Blackpool’s Christmas by the Sea extended

Blackpool’s hugely successful Christmas By The Sea festive village is to remain open for another week.

The seafront village, which includes a free-to-use skating rink, was originally scheduled to close on January 1. However, with many schools not re-opening until Monday 8 January, the village will now stay open from noon to 9pm every day until Sunday 7 January, with free skating until 8pm.

The six-mile Illuminations display will also remain lit every night.

The village, located on the Tower Festival Headland, includes a wide range of food and drink cabins, a selection of themed children’s attractions, as well as a 100ft-long snow slide and the spectacular Star Flyer, which, at 196ft tall, is one of Europe’s tallest swing rides. The village also features light installations, projection shows and artificial snowfalls

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Christmas By The Sea has once again proved to be hugely popular, particularly with families. We are mindful that for many the Christmas break is not yet over, hence the decision to keep it open for another week

“Hopefully, as we move into the New Year, the weather will be kind and give our residents and visitors another opportunity to experience what is a unique event.”

New Year’s Eve will see a free family celebration in the Christmas By Sea village to celebrate the dawn of the New Year

It will take place between 3pm and 6pm and will feature family entertainment including a performance by the LeylandHosen Bierkeller Band, one of the UK’s best Bavarian-style groups.

Dressed in full lederhosen dress, the eight-piece brass and drums group will be performing at various intervals during the afternoon.

The free show is part of an outdoor party that will also include a DJ, costume characters, face-painting, circus performers, children’s rides, as well as the skating rink and themed food and drink cabins.

The three-hour celebration, which is being staged by the Blackpool Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) and VisitBlackpool, will culminate in a synchronised fireworks and projection show set to music.

The full timetable for the New Year’s Eve event is:

12noon: Opening of the Christmas By The Sea village and ice rink with a DJ playing music and giving away competition prizes.

3pm-5pm: Performances by the LeylandHosen Bierkeller Band with audience interaction and a selection of team games.

3pm-6pm: Face painters and circus skills

5.30pm (approximate): Countdown on The Blackpool Tower followed by a fireworks display and light projection show (Note: The fireworks display is subject to weather).

The skating rink and the rest of the Christmas village will remain open until 9pm and the six-mile Illuminations display will shine from 4.30pm until 1am. The countdown and New Year projection show will be repeated on The Blackpool Tower at midnight.