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...
20. Paddy McGuinness at the Blackpool Illuminations Switch On 2026
Actor and presenter Paddy McGuinness | National World
22. Blackpool adventurer Jordan Wylie on a previous expedition
Blackpool adventurer Jordan Wylie | submit
23. Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he did not know who was on the list (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA)
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle
24. BIBAs Lancastrian of the Year was presented to Blackpool Pleasure Beach boss, Amanda Thompson OBE
Amanda Thompson, managing director of Pleasure Beach Resort | BIBAs