KT Tunstall joins star-studded line-up for Blackpool Opera House concert backing City of Culture bid
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“I’m beyond thrilled to be part of such a line-up and in celebration of Blackpool and of Bowie.”
Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter KT Tunstall has been announced as the latest star to join the line-up for a major free concert at Blackpool Opera House celebrating the resort's bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.
The Brit Award-winning Scottish musician will perform alongside Manchester's renowned Hallé Orchestra at The People's Stage on Sunday, 26 July, joining a host of acclaimed artists in a celebration of the music and legacy of David Bowie.
It has also been announced that acclaimed actor and spoken word performer Tom Burke, known for Legends and Strike, will appear at the event.
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What’s happening?
Presented by Blackpool Council in association with Showtown and in partnership with Blackpool company Elite Competitions, The People's Stage promises an evening of live music, performance and creativity inspired by Bowie's iconic songbook and Blackpool's long-standing spirit of reinvention.
The free ticketed concert is open to everyone, with 2,500 tickets available through a public ballot. Everyone attending will also be encouraged to back Blackpool's bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.
The concert forms part of the town's campaign to showcase its creativity, ambition and community spirit as it competes for the prestigious title. It will also celebrate Blackpool being the only North West venue set to host the V&A's David Bowie: On Tour exhibition at Showtown museum in 2027.
The People's Stage will feature performances from a diverse line-up of artists, including KT Tunstall, the Hallé Orchestra, singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti, actor and spoken word performer Tom Burke, electronic pop star and DJ Little Boots, singer-songwriter Rae Morris, Northern Soul vocalist Darrell Smith and Blackpool's Electric Pink Voices LGBTQ+ choir.
The event will also feature the All-Star House Band, made up of six acclaimed musicians from legendary northern bands including James, The Stone Roses and The Courteeners, alongside a specially commissioned Blackpool lyric by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and a spoken word performance by Blackpool artist Nathan Parker. Organisers have also promised surprise guest appearances during the evening.
Hosted by Blackpool-born journalist, musician and cultural commentator John Robb, the concert will blend orchestral music, electronic pop, spoken word and homegrown talent in a celebration of one of Britain's greatest musical icons.
Each artist will perform their own interpretation of a David Bowie classic accompanied by the Hallé Orchestra and the All-Star House Band, as well as performing some of their own best-known songs.
The People's Stage has been curated by Saul Davies of James, alongside Spencer Phillips, chair of Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust, and musical director Joe Duddell, whose orchestral collaborations include Elbow, James, New Order and the Hallé.
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‘Extraordinary mix of artists’
Spencer Phillips said of the event: "The People's Stage is about bringing together an extraordinary mix of artists to celebrate David Bowie's incredible legacy while showcasing the ambition behind Blackpool's UK City of Culture bid. We're absolutely thrilled that KT Tunstall and Tom Burke are joining what is already an exceptional line-up.
“They are both hugely talented performers with a real appreciation for Bowie's music, and together with the Hallé Orchestra, Jack Savoretti and our incredible All-Star House Band, they're going to help create a truly unforgettable night. This is a concert for everyone – a celebration of music, creativity and everything that makes Blackpool such a special place."
Tom Burke added: “I’m beyond thrilled to be part of such a line-up and in celebration of Blackpool and of Bowie. It's going to be a very special evening."
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Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “To have an artist of the calibre of KT Tunstall perform at The People’s Stage 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.
“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.”
The concert will take place at Blackpool Opera House on Sunday, 26 July, from 7pm until 9.30pm.