Resort becoming a magnet for world-class sport, says council leader
Last month the 2026 World Matchplay professional darts tournament took place at the Winter Gardens, bringing top stars such as reigning World Champion, Luke Littler, who was also spotted dining out at Michael Wan’s Mandarin restaurant on Clifton Street.
The Blackpool and the Fylde coast area is gaining recognition as a magnet for prominent international sporting events.
Blackpool Council leader, Cllr Lynn Williams, says that while the resort is already acknowledged as a draw for the entertainment industry, the area’s recent inclusion in top events in cycling, golf and darts is putting it on the map for a different reason.
She was talking as the world’s best female cyclists ride into Blackpool today for the second stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, which follows the recent top women golfers gathering on the Fylde coast for the landmark 50th AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club, which ran from July 30 to August 2.
In addition, Blackpool South MP Chris Webb’s proposals for the town to develop a world class arena would see a range of top sporting events being held there, in addition to concerts by top artists.
WHAT COUNCIL LEADER SAYS
Cllr Williams said: “In the space on one month, Blackpool and the Fylde coast has hosted three major international sports events which has seen some of the world top performers coming over here.
“We’ve had the best women’s cyclists and golfers, as well as the world’s best darts players.
“It’s really encouraging that the organisers of these major events have chosen this area, because they recognise what it has to offer.
“This area is becoming a magnet for top sporting events and that is something we’d definitely like to encourage in the time ahead.”
Cllr Williams pointed to other top events which were continuing to put the area on the map, including the Rebellion punk festival and international dance festivals which saw venues such as the Winter Gardens’ Empress Ballroom and the Blackpool Tower Ballroom as the most prestigious venues in the world in which to perform.