Three girls walking up a bright pink staircase at the entrance of the Showtown Blackpool museum. The word Ha, ha, ha are spelled out in yellow lights.

Showtown

Blackpool's museum of fun and entertainment

Mooky the Clown juggling three clubs in the Tower Circus ring

Work with us!

Your chance to take centre stage

Seaside themed colourful posters, black and white photo's and pages from books

Things to Discover

Explore the museum

Take a sneak peek

Alan Carr in coat and scarf pulling the illuminations switch on switch

Show your support!

There are lots of ways to help us

Lady lying and little girl playing with toys on the beach

What's on!

Here's some events to tickle your fancy

Welcome to Showtown

We're Blackpool's brand new all-singing, all-dancing museum and you’ll find us just off the prom, next door but one to Blackpool Tower!

Discover the stories of the comedians, dancers, acrobats and characters who turned our resort into the home of show business.

Our six galleries showcase the very best of the seaside, magic, circus, Illuminations, shows and dance.

Explore our 'plan your visit' page to find opening times, how to find us and then book your tickets today!

Plan your visit >

What's on

Celebration Exhibition

Fri 15 March - Fri 07 June 2024

The first of Showtown's special exhibitions. Find out what it takes to make a museum!

Showtown Relaxed Hour

Sat 11 May - Sat 12 October 2024

Perfect for visitors who prefer a calmer environment and would like to enjoy the museum without the hustle and bustle of the general public.

SHOWTOTS: Baby and toddler session

Thu 02 May - Thu 12 December 2024

Have fun playing, creating and exploring together at our baby and toddler session.

Clip Clop: Circus craft workshop

Sat 20 April 2024, 11:00am - 2:30pm

Fun for the whole family as we learn more about the important role of horses in the early circus years and get creative together.

Nautch on the Shore

Thu 16 May 2024, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Join speaker, Dr Debanjali Biswas for this talk, exploring Indian variety performance and traveling performers in Blackpool.

Out on the Floor - Northern Soul dance workshop

Sat 25 May 2024, 11:00am - 3:00pm

Get moving together during this Northern Soul dance workshop, perfect for families.

Capturing the Northern Soul

Sat 25 May 2024, 5:00pm - 6:30pm

Join photographer, Richard Oughton and DJ Jordan Wilson as they explore the Northern Soul scene.

Get Dancing with House of Wingz

Sat 01 June 2024, 11:00am - 2:30pm

Learn a new dance craze, the Blackpool Way with House of Wingz.

The compelling story of Colonel Barker

Thu 06 June 2024, 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Join Blackpool artist, Joseph Doubtfire as he explores the fascinating story of Colonel Barker, a Blackpool sideshow which caused a sensation in the 1930s.

Blackpool Letters: Typography Masterclass

Sat 10 August 2024

Discover more during this typography tour around Blackpool and make your own sign.

Andy Hollingworth Exhibition

Sat 13 July 2024 - Sun 23 February 2025

Explore Showtown's first major exhibition, presented by British photographer, Andy Hollingworth.

Twilight Promenade History Walk

Thu 22 August 2024

Discover the fascinating heritage of the north Promenade while enjoying the stunning sea views.

The Tiller Girls

Thu 04 July 2024, 5:30pm - 7:00pm

During this talk, discover more about the world’s longest running dance company, The Tiller Girls.

Promenade History Walk

Thu 18 July 2024, 11:00am - 12:30pm

Discover the fascinating heritage of the north Promenade while enjoying the stunning sea views.

Silly Summer Crafts

Wed 24 July - Wed 28 August 2024

Lights on...Curtain up - it's summer time at Showtown, filled with weekly craft activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Deckchairs, Piers and Souvenirs

Thu 01 August 2024, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Join historian and author Dr Kathryn Ferry for this talk based on her book ‘Seaside 100’.

Walking on Water

Thu 01 August 2024, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Join historian and author Dr Kathryn Ferry as she explores how different generations have enjoyed Blackpool's unique seaside structures - the three piers!

Seaside Sing-a-long with Anthony Mason

Sat 03 August 2024

Bring your best singing voices and dance moves for our fun filled singalong with musician and performer, Anthony Mason.

Pull the Switch: History of the Illuminations Switch On

Thu 05 September 2024, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

It's Better with the Lights on! Join us for this talk as we celebrate 90 years of switching on Blackpool Illuminations.

Latest News

Blackpool Way image Claire Griffths

Keep dancing - The Imagination Museum in Blackpool

19 April 2024

ROLL UP ROLL UP! TICKETS NOW .......LIVE

15 December 2023

Strictly Come Dancing 2023: Blackpool set to sparkle with a week of dance magic

10 November 2023

Generous donation received from The Sir Ken Dodd Foundation

17 October 2023

Showtown opening and new Chief Executive

16 August 2023

Want to be a part of our journey?

There are lots of ways to get involved.
Learn more about how to donate or volunteer below.

A photograph of dance objects with a tower ballroom poster, a photo of dancers and a medal

Donate

As a charity we rely on donations to keep this amazing show on the road.

Find out more >

Volunteer holding sheet music with the words "It must be love"

Volunteering

Learn more about how to become a volunteer and what sort of roles you can get involved in.

Find out more >

More ways to support