What’s on at the Winter Gardens Blackpool this May - here's everything you need to know
A landmark month of music, musicals and world-class ballroom arrives in Winter Gardens Blackpool, as May celebrates 100 years of the legendary Blackpool Dance Festival alongside a packed programme of events.
A month led by dance
May in Blackpool is synonymous with sparkle and this year raises the bar with the centenary of the world-famous dance festival.
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Across two weeks, the iconic Empress Ballroom hosts elite competitors from around the globe, all vying for ballroom’s most prestigious titles.
The celebrations begin early with Dance Floor Heroes Live on 1 May, where amateur finalists compete for glory in a Strictly-inspired showdown supporting mental health charity Tia’s Crown.
Musicals and live entertainment
Alongside the dance programme, the venue welcomes major touring productions. MAMMA MIA! brings the timeless music of ABBA to the stage from 1–3 May, blending romance and comedy on a sun-soaked Greek island.
Later in the month, Man in the Mirror pays tribute to Michael Jackson, while Rumours of Fleetwood Mac honours the enduring legacy of Fleetwood Mac.
Strictly stars take centre stage
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing are in for a treat. On 5 May, Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette Manrara return with a brand-new show celebrating musical greats.
The excitement continues on 15 May when Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu headline a special community celebration, complete with performances and a Cha Cha Cha masterclass.
Showcasing the next generation
Young talent takes the spotlight with Lancashire and Yorkshire dance schools performing on the Opera House stage.
These events offer aspiring performers a rare opportunity to dance in a venue steeped in entertainment history.
A grand finale
The month concludes in style with Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals and Waterloo – A Tribute to ABBA, ensuring May ends on the same high-energy note it began.
From grassroots performers to global stars, Blackpool once again proves itself the beating heart of dance.
Full list and dates
1 May - Dance Floor Heroes Live 2026
1 May – 3 May – MAMMA MIA!
5 May – Aijaz and Janette
9 May – Lancashire Hits
10 May – Yorkshire Hits
15 May. – Blackpool Dance Festival Community Celebration
May 16 – 29 – Blackpool Dance Festival
May 23 – Man in the Mirror
May 24 – Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
May 30 – Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals
May 31 – Waterloo – A tribute to ABBA