Blackpool ‘need arena’ to attract biggest stars

A former councilor who played guitar with some of the biggest stars of the 1970s has warned that Blackpool needs to build a bigger arena to compete with rival towns and cities on the entertainment circuit.

Tony Williams, who led the city’s Conservative group for eight years until 2023, said recently Collapse of £300m Blackpool Central leisure scheme This meant there was an opportunity to build a state-of-the-art venue on the site instead.

Along with former Blackpool mayor Robert Wynne, he first suggested the idea of ​​an arena off Central Drive in 2018.

Williams, who is best known in music circles for his work with folk-rock groups Steelers Wheel and Jethro Tull, said: “This town is perfectly positioned to attract big crowds.”

He said Blackpool was still “overlooked” despite having “excellent transport links and housing options”.

Williams added: “What continues to frustrate me is seeing international groups, musicians and shows touring the UK, yet Blackpool is never on their itinerary.”

He said promoters he spoke to blamed the lack of a large enough venue at the resort.

He said neighboring Lytham was the only Fylde coast venue attracting global stars thanks to its annual summer festival.

Williams said: “The absence of a suitable venue not only limits our city’s potential as a cultural centre, but also reinforces the perception that Blackpool is no longer the vibrant, world-class destination it used to be “

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb has already said that he supports He said the construction of an amphitheater was also supported by the residents.

Blackpool Council said it is confident of finding new investors for the Blackpool Central site.

Demolition of a former police station and courts on the site is due to begin soon, meaning the council will be able to offer a completely cleared site to potential developers.