Legendary violinist Andre Rieu lauds iconic Blackpool Winter Gardens but says town's venues too small for him

World acclaimed violist Andre Rieu thinks he has ‘found what he was looking for’ after he stepped into the Blackpool Dance Festival today, scoping for dancers for his next world tour.

The legendary Dutch musician made a one off appearance at the 100th festival earlier today searching for world-class ballroom couples to join his forthcoming 80th birthday anniversary world tour in 2029.

When asked if he had found what he was looking for he said: “I think so; it was a pity it was tonight, there may have been more, but the right people were there.

Widely known as the ‘King of Waltz’, Rieu flew to the resort’s airport before travelling directly to the iconic Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens Blackpool.

He was looking to invite dancers to join him and his renowned Johann Strauss Orchestra in 2029 - a tour that will span multiple countries and celebrate the waltz, the art form that has defined his career.

But it wasn’t Rieu’s first time in Blackpool.

He said: “Oh no, we played for the Queen 50 years ago, the Royal Variety Show at the theatre - and we sneaked into this famous hall! It’s fantastic, iconic - they come from all over the world to dance here, this famous festival is here.”

When asked by the Gazette if he would like to perform in Blackpool, the world-famous musician said he was unable to commit to doing so.

”Blackpool? The hall is not big enough for me, I would need 10,000, 15,000 people to pay everybody!” he said, before adding that he was even unable to stick around for some Blackpool Rock or ice-cream, instead planning to head back to London and then to Germany to recommence his tour.

Calls for an Arena

While he praised Blackpool’s magnificent Empress Ballroom, his comments also highlighted the town’s lack of a larger performance venue — an issue many believe should now be seriously explored as calls grow for a major concert arena in Blackpool.

Earlier in the year Carters Building Consultancy, an award-winning architectural practice in Preston, shared its jaw-dropping concept work for a landmark arena for the Blackpool Central regeneration site.

Independently developed, the concept explores how a major cultural and performance venue - which designers have dubbed ‘The Phoenix Arena’ - could create ‘a bold new civic presence for the town’.

Chris Webb MP launched a petition that demonstrated strong public enthusiasm for an arena capable of hosting major concerts, sporting events, e-sports, exhibitions and conferences.

Blackpool Dance Festival

The Blackpool Dance Festival, is the world’s most prestigious competitive ballroom dancing event. Held annually at the Winter Gardens’ Empress Ballroom, the festival attracts competitors from over 50 countries across the globe.

Blackpool has long been acknowledged as the global capital of competitive ballroom dancing. The town’s intimate association with the dance world stretches back over a century and the annual festival remains its crowning jewel, drawing competitors, judges and spectators from every corner of the globe.