Blackpool’s Iconic theatre, The Grand, is delighted to announce that, following the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson’s, announcement of the lifting of restrictions, the theatre will begin to re-open from Wednesday 4 August, starting with in-person sales through our new Ticket Office on Church Street (43-45), followed by live shows from September 2021, aiming for an incredible Christmas return with a fantastic full-scale pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the backbone of the theatre year.

We’re BACK! and Feeling GRAND!

The last 17-months has been an extremely difficult time for Blackpool’s Grand Theatre. The historic venue has been closed for an unbelievable 536-days, with no live performances on its iconic stage nor local audiences in its beautiful auditorium.

Previous picture, Blackpool Grand ready for reopening in December 2020 when Lockdown 2 kicked in – Pantomonium | UK Productions Ltd

A HUGE Thank You

Blackpool Grand Chief Executive Ruth Eastwood thanked the local community for its generous support and understanding as the theatre was forced to refund or rebook hundreds of thousands of their tickets as shows moved and moved again.

Eastwood went on to applaud the UK Government, and particularly the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England, for their support of Theatres with the Cultural Recovery Fund. She thanked the Blackpool MPs for ensuring that the theatre and the town was kept in the forefront of the nation’s minds and Local Government for its support. In addition, she thanked the excellent businesses they work with for their understanding and support throughout this difficult time.

The theatre has focused on serving our customers whilst closed, handling over 400,000 queries and questions about tickets and shows, with a very small, dedicated team.

Where Can You Purchase Tickets?

Customers can currently order tickets online at blackpoolgrand.co.uk, then on Wednesday 4 August (from 10am) the theatre plans to open a Ticket Sales Office, but not within the theatre building. The Team has thought long-and-hard about the wellbeing of its customers and, even though many of the restrictions have been lifted, they wanted all customers to feel safe. The Ticket Sales Office will be relocated just a short distance from the theatre next to Marks and Spencer’s in a separate shop (43-45 Church Street). This decision has been made to allow an easier customer flow through the theatre’s foyer, when open.

Blackpool Grand Theatre – Our Guidance

Eastwood said ‘We have had the opportunity to monitor and learn from businesses re-opening within our own industry and others, we want to get it right from the start and ensure our customers know they are both comfortable and safe. Following UK Government advice, Blackpool’s Grand will be lifting social distancing on seating, however, to protect our customers and employees, we will continue to positively encourage customers to wear facemasks throughout their visit (always following government guidelines).

We will be offering free facemasks to any visitor that needs one, and, additionally, have installed hand sanitiser stations around the theatre and will continue to conduct an intensive cleaning regime before, during and after each show. We will also request that customers keep a distance from one another where they can.

‘Our sales office, bars, and merchandise areas will have contactless technology, meaning we will encourage customers to use this payment method to avoid handling cash.’

Feeling GRAND – Our New Programme

Despite all these adaptations, Blackpool Grand has produced a great line-up of new and familiar shows planned for Summer/Autumn/Winter, and into 2022. The theatre has plans to open with a children’s favourite Fireman Same Live on 4 September and the team cannot wait to hear children’s screams of laughter and enjoyment ringing in our ears. Other renowned shows visiting are Susan Hill’s spine-chilling thriller The Woman In Black, definitely not one for the faint-hearted and home-grown hit, Around The World In 80s Days, the 80s comedy musical playing throughout October. Then, the one we all can’t wait for, Pantomime will return ‘in-person’ with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs starring Coronation Street’s Vicky Entwistle and panto favourite and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Royle along with full cast, outstanding sets and award-winning choreography and direction. Visit our website, blackpoolgrand.co.uk for full details.

The best way our community can support Blackpool Grand Theatre to bounce back to full strength is to purchase a ticket and return to enjoying a great night out with family and friends. Now is the time to attend theatre more than ever!’ Eastwood added.

Booking tickets for Blackpool Grand has never been easier, for now visit blackpoolgrand.co.uk, or from Wednesday 4 August (10am) call 01253 290 190, or visit the website (please note the theatre is expecting lines to be incredibly busy).

…//Ends

For more information, please contact Kara Rose at KRPR on 01257 262498 or via email at kara@kr-pr.co.uk or emma@kr-pr.co.uk

Information from VisitBlackpool

Frequently asked questions
We understand you may have some questions about your upcoming trip, our scheduled events and whether you can travel here. Below, we’ve pulled together some frequently asked questions about the impact of coronavirus in Blackpool.

Is Blackpool open?
Yes, Blackpool’s indoor and outdoor attractions, together with non-essential retail, show venues, hospitality and accommodation such as hotels, guesthouses and self-catering accommodation are open. To find out what’s open in Blackpool, please head here.

Can I travel to Blackpool?
Yes, there are there no domestic travel restrictions in place to prevent you coming to Blackpool. You can start to plan your trip using our Blackpool’s Back Guide, which details opening times, booking details and holiday planning tips.

Can I stay over in Blackpool?
Yes, all our hotels, guesthouses and self-catering accommodation are open. The ‘rule of six’ in indoor settings has now come to an end under Step 4 of the Government’s road map. This means there are no restrictions on get-togethers indoors, allowing you to stay with friends and family once again.
We have a wide selection of quality establishments for you to choose from. Simply head to our Accommodation page to take a look!

Do I need to wear a face-covering?
As of July 19, a face covering is no longer required in enclosed settings. However, if you are visiting any attractions, hospitality venues or staying over in a hotel or B&B, we kindly ask that you follow their individual policies on face coverings.
When visiting the resort, please feel free to continue wearing a face covering on public transport or in crowded, enclosed spaces if you feel more comfortable doing so. If you choose not to, please respect other visitors and their personal choices.
For more information on face coverings, please head to the Government website.
Do I need to wear a face-covering on the trams and buses?
On Blackpool Transport buses and trams, face coverings will remain as a recommendation for travellers. The relaxation of social distancing means that capacity on buses will double in some cases, making it easier for customers to travel and use the bus in Blackpool. For more information, please head to Blackpool Transport’s website here.

Are Blackpool Illuminations on?
Blackpool Illuminations will return for its grand Switch-On on 3 September. We’re extending the season for the second consecutive year, shining every night until 3 January 2022.

I have a visitor query, who can I contact?
Our Tourist Information Centre is now open for any enquiries or visitor information. Head over to the Festival House located on the Promenade and say hello to our friendly team.

Alternatively, you can contact the team on 01253 478222 or information@visitblackpool.com.