The resort will stage a free concert celebrating the music of David Bowie on 26 July as part of its campaign to become UK City of Culture 2029. The event, billed as The People’s Stage, will take place at the Opera House and forms one strand of activity linked to Showtown museum’s upcoming hosting of the V&A exhibition David Bowie: On Tour.
High-profile headliners and local talent
Headliners for the evening are singer-songwriters KT Tunstall and Jack Savoretti, who will perform alongside the Hallé Orchestra and an All-Star House Band. The house band includes musicians from northern bands such as James, The Stone Roses and The Courteeners, reflecting the organisers’ emphasis on regional talent.
The bill also features local and regional performers, spoken-word contributions and a specially commissioned lyric by the Poet Laureate. Those confirmed to appear include:
- Tom Burke (actor)
- Little Boots (from Blackpool)
- Rae Morris
- Darrell Smith (Northern Soul vocalist)
- Electric Pink Voices (LGBTQ+ choir)
- Special contribution from Poet Laureate Simon Armitage
"It will be a night that Blackpool will remember for a very long time to come."
The quotation above was provided by Spencer Phillips, chair of Showtown and co-curator of The People’s Stage. He described the concert as drawing on the array of creative talent either from, or associated with, Blackpool and the wider north of England.
Why the event matters locally
Organisers say the free concert will not only mark the arrival of a nationally significant exhibition but will also support Blackpool’s City of Culture bid by showcasing the town’s cultural offer — from the Illuminations and stage shows to pier performances and circus arts. The event aims to bring together residents and visitors and to put Blackpool’s creative industries on display to a wider audience.
Attendance is free, and the programme mixes mainstream names with community and regional acts, providing a platform for local performers while aiming to attract a broad audience. The involvement of the Hallé Orchestra and established solo artists underlines the ambition to present a high-quality, celebratory evening.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | 26 July |
| Venue | Opera House, Blackpool |
| Headliners | KT Tunstall, Jack Savoretti |
Further practical information, including timings and how to secure a place at the free event, has been published by the organisers. Those with an interest in Blackpool’s cultural future and in the Bowie exhibition at Showtown next year will find the concert a significant moment in the town’s calendar.
The People’s Stage forms part of a wider public programme surrounding the V&A’s touring Bowie exhibition, which Showtown will host next year. Organisers say the concert is one of several initiatives intended to underline Blackpool’s credentials as a national centre for entertainment and creative industries.
