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Saturday 16 May 2026

The BIG DAY OUT in Blackpool

Saturday 16 May 2026 - BOOKING NOW OPEN!

A celebration needs a party. So, on Saturday 16 May 2026 we are inviting the whole Diocese to have a ‘Big Day Out’ together in the centre of Blackpool; a place that has played such an important role in the history of the Diocese.

Let’s make it the heart of our celebrations and also enjoy a great day together.

We’ll be hosting activities for children of all ages with games, crafts and stories. We'll run sessions for teenagers and grown-ups from sport workshops to live music and more. In the afternoon, we'll have a giant picnic before all coming together for a celebration service on St John's Square outside the Winter Gardens.

There will be BSL Interpreter provision on the day.  

Donwload and use our Big Day Out resources

Please follow the links below for more resources:

You can also use the wording below as a copy for your Parish social media posts:

Blackburn Diocese is marking 100 years with a Big Day Out in Blackpool — a full, joy‑filled celebration for every age. With dedicated zones for families and young people, plus live music, comedy, a free hog roast lunch and a huge open‑air worship gathering in St John’s Square, it’s set to be a fantastic day for our whole Diocese. Everyone is welcome, and pre‑registration helps us plan food and spaces. Join us on Saturday 16 May 2026 for a big party in Blackpool to celebrate 100 years of Blackburn Diocese!

Please include this landing page link Big Day Out in Blackpool 16 May 2026 in your Parish social media posts.

 

Outline for day, booking and further information: 

11:00 to 13:00

Family Zone inside Blackpool Church - St John's church, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1BP, featuring activities, crafts, worship, inflatables, and a pre-school creche area.  Please note that the Family Zone is for pre-school and primary aged children only and their families only. Unfortunately, we will not be able to allow unaccompanied adults access to this area between 11:00 to 13:00.

Youth Zone inside St John's Church of England Primary School, 153 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 3NX, featuring games, worship, inflatables, food and all sorts of other fun for young people in school years 7 to 11. Parents/carers will need to drop their young people off and pick them up afterwards. St John's School is a 2-3 minute walk from the church. Registration is essential via the links below.

The Main Stage in St John's Square, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1BP (weather permitting), with live music on the big stage, and live comedy from Andy Kind.

13:00 to 14:00

A free Hog Roast lunch (with vegetarian alternative) will be available to everyone who pre-registers on one of the links below. Hot and cold drinks will be available for sale. There are also lots of cafes and restaurants in the immediate area of St John's Square.

14:00 to 15:15 

A giant open air worship celebration in St John's Square, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1BP, with music from the Salvation Army Band and Blackpool Church worship team, a message from Bishop Philip, stories of faith from across Lancashire, and much more.

We look forward to seeing you on the day!

Booking

Booking is essential for lunch as numbers will be pre-ordered. Registration is essential for the Youth Zone. Booking is advised for the Family Zone.  

Car parking

Sainsburys, Blackpool (FY1 3AJ) offers three hours free parking. Longer stays are available at a charge at Talbot Road Multi-Storey (FY1 3AU) or Houndshill Shopping Centre (FY1 4NY). All of these are a 10 minute walk from the venues.

Public transport

The nearest train station is Blackpool North, which is about a 7 minute walk from the venues. Buses and trams also stop nearby - just head to Blackpool town centre.

Coaches and minibuses

If you are coming by coach/minibus, your driver will be able to drop you off in St John's Square, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1BP and then park up to collect you later.