Today the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) officially announced Blackpool has been shortlisted as one of the final four places to be named UK City of Culture 2029.
Blackpool will now compete with Wrexham, Sheffield and Milton Keynes to win the accolade, which would mean a £10M, year-long celebration of arts and culture for local people to enjoy, creating new jobs and opportunities across the Fylde coast.
Being crowned City of Culture could be transformative for the town, with countless leading figures in the town backing the bid alongside a raft of celebrities.
Check out some of the top names who have backed Blackpool’s bid below...
7. Lancaster MP Cat Smith raising awareness of the potential fire risks of children's Halloween fancy dress costumes.
Lancaster MP Cat Smith
8. Kate Shane, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism is now an MBE.
Kate Shane, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism | submit
9. Emmy-nominated set designer Andy Walmsley poses inside the Tower Circus. Despite living in Las Vegas, he has always stayed close to his Blackpool roots.
Emmy-nominated set designer Andy Walmsley | Submit
10. Swissport executive team brought their face to face meeting to Blackpool. Photo: Lucinda Herbert
Blackpool Pride of Place Director Andy Charles (left) | © National World Resell
11. Paula Hudgell, Vanessa Sims, Chris Webb MP and Nicola Thorp deliver the petition signatures for the Preston Davey campaign to 10 Downing Street. Photo: Lucinda Herbert
Blackpool Gazette editor Vanessa Sims | © National World Resell
12. Preview of this year's Illuminations Display with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Toyah Wilcox and Chila Kumari Burman MBE
Interior designer and television personality Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen | National World