Why did Blackpool get a boost in summer visitors?

More people visited a resort's seafront this summer despite the cost-of-living crisis and widespread riots across the country, according to new figures.

Data collected using mobile phones shows footfall on Blackpool's Promenade was up during June, July and August compared with 2023, with a peak of 6.8 million visitors in July.

A report presented to Blackpool Council's Tourism, Economy and Communities Scrutiny Committee showed footfall was up by 9% in June, 41% in July and 24% in August.

How has the town managed to increase visitor numbers when tourism has been impacted across the country due to people struggling with finances?

Several free events being held in Blackpool appear to have been a huge attraction for tourists to have still flocked there.

Blackpool Air Show, the World Fireworks Championships and the Illuminations switch-on have been key to drawing visitors in.

Footfall is tracked using Visitor Insights data which can also show where visitors are from.

Highlights included the two-day Blackpool Air Show on 10 -11 August which attracted about 350,000 people.

They came despite violent disorder in the resort the previous weekend, which involved nearly 1,000 protesters.

Unrest had developed across towns and cities in England following the Southport knife attacks in which three young girls were killed.

Misinformation spread online about the suspect led to the riots.

A month later, Promenade footfall in September was 42% up on the previous year on the back of record crowds at the World Fireworks Championships which were held over three Saturdays.

The figures showed a 41% increase in footfall to 250,667 compared with 178,333 last year.

About 60,000 people also packed on to the Tower Festival Headland to watch Spice Girl Mel B switch the Illuminations on.

Other council-led free events which have also driven tourism in Blackpool this year include the Lightpool Festival, Monster Hunt, and Christmas by the Sea.

Events which have also boosted visitor numbers included having the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing at Blackpool Tower, Britain's Got Talent auditions at the Winter Gardens and BBC Radio 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness pedalling through the resort as part of his 300-mile cycling challenge for Children in Need.

Although the report did not set out how many overnight stays there had been in Blackpool, the meeting was told events such as dance festivals at the Winter Gardens and the Blackpool Cup football competition had filled many rooms.

Increased coach travel, Merlin's attraction pass and extending the season until the start of January had also enhanced overnight stays.

The report said while the cost-of-living crisis had impacted tourism spending, free events had been key to drawing visitors in.

It said: "Free events become even more compelling at a time when household finances are being squeezed as has been the case post-Covid.

"Against this backdrop, it is critical Blackpool continues to promote and market itself as an affordable family holiday destination offering both quality and good value for money."

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