The Blackpool free attractions that families hope to see return in 2024

Blackpool’s free attractions attracted a massive number of visitors in 2023, according to new figures released. Huge crowds have been enjoying spectacles like the Air Show, the World Fireworks Championships and the Illuminations.

The resort has one of the biggest event programmes of any UK seaside town. Official figures for visitor numbers in 2023 are not available yet, but recently published figures from the STEAM report, which analyses data from tourism and hospitality businesses, has shown Blackpool welcomed just over 20 million visitors in 2022.

The most recent tourism performance report for 2023 from the council says: “Against the backdrop of some of the economic factors affecting household spend, the almost universal appeal of these high-quality family events cannot be overstated. Over the past few months, we have seen record crowds at the Air Show, Switch-On, World Fireworks and Lightpool Festival.

“Last year, the Illuminations extension and Christmas By The Sea also delivered record footfall to the promenade during the winter months.”

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Mobile phone data showed footfall on the Promenade of 350,000 over the two days of the air show, which was an increase on the previous year. Highlights included displays by the Red Arrows and Typhoon, while there was also an Air Show Village on the Promenade including a Spitfire.

More than 10,000 cyclists of all ages took the once-a-year opportunity to ride beneath the Illuminations on a traffic-free Promenade. Overspill parking was available at a pop-up car park at Blackpool Airport.

The Switch-On