‘Christmas By The Sea’ Returns To Blackpool

There’s plenty to look forward to if you are considering coach hire to Blackpool this holiday season. The Manchester Evening News reports that the popular Christmas village is returning to the seaside resort this year, after the debut event drew record crowds last year. 

Christmas by the Sea will feature a free ice rink, tram rides, and even some fake snow to create that perfect festive atmosphere. Of course, visitors to the attraction will also be able to see Blackpool’s famous illuminations, the spectacular free light show which transforms the promenade every year between September and January.

The Christmas Village will be situated on the Tower Festival Headland opposite the iconic Blackpool Tower. Visitors will be treated to festive stalls where they can buy traditional food and drink, such as mulled wine, Yorkshire puddings and Bavarian sausages.

The event has been organised by Blackpool’s Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID). Kate Shane, chair of the TBID Management Group, said: “The Blackpool TBID was established last year with the purpose of maintaining Blackpool’s position as the UK’s number one seaside destination and events are key to our strategy.”

“The Christmas By The Sea event last year drove record visitor numbers to the town and the many tourism businesses we represent are keen to make this year’s celebrations even bigger and better. We are delighted to be able to offer the level of support to make it happen again in 2022.”

The village will feature special children’s entertainments and attractions, including enchanting fairy tale light displays and fun fairground rides. Blackpool is a favourite UK tourist hotspot, which has enjoyed significant levels of new investment and regeneration over the past few decades.

Ben Cooper, head of marketing at TalkTalk, which is sponsoring the event, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring Christmas By The Sea in Blackpool this year. There’s nowhere quite like Blackpool in the winter, and as a northern-based provider, it’s brilliant to be sponsoring such a pinnacle event up north.”

He added: “We can’t wait for Christmas By The Sea to kick off and hope everyone enjoys all the free family activities on offer.”

Coun Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, added: “Christmas By The Sea proved to be one of the most spectacular events of 2021 and attracted visitors from far and wide. Thanks to funding from both the TBID and TalkTalk, this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better.”

She added: “Many of the attractions, including the rink, projection shows, snowfalls, and light installations, will once again be free to access, giving families the opportunity to enjoy a magical and memorable Christmas.”

Blackpool first developed as a tourist resort in the mid 18th century, when it became a fashionable sea bathing destination. The town continued to boom throughout the 19th century, with several grand hotels and cultural venues being constructed. 

Many of these, such as the Grand Theatre, the Winter Gardens, the Opera House, and of course, Blackpool Tower, are still enjoyed by visitors today.