A fireworks finale for a record-breaking events season in Blackpool

Blackpool is preparing to bid a fond farewell to one of the most successful events seasons on record with a free family celebration on New Year’s Eve.

The family party will take place within the Christmas By The Sea village on the Tower Festival Headland between 3pm and 6pm on Tuesday 31 December.

The outdoor celebrations will take place in and around the Comedy Carpet, and will include a Bavarian-style oompah band and other entertainment for children and parents, culminating in a synchronised fireworks and projection show set to music.

The celebration marks the end of a year that has seen record crowds turning out to Blackpool’s programme of free events, including Air Show Weekend, Illuminations Switch-On night, World Fireworks, Lightpool Festival and the new Halloween Monster Hunt.

The magical Christmas By The Sea village was opened on November 15 by Strictly Come Dancing professionals, Carlos Gu, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu and Neil Jones. It is open daily from noon (bar Christmas Day) until the end of the extended Illuminations season on January 5.

With a free-to-use skating rink as its centrepiece, the village includes festive light installations and projection shows, themed log cabins with a wide range of festive food and drink, artificial snowfalls, sparkling trees and Christmas tram rides.

The village also includes a wide range of themed children’s attractions, a helter skelter, 100ft-long snow slide and the return of the Star Flyer, which, at 260ft tall, is one of Europe’s tallest swing rides.

On New Year’s Eve, the village will be open from noon until 9pm. The Illuminations will shine until 1am.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, added: “This has been another fabulous year for Blackpool, one in which we have been able to offer free entertainment of the highest quality to visitors and residents alike.

“These events have proved a compelling offer to families at a time when household budgets are feeling the squeeze. We are looking forward to ending the year with a flourish.”

Last year, Christmas By The Sea, which has been rated one of the top Christmas destinations in the UK, once again delivered record crowds on the seafront during the winter months.

The village and New Year’s Eve celebration form part of a resort-wide festive programme which includes attractions, grottos, late night shopping and a special discounted parking offer giving four hours of parking for just £2 on most Blackpool Council car parks.