’ve booked and you can pay the balance any time up to 7 days before your visit.
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Christmas By The Sea
25 April 2023
Extending Blackpool’s season right up until January, Christmas by the Sea includes a full Christmas log cabin village featuring stalls, bars, ice rinks and rides – right infront of Blackpool Tower on the World famous Golden Mile!
Dates are yet to be confirmed, but Christmas by the sea will be returning this year so you’ll be able to wrap up warm, grab a tasty sweet treat or gift from our charming cabins and spend an evening discovering all what’s on offer in this unmissable outdoor experience.
The event also includes the extension of the Blackpool Illuminations – so extends into the night-time when illuminated displays take over as well as projections onto the Tower building, simulated snowfall and a party atmosphere.
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Ball & Boe head to Viva Blackpool for new album launch
15 October 2022
To celebrate the release of their new album titled ‘Together In Vegas’, Michael Ball & Alfie Boe will be coming down to Viva Blackpool on Friday October 28th to host a special launch Q&A plus they’ll be performing some of the new songs from the record! There will also be a chance a chance to Spin The Wheel on the giant Video Jukebox to win prizes and special merchandise, plus there will even be a specially curated “Together in Vegas” Menu
They have become known as the UK’s favourite entertainers, and together form the ultimate musical duo: Michael Ball & Alfie Boe never fail to raise spirits with their unique combination of powerful voices and tongue-in-cheek charm. The perfect pair join forces yet again for a brand new album, their fifth studio album together where they take us to The Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas. They are ‘Together In Vegas’. Armed with all the charisma and panache needed for such an excursion, together with suitably dazzling vocal skills, the couple present the most exciting music they have ever recorded together, featuring classic Rat Pack numbers such as ‘Luck Be A Lady’ (Frank Sinatra) and ‘Sway’ (Dean Martin) as well as showstoppers ‘Viva Las Vegas’ (Elvis Presley), ‘A Man Without Love’ (Engelbert Humperdinck) ‘The Gambler’ (Kenny Rogers), and many more.
In addition to the launch event the Viva Vegas Diner is hosting a unique pop-up store selling a full range of amazing Ball & Boe merchandise, some of it exclusive to this store. The store is open all day, right on the Promenade.
Viva is the Vegas Venue in the Heart of Blackpool! Located right next door to Blackpool Tower, and in the centre of the famous Blackpool promenade amongst the hustle and bustle of the World famous illuminations, Viva is a huge cabaret lounge hosting amazing resident productions and it’s the venue where the big stars come to play when they’re in town! So we can’t wait to welcome you for some delicious dining, pre-show drinks and an exciting atmosphere in the build up to ‘Ball & Boe – together in Vegas!’.
Tickets are available NOW – right here – https://BallandBoe.lnk.to/blackpoolFI
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Happy 10th Birthday To VIVA!
5 August 2022
The last couple of years have proven to be an unpredictable bag of emotional highs and lows for all. Yet true to human nature, despite any adversity, we tend to come out at the other end with our heads held high; stronger than ever.
This is also true for Blackpool’s very own entertainment gem: Viva Blackpool.
This year we celebrate 10 fabulous years of establishment as the go-to performance venue of the ‘Vegas of the North West’. We have come far since we opened all that time ago and still continue to wow visitors and locals alike with our unique take on the glitz and glamour of show-bar entertainment.
Taking a stroll down memory lane, we find ourselves in June 2012 where Martin Heywood (Managing Director) and Leye D Johns (Entertainment Director and Resident Host) first held the keys not only to the building, but to the doors of an exciting and ever evolving future. With fire in their bellies and endless ideas ready for fruition, it took them no more than 5 weeks to turn the old Mecca Bingo site into the beautiful Purple Palace of present. The opening night was an astounding success and of course, the rest is history. Now, they look back with pride at how far they have come and how their achievements have exceeded even their own expectations.
Viva have had no issues with producing spectacles of the highest caliber for an entire decade – taking your breath away with mesmerising visuals, vocalist and dancers of superb excellence, hilarious antics from the outrageous yet loveable Leye D Johns and of course stunning costumes; all peppered with an overall compilation of utmost professionalism within our glamorously dressed purple themed setting. It is clear that Viva have never compromised their aspiration for quality no matter what we may have faced.
With a hunger for progression, Viva have never remained the same over their double digit timeline. As we gained admirable popularity both locally and across country, we also became a platform for shows outside of our vicinity. Sharing our stage with visiting shows, we opened our venue to be a place of opportunity for entertainers worldwide. To this day, acts from all around the globe travel to perform at Viva, staying true to the concept of diverse entertainment and catering to all demographics. Viva’s prestige has even extended as far as celebrity performances, the venue seeing a number of reputable entertainers such as Joe Longthorne MBE, Cannon and Ball, Roy Walker, Billy Pierce and even the likes of Tyson Fury.
In true Viva form, we did not stop at prominence. With expansion in mind, the brand continued to grow within the hospitality industry, opening the doors to ‘Viva Vegas Diner and Bar’ in 2017. Focusing on an authentic American style diner experience, within the last few years ‘Viva Vegas Diner’ have established themselves as one of the most popular comfort food and drink destinations in Blackpool. With a fantastic location at hand; situated next to our sister venue, the restaurant looks directly onto the sea front, creating an atmospheric dining experience like no other. A must visit spot of high-end novelty.
Coming up to present day and reopening our doors to the public after lockdown – Viva have come back with full throttle! With a refurbished interior, and a take on an entirely new line-up of productions for the season, the show-bar never fails to surprise with our refreshing approach to keeping our visitors engaged and stimulated; from pre-show dining to post-show entertainment. This season Viva sees its very first West End Musical as one of its resident shows; bringing ‘Boogie Nights’ to the stage, starring none other than the original lead Shane Richie’s son: Shane Nolan. With impressive success so far in regards to what we have to offer this year, it is clear that Viva is a prime example of triumphant risk-taking. No rest for the creative!
We truly see Viva Blackpool as a powerhouse role-model for independent businesses everywhere – with constant nurturing, hard-work and a little bit or dazzle dazzle it seems anything is possible! 10 years of success stories and a name that now holds a solid ground in Blackpool’s entertainment history, Viva will not be going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, we are eager to share with you the surprises that we have in store for you over our next fabulous decade to come. Keep your eyes peeled -10 years may have passed, but we’ve only just begun…
Other recent news
Viva Celebrates 10th Anniversary Season
1 May 2022
Blackpool’s Viva Showroom celebrates its 10th anniversary with a action-packed calendar of brand new shows, it’s first ever West End Musical, top-class comedy and much more.
Opened in 2012, Viva has been entertaining 150,000 visitors annually with a top-class programme of live entertainment produced in house by owners Martin Heywood and the ever-popular outrageous host Leye D Johns.
This Summer sees the most exciting new line up of shows ever produced in its unique cabaret style theatre with a different attraction every night from June through November.
For the first time ever, Viva will stage a full West End musical, ‘Boogie Nights The 70’s Musical’. The hilarious and heart-warming musical featuring a hit soundtrack of our lives will feature
Shane Nolan as the lead. Jon Conway, the show’s original London director and will stage this Viva version, said, “Boogie Nights always had a terrific party atmosphere on previous Blackpool visits and I’m really excited we have secured a large and talented cast of established musical theatre performers to stage the show at Viva.”
Resident host Leye D Johns will headline ‘Viva The Show’ a vibrant new spectacular production with a glamorous cast of singers and dancers showcasing the very best of showbiz glitz at the heart of Blackpool’s Golden Mile.
New for 2022 ‘Viva Country Legends’ starring Danni Graham as Dolly Parton features a foot stomping live band onstage in a tribute to country icons including Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Glen Campbell and many more.
Seasonal favourites return by popular demand including hit shows ‘Oh What A Night’ starring The Jersey Beats, celebrating the hits of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and ‘Voulez-Vous’, a true celebration of Europe’s original pop four-piece Abba!
Viva will become the home of family entertainment as part of it’s 10th anniversary celebration welcoming the hilarious ‘Crazy Comedy Company’. An exciting new show which has been a hit at Butlins resorts for the last two years and the Edinburgh Festival. The show brings a zany mix of cirque skills and family comedy in a perfect teatime show during all school holiday breaks.
Big name stars will return including top comedians Joe Pasquale and Billy Pearce. For those who like the comedy a little more adult, the legendary Joey Blower is set appear every weekend lunchtime from April until October.
In a nonstop year of celebrations, Viva is set to welcome more new attractions, shows and events including Bingo Loco the ultimate party night and a range of terrific tributes to artists including Amy Winehouse, George Michael and many more.
Viva will hold a celebratory ‘10th Anniversary Command performance’ on 12th August 2022, welcoming a star-studded line up 10-years to the day since opening its doors for the very first time.
Owners Martin Heywood and its popular outrageous host Leye D Johns, comment.
“It’s been a spectacular 10-years and an amazing privilege to play an integral role in Blackpool’s resurgence as the UK’s favourite family destination. Through hard work, dedication and a huge wealth of talent Viva has become an entertainment mecca, welcoming thousands of visitors each season.”
“As well as a top-class programme of entertainment featuring a wide range of brand-new shows and returning favourites, over £250,000 with the support of the Arts Council is set to be invested to ensure we continue to grow, producing the best in live entertainment in the heart of Blackpool”
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Blackpool Comedy Legend Joey Blower Heads To Viva!
12 September 2020
Celebrating his 27th year on Blackpool Promenade, and not to be outdone by Lockdown, Co-Vid or the return of STEPS – Blackpool Comedy Legend Joey Blower will be making his Viva debut on Saturday 26th September 2020 to bring laughter and fun back into our lives with a huge Saturday Afternoon party every week.
With a end of season line-up booked up to Saturday 7th November, our box office team will be taking seat reservations as Joey presents the very best in comedy greeting friends old and new, including special guests on stage for an aftershow party setting up a visit to the Viva Vegas Live show later in the evening, or just a night on the town!
Viva residents ‘The Jersey Beats‘ are also scheduled to appear on selected dates – performing the hits of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, as well as ‘Son Of Soul’ JJ Gibson who’ll be bringing some smooth sounds of Motown, Norther Soul and RnB on selected dates also
Joey is excited about the new show and adds “It’s all about forgetting your worries for a while and letting your hair down. There’s been too much worry, and whilst we’ve still got to look out for each other we still need to smile and enjoy life – and with Viva being such a massive venue, we can do that and still be safe. We’ve started work on a brand new show – which will be slightly different to what I’ve done before as we bring things right up to date, and use some of the fabulous screens and lighting that Viva have – it’s really exciting to get back to work and be able to get stuck in once again and see all of my friends back in the audience.”
2020 Dates
- Sat 26th September – Joey Blower, DJ Kristian, The Jersey Beats and other special guests for our OPENING party! – Tickets Available Here
- Sat 3rd October – Joey Blower, DJ Kristian, ‘Son of Soul’ JJ Gibson and other special guests – Tickets Available Here
- Sat 10th October – Joey Blower, DJ Kristian, ‘Son of Soul’ JJ Gibson and other special guests – Tickets Available Here
- Sat 17th October – Joey Blower, DJ Kristian, The Jersey Beats and other special guests – Tickets Available Here
- Sat 24th October – Joey Blower, DJ Kristian, guest artist TBC and other special guests – Tickets Available Here
- SUNDAY 1st November – Joey Blower, DJ Kristian, The Jersey Beats and other special guests – Tickets Available Here
- Sat 7th November – Joey Blower, DJ Kristian, ‘Son of Soul’ JJ Gibson and other special guests – Tickets Available Here
- Friday 13th, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th – Joey Blower presents ‘Return to Memphis’ – Elvis WEEKENDER – Tickets Available Here
Tickets will be released on Monday 14th September – with pre-booking required due to covid regulations (allocated seating / track & trace).
Drinks packages and food options will also be available as well as table and bar service throughout the show.
To be added to the waiting list (we will contact you when tickets are released) fill in the form below
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2019 Round Up – Another Fantastic Year At Viva Blackpool!
3 January 2020
Viva Blackpool presents 2019, another fantastic year of entertainment for our Vegas Venue in the heart of Blackpool.
We pride ourselves on offering a great selection of entertainment all year round for both locals and visitors to our popular, seaside resort. Whatever your taste in show may be, we do our very best to put on extravagant in-house productions like Viva Vegas Variety, The Jersey Beats and Voulez Vouz, attract hilarious comedy acts like Cannon & Ball, and pop and rock tributes like The Whitney Houston Experience, Michael Jackson The Legacy just to name a few.
Here are our top 5 moments of 2019, we cannot wait to bring you more amazing shows in 2020!
- Jersey Beats Tenerife Special
- Win a Wedding at Viva
- All You Need Is Love – The Discovery Of Beatlemania New Show
- Radio Waves’ Culture, Lifestyle and Business Awards 2019
- Local Dance Schools & Colleges perform at Viva
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Jersey Beats Tenerife Special
The Jersey Beats flew out to sunny Tenerife to kick of the Oh What a Nite tour in January 2019 for the very first time. For one night only, Los Cristianos gets the Blackpool treatment of full production and a brilliant night inspired by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Our most popular show starring the Jersey Beats, hilarious host Leye D Johns and gorgeous Viva Showgirls perform their popular show. The bonus of a week in the sun is greatly welcomed by the cast and crew, swapping the blustery promenade for beautiful beaches. It is an all-round lovely experience for those involved, helping to strengthen working relationships and value the team spirit outside of our Vegas Venue.
The Jersey Beats Tour kicks off in Tenerife on Saturday 18th January 2020. All UK dates are listed on their website, two special shows for Valentine’s day & Mother’s day afternoon at Viva with Summer residency starting April 2020.
https://www.jerseybeats.co.uk/jersey-beats-tour-dates/
2. Win a Wedding
The Win a Wedding competition was back at Viva for the third year in March. Hosted in collaboration with Radio Wave, this competition is an amazing opportunity for newlyweds in need of a venue and will be back in 2020. The lucky couple win a wedding package valued at £10,000 with generous donations from local wedding suppliers. After the initial competition, all couples who enter are invited for a Wedding Fayre to meet the suppliers and compete for the grand prize. Five couples chosen at random make it to the next stage where a variety of games and quizzes finalise the winner. Perri & Danny were the lucky winners this time, with their wedding date set for October. The package provided venue hire, videographer & photographer, dressing and decorations, food buffet and a welcome package. We look forward to the fourth year of this competition, and for another lucky couple to win a memorable wedding with us.
We love being able to offer our venue as a themed place for an engagement or wedding and gifting the experience is even better! Are you engaged, planning a wedding, needing a venue? Win a Wedding 2020 opens 23rd March 2020.
3. All You Need Is Love – The Discovery Of Beatlemania New Show
We knew it was about time we added another fabulous, in house production to the list. This came in the form of The Music of the Beatles, All you need is love starting its Summer residency on Monday 3rd June 2019. The show is a magical mystery tour through the ages of one of the world’s most iconic bands. It really is a feel-good show and we are excited to welcome it back for the new year. The level of production, vocals and dance is a true reflection of how much we strive to deliver a professional, exciting performance for everyone who visits. With the global success of The Beatles offering a performance that features some of the world’s most loved music was in keeping with our ideals. Blackpool welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year, so we want to offer something for everyone, and we know this show will be well received going into its 2nd year.
This show can be seen throughout Summer 2020, with the first show back on Sunday 22nd March for Mother’s Day evening.
https://www.vivablackpool.com/event/all-you-need-is-love-the-discovery-of-beatlemania-2/
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Radio Wave Awards
June was a rewarding and humbling month as Viva took home two awards from the Radio Wave Culture and Lifestyle Awards Night. The black-tie event awarded the team with Customer Service Excellence Award and Best Nightlife Award something the whole team are extremely proud of. Since opening in 2012, all involved have worked tirelessly to offer a memorable night out in Blackpool, upping our game season after season to provide the best talent. As voted for by the public, Viva will continue to exceed expectations and grow as a reliable venue in Blackpool and Lancashire. The Radio Wave Awards attract over 600 guests to the Empress Ballroom, hosted by Scott and Stacey of the Radio Wave Breakfast Team. We hope next year will be just as successful.
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Local Dance Schools & Colleges perform at Viva
The final moment for 2019 highlights just how promising and exciting the future is in performance, dance and stage shows. Our venue is available for hire from parties to weddings but the most rewarding for all those involved is being host to local musical theatre, dance and drama schools and colleges. Blackpool is rich in performance history, so being able to host memorable shows for pupils and their teachers who have a real passion for the arts is truly inspiring.
This year we have welcomed in amazing companies with talented individuals performing in pantomimes, end of term showcases and themed productions. The events team aim to offer our venue as the perfect place to thrive and enjoy performing to an audience. It is an amazing opportunity for any young talent to get a feel for the big stage, spotlights and all!
A huge well done and thank you to the schools and colleges who have hired our venue this year: Phil Winston’s TheatreWorks, VAD productions, HR DanceWorks, Studio 15 Dance Academy, Jet Studios, CMDA, Cats with Red Shoes, Centre Stage Academy, ACross the boards, Omerod Trust, Lil Beatz.
To enquire or book your event or show contact our events team [email protected] .
Thank you…
The above moments are just a small insight into what happens here at Viva. As another incredible year filled with amazing highlights comes to an end, we are very thankful for all bookings and shows that come through the door. Team Viva wishes everyone a very Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you to our Vegas Venue in 2020.
As the New Year has already started, a little bonus from us. We have extended our Early Bird discount throughout January! Do away with the January Blues and get planning your visit to Viva. If you are coming to Blackpool in the Spring or Summer, our in-house shows are featured in this offer and can be booked now via box office or website. Treat yourself to an unforgettable show and save on amazing entertainment. Don’t miss out, savings of up to £26 on a premium table of four!
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Leye D’s Homecoming
14 October 2019
Leye D Johns, one of Blackpool’s most well-known comedians and showmen, is celebrating his 35th anniversary in the entertainment industry by returning home to Barrow for a special performance.
Leye is the joint owner of entertainment venue Viva Blackpool and is also the front man and host for a number of the venue’s most popular shows, including the Jersey Beats and The Viva Vegas Variety Show.
Born in Barrow and attending Parkview School, Leye started his entertainment career doing local amateur dramatics in the town, however Leye’s road to bigger shows and performances began when he was spotted while working as an entertainer in Tenerife. Local comedian George King asked him to perform at one Blackpool’s leading venues of the time, the Alabama Showboat and from there Leye’s career took off.
Since then Leye has been a host and comedian for some of the biggest venues in the UK and also toured Europe including being a comedy support act for international stars like the much loved Joe Longthorne.
Leye is returning to Barrow for a one night only, performing a comedy and variety show at the Forum Barrow. The show will be a mix of stand up from Leye, with Vegas style variety acts, including acrobatics, dance and music.
Leye said: “It has been a fantastic 35 years and it’s great to really mark it by coming back to my hometown with my Blackpool show. The night will be a mix of comedy, some incredible dance routines and some fantastic live music, with performances from some of our top artists at Viva Blackpool. So, if you want a few laughs, want to hear some great tunes and really enjoy a Vegas style variety show at its very best, then it would be great to see you there.”
The Viva Vegas Variety show will be for one night only on the 22nd May 2020, at the Forum in Barrow. Advance tickets are £23.50 including booking fee. For more details visit www.theforumbarrow.co.uk or by calling 01229 820000.
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Top 10 Blackpool Attractions to Visit | Viva Blackpool
30 September 2019
Our Top 10 Blackpool Attractions to Visit
There’s so much to see and do in Blackpool, whether you’re looking to spend the day there or enjoy a family weekend away. But with so many attractions to visit, where do you start to make sure you get the best experience of what Blackpool has to offer.
To help you make the most of your time in this wonderfully fun seaside town, here are our top ten Blackpool attractions to visit.
1. Blackpool Tower
This iconic landmark is what many people think of when they think of Blackpool, so it makes sense to put it first on our list. There are a whole range of family attractions to enjoy in the tower too. This includes the SkyWalk – a glass viewing platform at the top – the entertaining circus, and the fun, educational, and sometimes scary, Blackpool Tower Dungeon.
2. The Blackpool Illuminations
From the end of August to the start of November, this annual lights festival dazzles Blackpool’s promenade. With six miles of lights along the seafront and over 500 designs, displays and themed features, a walk through these iconic lights is an experience not be missed. You can read our blog, Northern Lights – the Blackpool Illuminations to find out more.
3. Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Known as the UK’s most ride intensive amusement park, this is the ideal place to go if your kids (or you) are a bit of a thrill seeker and into your white-knuckle rides and roller coasters. The Pleasure Beach offers some of the best. Amongst them is the 235ft Big One – once the world’s tallest roller coaster – and the latest ride, Icon, the UK’s first double launch rollercoaster.
4. Stanley Park
This picturesque and much-loved park recently reached new levels of status after being named the UK’s best park for 2019. The impressive 390-acre grade-II listed park provides an experience for the old and young, which shouldn’t be missed. Amongst other features it boasts Italian gardens, a boating lake and band stand, an art deco cafe, and an award-winning model village.
5. The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
This might be in Blackpool Tower, but the iconic attraction deserves to have its own place in our top ten. Described as the world’s most spectacular ballroom, seeing it is a sight to behold. You can experience what’s like to dance on the magnificent floor, listen the impressive Wurlitzer organ, or just sit back and enjoy a scrumptious afternoon tea.
6. Sea Life Aquarium
Home to over 2000 marine creatures, this is another worthy visit – especially on a rainy day. You and the family can enjoy the aquarium zones, from the small creatures of the Rock Pools, to those of the Atlantic Depths and the fish of the Quayside. Or you can immerse yourself in a world of stingrays, take a submarine ride to the depths of the ocean, or walk through the spectacular ocean tunnel.
7. Heritage Tram Tours
This is where you can experience riding on a world-famous classic Blackpool tram. A fleet of more modern trams now run on the town’s tramway. But here, the best and iconic heritage trams have been restored to their original condition and are available to ride along the promenade. Nowhere else in the UK can you ride a heritage tram on the line it was originally built, so this is a pretty unique experience.
8. The Sandcastle Water Park
This, the UK’s largest indoor water park, is one for the family if you’re looking for some indoor fun, a swim and a splash about. With more than 18 slides and attractions, there’s plenty to keep the kids (and adults) entertained. There’s also a tropical climate to enjoy and the Sea Breeze Spa, if you want to relax and need a break from those white-knuckle water slides.
9. Blackpool Zoo
This impressive 32-acre zoo is just a couple of miles away from Blackpool’s promenade. It’s home to over 1,350 animals from all over the world, so definitely one for animal lovers. You can enjoy an animal experience and get up close to your favourite species or watch the animals being fed. Or you can listen to a fascinating talk, or watch impressive displays of everything from birds to seas lions.
10. The Three Piers
As well as an award-winning beach, Blackpool is home to not one, but three impressive piers – Central, North and the South Pier. Opening in 1863 and at 500 metres in length, the North Pier is a listed building and the oldest and longest of the three. Central Pier is filled with attractions, including its landmark big wheel, amusements and shows. Meanwhile, the smaller and younger South Pier is family orientated, with plenty of funfair rides and a good sea view.
Another Top Blackpool Attraction to Add to Your To-do List
If you’re looking to see a fun show or for a night of top family entertainment, Viva Blackpool is an attraction to add to your to-do list. We also aren’t far from many of those attractions listed above – the famous tower is just next door!
Our fabulous entertainment is on five nights a week. We’re also proud to present a whole range of spectacular shows, from children’s magicians to musical tribute acts, to make your time in Blackpool even more fun and special. You can even see up to four of our great shows for a discounted price with our Viva Golden Ticket – a two-show pass will see you save £8 per person!
There’s much more than fantastic entertainment too, including delicious food, matched with a stunning service. Our ‘Show & Dine’ tickets also allow you to add a preshow dining experience to your visit, letting you enjoy an impressive two or three-course meal before our shows begin. Or, if you fancy a more relaxed dining experience, you could try our American Diner and Bar. This is also a great place to enjoy some delicious food and a much-needed beverage or two, while you see the top attractions that Blackpool has to offer.
To find out more about what we offer and what makes Viva a top Blackpool attraction to visit, or for more information about our dining options, just get in touch with our dedicated team.
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