Blackpool's Stanley Park 100th birthday celebrations to feature dazzling drone show
The celebrations will continue into the evening with a major drone display lighting up the sky above the park...
Blackpool’s Stanley Park is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary with a huge day of family entertainment – culminating in a dazzling drone show.
The resort’s Grade II-listed park officially turns 100 on Friday, October 2, with the main public celebrations taking place the following day.
Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy a packed programme of activities across Stanley Park - including sports, skateboarding, BMX and hip-hop workshops.
There will also be family-friendly fairground rides, special walks and talks, pop-up performances and other activities.
The Makers Market will run from 11am to 5pm, bringing together local makers, bakers, artists, creators and independent businesses.
The celebrations will continue into the evening with a major drone display lighting up the sky above the park.
It will be created by Celestial – the company behind the drone show filmed at Stanley Park for Britain’s Got Talent in 2025, which was watched by millions of people across the UK.
The event marks the culmination of a year-long programme celebrating a century of Stanley Park.
The park opened in 1926 and stretches across around 390 acres. More than two million people visit each year, enjoying its formal gardens, woodland, lake, sporting facilities and landmarks including the Italian Gardens, Art Deco Café, Bandstand and Cocker Clock Tower.
The centenary year has included family activity sessions, heritage walks, sporting events, bandstand performances and a special edition of Love Parks Week.
Earlier this week, the Duke of Edinburgh also visited Stanley Park, meeting local schoolchildren, community groups and organisations.
During Tuesday‘s visit, he unveiled a plaque commemorating Dr William Henry Cocker, Blackpool’s first Mayor.
The centenary has also provided an opportunity for investment in the park, with Blackpool Council committing £500,000 to additional maintenance and restoration work, including £50,000 raised by the Friends of Stanley Park.
Work includes repairs and renovations to the Cocker Clock Tower (pictured), main gates and Italian Gardens.
Councillor Jane Hugo, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “For a century, Stanley Park has been a place where memories are made.
“We’re now just two weeks away from the main centenary celebrations, and there will be plenty for people to enjoy when they come along on Saturday, October 3.
“Come along and join us as we celebrate 100 years of Stanley Park and mark this special milestone together.”
Further details about timings and additional centenary announcements are expected to be released shortly.
More information is available at blackpool.gov.uk/Centenary