The Blackpool Dance Festival 2026 has seen competitor entries almost double to 9,197, as the centenary year draws dancers from more than 50 countries to the iconic Empress Ballroom.

The Winter Gardens is preparing for the world’s largest and longest-running dance competition, which takes place from 16th–29th May 2026 in the Empress Ballroom.

In a clear demonstration of the festival’s centenary significance, official competitor entries have almost doubled year on year – rising from 4,561 entries in 2025 to a staggering 9,197 entries in 2026. Representing more than 50 countries across Ballroom and Latin American disciplines, this historic milestone has inspired dancers worldwide to be part of a once-in-a-century celebration.

Across 14 days of competition, more than 160 hours of dancing will fill the Empress Ballroom, the largest ballroom in the UK, as the festival brings together amateur and professional dancers.

Natalie Hayes, Dance Festival Organiser, said: “One hundred years of Blackpool Dance Festival is not just a milestone – it is a testament to the enduring magic of this extraordinary event and the global community it has built.

“To have dancers from more than 50 countries choosing to be part of this moment fills every one of us with immense pride. Blackpool is, and always will be, the home of dance, and in 2026 the world is coming to celebrate.”

The Blackpool Dance Festival is not just a world-class sporting and cultural event – it is a significant economic engine for the region. The two-week festival attracts approximately 25,000 visitors, the majority of whom are overnight guests travelling from across the UK and internationally. Accommodation, food and drink, transport and retail spending alone generates £10 million in visitor expenditure for the local economy.

Every room across the Winter Gardens’ 4.9-acre site is used during the festival. Bar areas are transformed into boutiques as dress, jewellery and shoe designers descend on the venue to showcase their creations to competitors and visitors alike.

Kate Shane MBE, Managing Director, Blackpool Tourism said:
“The Blackpool Dance Festival is a glorious, crown jewel event, a globally recognised championships, celebrating its 100th year, that puts our town at the very centre of the international dance world.

“The festival also has a huge impact on the local economy, a truly world-renowned event that welcomes thousands of dancers and visitors from more than 50 countries, all staying in and around the resort. This special year is not just a celebration for the dance community; it’s a reason for local people to have pride in their town.

“To mark this special centenary year, we are welcoming local people to enjoy a free showcase of world-class performances. On Friday 15th May, up to 2000 residents have been invited into the magnificent Empress Ballroom to experience the magic of one of the most prestigious events in the world.”

The Empress Ballroom at Winter Gardens is the largest ballroom in the UK and provides a breathtaking backdrop for competition. Since 2023, an exact replica of the ballroom's dance floor – measuring 34m x 14m – has been temporarily erected within the Winter Gardens complex, offering competitors dedicated practice space ahead of their performances.

As part of the centenary celebrations, Strictly Come Dancing stars Amy Dowden MBE and Carlos Gu will perform a special showcase alongside a programme featuring youth, amateur and professional dancers, demonstrating the extraordinary skill, dedication and spectacle of ballroom and Latin dance.

Local residents are invited to be part of the magic with a FREE Community Day this Friday, 15th May – with free tickets still available for the afternoon session beginning at 4.30pm.

Attendees can experience the splendour of the Empress Ballroom, watch world-class dance performances, and even take part in a cha-cha-cha masterclass. This is a truly unique opportunity to step into the world of dance, experience the prestige of the Blackpool Dance Festival, and be part of a globally significant celebration.