Blackpool forced to cancel international dance festivals - but national events can still go ahead

Blackpool's Winter Gardens has announced the postponement of two of its major dance festivals until next year - but is still planning to host some competitions later this year.
By Shelagh Parkinson
Published 4th Jul 2020, 16:48 BST
Updated 4th Jul 2020, 16:52 BST
A stock picture of dancers in the Empress Ballroom at the Winter GardensA stock picture of dancers in the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens
A stock picture of dancers in the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens

The British Open Dance Championships will now not be held until 2021, when it will take place from May 24 until June 4.

The Junior Blackpool Dance Festival will now take place from April 5 to 11, with no competition this year.

Both events had previously been put back to the autumn.

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Michael Williams, managing director of the Blackpool Festivals, said: "Following a series of detailed deliberations, this is a decision that we have not taken lightly and we have done so with the highest regard for public health and the wellbeing of all those who come together to make the festivals so successful.

"Following thorough and extensive consideration of all scenarios, we believe that it is ultimately the right decision to now reschedule this year's festivals."

But three events remain on the schedule - the Blackpool Freestyle Championships on October 11, the Blackpool Sequence Dance Festival from October 18 to 20, and the British National Dance Championships from November 19 to 21.

Champions of Tomorrow will be held from January 8 to 10 next year.

Councillors had been warned the council-owned venue may have to cancel all its dance festivals this year, but currently this only refers to international events due to travel restrictions.

Related topics:Winter GardensBlackpoolMichael WilliamsCouncillors