Newsroom

29 September 2026

Stanley Park's 100th birthday celebration - event programme released

Everyone is invited to Stanley Park on Saturday 3 October for the main public celebration of the park's 100th birthday, with a packed programme of family fun, live entertainment and a spectacular drone show.

A drone shot of Stanley Park
Stanley Park

The Grade II-listed park officially turns 100 on Friday 2 October, with the main public celebration taking place the following day.

Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy a wide range of activities taking place across the park throughout the day, before a dazzling drone show lights up the evening sky and brings the celebrations to a memorable close.

A mix of free sporting activities and sessions will be delivered by Active Blackpool, alongside a BMX race, guided walks and heritage talks celebrating the park's rich history and lasting legacy.

Young people have curated a mini festival in partnership with House of Wingz and Creative Blackpool, featuring music, dance, skateboarding, art and more.

Live entertainment will take place throughout the day, including performances from Waterloo Women's Choir, local singer and entertainer Emma Jackson BEM and DJ Jason Fubar, alongside a variety of pop-up performances including stilt walkers, bubble fairy and more for the whole family to enjoy.

Visitors will also be able to browse the Makers Market, featuring local makers, bakers, artists, creators, independent businesses and food vendors, as well as enjoy family-friendly fairground rides.

The centenary celebrations will also include the switch-on of new lighting at the Italian Gardens fountain, Cocker Clock and around the park, highlighting some of Stanley Park's best-known features.

The celebrations will conclude with a spectacular drone show from Celestial, the company behind the acclaimed display filmed at Stanley Park for Britain's Got Talent in 2025.

Councillor Jane Hugo, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council (Place) and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said:

"Stanley Park's centenary is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate everything that makes the award-winning park so special, with something for everyone to enjoy. "There will also be some really special moments throughout the celebrations, including the switch-on of new lighting at the fountain, Cocker Clock and around the park, as well as a spectacular drone show to mark the centenary in style. "It's a great opportunity to explore the park, discover something new and come together to celebrate 100 years of a place that means so much to generations of people in Blackpool."

In the lead up to the centenary weekend celebrations, Stanley Park has hosted a programme of events including a record-breaking parkrun, heritage walks, sporting activities, bandstand performances and a Royal Visit from His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh.

See the full programme of daytime and evening events planned for Saturday 3 October at: www.blackpool.gov.uk/Centenary

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