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...
28. Charlie Adam was a key man in getting Blackpool to the Premier League, and also impressed throughout the season in the top tier. The midfielder ended up departing Bloomfield Road to joining Liverpool for a fee around £7.5million.
Former Blackpool FC midfielder Charlie Adam
29. Jonathan Hinder MP for Pendle and Clitheroe
Jonathan Hinder MP for Pendle and Clitheroe
30. Amy Dowden was made an MBE last year (Jonathan Brady/PA)
Professional ballroom and Latin American dancer Amy Dowden