Blackpool Opera House to host huge David Bowie City of Culture gig featuring Stone Roses and Courteeners stars

Blackpool Opera House will host a free, star-studded live concert on Sunday 26 July as part of the town's campaign to become UK City of Culture 2029.

The People's Stage, beginning at 7pm, will feature Manchester's renowned Hallé Orchestra and acclaimed singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti leading an impressive line-up celebrating the music of David Bowie.

Presented by Blackpool Council in association with Showtown and in partnership with Elite Competitions, the event will also showcase the All-Star House Band, featuring musicians from James, The Stone Roses and The Courteeners, alongside performances from Blackpool artists Little Boots and Rae Morris. More acts are set to be announced.

Inspired by Bowie's iconic songbook, the concert will see guest performers present their own interpretations of classic tracks alongside original material, accompanied by the Hallé Orchestra and All-Star House Band. The event also celebrates David Bowie: On Tour, which will open at Showtown in 2027, showcasing more than 100 items from the V&A's Bowie archive.

Hosted by Fleetwood-born journalist and musician John Robb, the free ticketed event offers 2,500 places through a public ballot. Attendees will also be encouraged to support Blackpool's UK City of Culture 2029 bid, which could secure £10 million to deliver a year-long programme of arts and culture while boosting the town's economy and creative future.

Blackpool magic

Saul Davies, guitarist and violinist from the multi-million selling, Manchester-formed band James, said: “Blackpool's always had a special magic about it. There's an energy that gets under your skin, and it's a place that's given James some unforgettable nights over the years. The Empress Ballroom gigs are the stuff of legend - those crowds, that atmosphere, it stays with you.

“So when the chance came for me to be part of The People's Stage and help support Blackpool's UK City of Culture 2029 bid, it was an easy yes. It's a huge privilege to be involved in this amazing event. Blackpool's a place that's always known how to put on a show and it truly deserves the spotlight.”

Blackpool believes

The People’s Stage host, John Robb, said of this amazing free event: “This is not simply a concert. It’s a civic statement. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring people together in the place that has always known how to entertain the nation, and to say clearly: Blackpool is ready. Blackpool believes. Blackpool belongs on the national cultural stage.

“This is not a closed cultural event. It’s for the people. It also gives Blackpool residents a stake in the City of Culture campaign and a reason to feel proud.”

Show the nation why Blackpool deserves to be the UK’s City of Culture

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “This is an amazing moment for Blackpool and an opportunity to show the rest of the country the ambition, creativity and community spirit that makes our town so special.

“The People’s Stage will celebrate the outstanding talent Blackpool has nurtured over the years, alongside artists who have a genuine connection to our town. By making this a free event, we're ensuring that as many people as possible can come together to enjoy an unforgettable evening and celebrate everything that makes Blackpool unique.

“I encourage everyone to enter the ballot, celebrate our town, and help us show the nation why Blackpool deserves to be the UK's City of Culture 2029.”

Blackpool is home

The People’s Stage is presented in partnership with Elite Competitions. Alex Beckett, CEO of Elite Competitions, said: "Blackpool is our home, so being able to support the town's bid for UK City of Culture means a great deal to us.

“It's an important moment for both our business and the local community, and we're looking forward to an exciting event while continuing to back the place that's supported us from the very beginning."