Winter Gardens Open Day

This world-famous venue will once again throw open its doors for an exclusive access all areas event. At the Winter Gardens Open Day you’ll get a rare chance to explore every nook and cranny of the grade 2* listed building. Witness firsthand the extensive renovations taking place.

Sunday 18 September 2022 between 11am until 3pm

Access all Areas at the Winter Gardens Open Day

The open day is your first opportunity to freely explore the brand-new £30m Conference and Exhibition Centre. Opened earlier this year. The Conference and Exhibition Centre is one of the largest venues of its kind in the North of England.

Split over two floors, the state-of-the-art venue in isolation welcomes up to 2,000 delegates and upwards of 7,000 when combined with the rest of the Winter Gardens complex.

Winter Gardens Blackpool first opened to the public on 11 July 1878. The lavish ceremony was attended by the Lord Mayor of London and Mayors and Mayoresses from 68 towns throughout the country. Through its collection of theatres, ballrooms, exhibition halls and public spaces the venue has welcomed many millions since. Including stars of stage, screen, and world politics.

Don’t miss a thing. Get VFC newsletters direct to your inbox.

Sign up to receive interesting information, news & events every week

  By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms, conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Enjoy the chance to visit backstage of the Opera House with a chance to tread the boards that so many famous faces have walked on. Visit the backstage dressing rooms, and get up-close to the historic Wurlitzer theatre organ. The grandeur of the Empress Ballroom will be free to explore. And the often-overlooked Spanish Suites offer a unique insight into Blackpool’s largest entertainment venue. The open day will give you the chance to explore and learn of the buildings extensive history over more than a century.

Explore Freely

The Winter Gardens Open Day was held annually until 2020 when the pandemic struck, forcing the temporary closure of the venue. This event had become a firm favorite, allowing members of the public unprecedented access to the entire venue. The Open Day allows you to explore freely between 11am and 3pm. Experienced team members will be on hand to help you to find out more about the unique spaces hidden inside.

Michael Williams is Managing Director of the Winter Gardens. He said: “The Winter Gardens is an amazing venue and we are delighted to be opening our doors again. Previous open days have welcomed and delighted thousands.

“The 2022 event will give the public a rare chance to exclusively explore the venue and see the brand-new Conference and Exhibition Centre first hand. You’ll be able to learn about the venues history and discover rooms generally closed to the public. See the significant restoration works that have taken place in the Empress Ballroom and Opera House during lockdown.”

Iconic Spaces

Hosting a wide range of events and conferences, the Winter Gardens Blackpool houses some of the UK’s most iconic and spectacular spaces. Including the world-renowned Empress Ballroom which has been home to some of the most famous gigs of all time. The stage has seen speeches from every Prime Minister since Sir Winston Churchill. Not forgetting the ‘Wonder Stage’, the UK’s largest and venue to everyone that’s anyone in showbiz including 1D, Frank Sinatra and Peter Kay. With 20 plus unique and breathtaking spaces to explore, it’s a rare and unique opportunity to experience them all. Including the ones people don’t know exist!

Tickets for the access all areas open day are on-sale now, priced at £5.00. The full fee will go towards the continued restoration of the venue.

For more information about the open day and to book in advance, visit www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk