Residents in Blackpool can look forward to a summer of free live music as the Friends of Stanley Park announce the return of bandstand performances for 2026. These concerts form part of the park’s centenary celebrations, marking 100 years since it first opened to the public in 1926.
The shows will take place every Sunday from 10 May through to 31 August 2026. The performances run from 1pm to 4:30pm at the bandstand, with an additional special show planned for the Bank Holiday Monday on 31 August. While entry to all performances is free, organisers note that donations are welcome to help support the continued programme.
This year marks a significant milestone for the 390-acre site, which was designed by landscape architect Thomas Mawson. To support the centenary, Blackpool Council is investing £500,000 into the park for maintenance and restoration work. The Friends of Stanley Park, who were awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2022, are contributing an additional £50,000 towards these efforts.
As the volunteer group prepares for a busy summer and a main two-day celebration planned for 2-3 October 2026, they are actively seeking help from the community. Residents interested in supporting the bandstand shows or the autumn anniversary events are encouraged to get involved to help ensure the activities proceed as planned.
The park remains a well-regarded green space, having been voted Best Park in the UK in 2017 and 2019, and named Best Park in England in 2022 by the charity Fields in Trust. Attendees are reminded that no alcohol is permitted at the bandstand events.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
