Blackpool’s month-long celebration of movement and performance, Capital of Dance, returns from Tuesday, July 1st to Thursday, July 31st.
Now firmly established in the resort’s cultural calendar, the festival continues to grow in profile, attracting thousands of visitors who come to experience the town’s rich connection to dance.
Created by Martin and Marina Blore, and supported by Arts Council England and the Blackpool Tourism Business Improvement District, the event combines free outdoor activities, ticketed shows, and professional workshops.
More than 180 dance-related events will take place across the month. These include interactive sessions on the Comedy Carpet, community workshops, and major performances at venues such as the Grand Theatre, the Opera House, and Viva Blackpool.
This year’s programme features internationally acclaimed companies and TV favourites. On Saturday, July 5th, Sadler’s Wells National Youth Dance Company will perform a new work that includes three young dancers from Blackpool who were discovered at last year’s festival. Throughout the month, audiences can also enjoy appearances and workshops from Strictly Come Dancing stars including Nadiya Bychkova, Flavia Cacace, Dianne Buswell, Vito Coppola, Anton Du Beke, and Giovanni Pernice.
Dance Marathon Week, funded by Blackpool Tourism BID, will run from Saturday, July 5th to Friday, July 11th, bringing daily free events to the seafront. These include open-air classes, social dance, and an attempt to break the world record for the largest disco dance, which will take place on Friday, July 11th at 2pm, led by Blackpool’s own Lionel Vinyl.
Marina Blore, Artistic Director of Capital of Dance, said: “The ambition is for Blackpool to do for dance what Edinburgh has done for comedy. There is nowhere else in the country to rival Blackpool’s heritage in dance. It has been ever present for over 130 years, from the war years and the big band era in the ballrooms, to variety theatre, disco, Northern Soul, superclubs and of course, Strictly Come Dancing.”
Capital of Dance is not only a cultural festival but a growing platform for improving community health and wellbeing.
The Blackpool Dance Board, which oversees the festival, runs year-round programmes using dance to support people living with Parkinson’s, dementia, obesity and addiction. These initiatives are designed to combat social isolation and open new pathways for local choreographers, dancers and creatives to work with leading national companies.
With its blend of world-class performance, inclusive programming and strong community focus, Capital of Dance continues to build Blackpool’s reputation as the UK’s home of dance. It celebrates the town’s heritage while creating new opportunities for its future.
For the full programme, visit www.capitalofdance.com.