Blackpool transforms into a glittering celebration hub when New Year approaches. From spectacular drag shows to fireworks lighting up the Tower, this seaside town offers something special for everyone. Whether you crave glamorous cabaret, family fun, or late-night parties, planning your New Year in Blackpool means choosing from dozens of world-class entertainment options.
Funny Girls: The Crown Jewel of Blackpool New Year Entertainment
When planning New Year in Blackpool, one name sits at the top of every party-goer’s list: Funny Girls. This iconic venue has been delighting audiences since 1994, earning its place as the number one rated show in Blackpool for five consecutive years.
New Year’s Eve Eleganza at Funny Girls
Funny Girls presents their “New Year’s Eve Eleganza” show in the historic 1939 Odeon building, featuring a nostalgic trip to Hollywood’s golden era, high-kicking routines inspired by the Rockettes, and a grand finale at midnight. This isn’t just another drag show. It’s a carefully crafted experience that blends comedy, dance, stunning costumes, and audience interaction.
The venue itself adds magic to your evening. The building was originally designed by Robert Bullivant and opened in 1939 as the largest original Odeon cinema in the United Kingdom. Walking into this Grade II listed art deco masterpiece sets the tone before the first sequin catches the light.
What Makes Funny Girls Special
The show features approximately seven performances throughout the night with intervals between routines, hosted by talented DJs and drag performers including legends like Betty Legs Diamond, DJ Zoe, and Carmen. Each routine showcases different talents, from vocal performances to elaborate dance numbers.
Your experience at Funny Girls isn’t passive entertainment. The hosts engage with the audience, creating moments of spontaneous comedy that make each show unique. One visitor shared, “The show was fantastic with about seven performances throughout the night with intervals in between”.
Dining and Show Package Options
Funny Girls offers a three-course pre-show dinner for £29.85 per person, served in Garbo’s, their art deco styled restaurant, before the show begins. This dinner-and-show combination gives you the full experience without rushing between venues. The restaurant doors open at 6:30pm, giving diners time to settle in before the curtain rises.
The timing works perfectly for New Year celebrations. The show format includes the opening number, followed by performances every 20 minutes, building to a grand finale that lasts approximately 30 minutes as midnight approaches.
Beyond Funny Girls: Other New Year in Blackpool Entertainment
While Funny Girls stands out, Blackpool offers diverse New Year entertainment options across the town.
Viva Blackpool’s Gala Spectacular
Viva Blackpool presents a three-hour Gala Show experience hosted by the flamboyant Leye D Johns, featuring vocalists, showgirls, and male dancers in Vegas-style entertainment. This venue caters to those seeking a different flavour of celebration, with table service throughout the evening and a live countdown to midnight featuring the chimes of Big Ben.
Viva offers convenient pre-ordering for drinks and food, letting you skip queues and focus on the entertainment. Their pizza and snack menu keeps you fuelled through the night, while bottle packages make group celebrations easier to manage.
Winter Gardens Events
For music lovers, Winter Gardens hosts diverse New Year celebrations. The venue presents a Northern and Modern Soul Party on New Year’s Eve, featuring Northern Soul, 60s soul, and Motown in the Spanish Hall with dancing from 7pm to 1am. The Great Gatsby Ball brings 1920s glamour to life with a live swing band playing modern hits with a jazz twist.
These themed parties appeal to specific musical tastes and offer alternatives to the mainstream New Year club scene.
Free Family Entertainment
Not everyone wants to spend big on New Year celebrations. Blackpool Council provides free entertainment at the Christmas By The Sea village on Tower Festival Headland from 3pm to 6pm on December 31st, including a Bavarian-style oompah band, kid-friendly activities, and a grand finale with synchronised fireworks and projection displays.
This family-friendly option lets you enjoy New Year in Blackpool without ticket costs. The free skating rink, festive installations, and attractions create a winter wonderland atmosphere. At midnight, projection shows display on Blackpool Tower with the Illuminations shining until 1am.
Club and Bar Scene
Blackpool’s club scene comes alive for New Year. Popworld Blackpool offers a party combining bingo rounds with RnB and party anthems, while The Retro Lounge features house music icon Jon Pleased Wimmin with 90s and 00s house music. Multiple venues across town cater to different musical preferences, from indie rock to classic hits.
Planning Your Perfect New Year in Blackpool
Booking Tickets in Advance
Popular venues sell out weeks before New Year. Funny Girls particularly fills up fast given its reputation. Book your tickets as early as possible, especially if you want specific seating or the dinner package.
Most venues allow online booking 24/7, with box office support during business hours for questions. Funny Girls’ box office operates Monday through Friday, 9:30am to 5:30pm, at 01253 649150.
Transport and Parking
Blackpool Council offers four hours of parking for just £2 on most council car parks during the New Year period. This deal makes driving attractive, but public transport remains the smarter choice when drinking.
Blackpool’s compact centre means most venues sit within walking distance of each other. Trams run late during special events, connecting major entertainment spots along the promenade.
Dress Code Considerations
Each venue has different dress expectations. Funny Girls welcomes all styles but encourages party wear that matches the glamorous atmosphere. Viva Blackpool’s permanent theme is “Dress to Impress” with smart casual and tasteful fancy dress acceptable. The Gatsby Ball naturally calls for 1920s inspired outfits.
Pack layers if moving between venues. Blackpool’s seafront can be chilly in December, even when venues inside are warm.
Age Restrictions
Check age policies before booking. Many venues operate as 18+ only on New Year’s Eve, including certain shows at Funny Girls and all Viva Blackpool events. The free outdoor entertainment and some daytime activities welcome families with children of all ages.
Why Choose New Year in Blackpool
Variety of Entertainment
Few UK towns match Blackpool’s entertainment diversity. Within a few streets, you can choose between drag cabaret, soul music, 1920s balls, modern club nights, or family fireworks. This variety means groups with different preferences can split up and reunite, or couples can find exactly their preferred vibe.
Affordable Celebration
Compared to London or Manchester, New Year in Blackpool offers better value. Ticket prices remain reasonable, drinks cost less than big city venues, and the free council-provided entertainment creates a festive atmosphere without any spending.
The pre-show dinner at Funny Girls demonstrates this value. For £29.85, guests receive three courses plus admission to one of the UK’s top-rated shows. Similar packages in major cities easily cost double.
Seaside Atmosphere
Celebrating New Year by the sea adds something special. The combination of Victorian architecture, modern entertainment, and coastal location creates a unique backdrop. Walking along the illuminated promenade between venues, with the Tower lit up above you, beats any ordinary city street.
Proven Track Record
Funny Girls celebrated 25 years in July 2019, with performers like DJ Zoe and Betty Legs Diamond still entertaining audiences. This longevity proves Blackpool knows how to deliver quality entertainment year after year. The town’s expertise in hosting major events shows in the smooth organisation and welcoming atmosphere.
Making the Most of Your New Year in Blackpool Visit
Arrive Early for Dinner Shows
If you’ve booked a dinner package at Funny Girls or Viva, arrive during the recommended window. This gives you time to settle, order drinks, and soak in the atmosphere before the show starts. Rushing in at the last minute means missing those precious moments of anticipation.
Plan Your Midnight Location
Decide where you want to be at midnight. If you’re at Funny Girls, you’ll experience their spectacular finale timed perfectly for the countdown. If you’ve chosen the free outdoor celebration, position yourself near the Comedy Carpet for the best view of the fireworks and projection show.
Consider a Weekend Stay
New Year’s Eve often falls midweek. Extending your visit into a weekend break lets you explore Blackpool’s daytime attractions without the pressure of driving home after midnight celebrations. Many hotels offer New Year packages combining accommodation with attraction tickets.
Explore Multiple Venues
With so much happening, some visitors enjoy sampling several venues. Start with early evening entertainment, move to a show, then finish at a club. The compact layout makes venue-hopping practical, though check last admission times if venues are at capacity.
Accessibility at New Year in Blackpool Venues
Funny Girls Accessibility
The 1939 Odeon building has been converted while maintaining many original art deco features, which can present accessibility challenges. Contact the venue in advance if you have specific access needs. The ground floor provides the most accessible seating, while the Dress Circle on the first floor involves stairs.
Getting Help
Most venues have staff trained to assist guests with accessibility requirements. Don’t hesitate to call ahead and explain your needs. Blackpool’s entertainment venues generally want to accommodate all guests and can often make special arrangements with advance notice.
Weather Considerations for New Year in Blackpool
December weather in Blackpool can be unpredictable. While you’ll spend most of the evening indoors, moving between venues means exposure to coastal winds and potential rain. Pack a warm, waterproof coat that you can easily check at coat rooms.
If attending outdoor festivities, dress in layers. The free entertainment runs from 3pm to 6pm, so families might face several hours outside before retreating to indoor venues for the evening.
What Visitors Say About New Year in Blackpool
The reviews speak volumes about the quality of entertainment. Regarding Funny Girls, guests consistently praise the energy and professionalism. One visitor described it as having “West End quality show” with performers who were “perfect in every way”.
The intimate nature of venues like Funny Girls creates memorable experiences. The DJ hosts keep the party atmosphere going between routines, with quick wit and audience interaction. This interactivity distinguishes Blackpool’s New Year entertainment from passive theatre experiences.
Final Thoughts on New Year in Blackpool
Blackpool delivers exactly what you want from a New Year celebration: spectacular entertainment, festive atmosphere, and options for every taste and budget. Whether you choose the glittering glamour of Funny Girls, the Vegas-style show at Viva, the free seaside fireworks, or club-hopping between bars, you’ll find professionally delivered entertainment in iconic venues.
The town’s experience hosting millions of visitors shows in every detail, from the smooth organisation to the welcoming atmosphere. Performers at venues like Funny Girls have perfected their craft over decades, while newer attractions continue raising the bar for quality entertainment.
Start planning your New Year in Blackpool now. Book your tickets at Funny Girls through their website. Remember to reserve early for dinner packages and premium seating. Check other venues for their specific New Year offerings and compare options to find your perfect celebration.
This New Year’s Eve, join thousands of others discovering why Blackpool remains one of the UK’s top destinations for ringing in the new year. From the moment you arrive to the final firework fading over the Irish Sea, you’ll create memories that last far beyond midnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do New Year shows start at Funny Girls?
Shows at Funny Girls typically begin around 7pm, with doors opening earlier for dinner guests at 6:30pm. The performance builds throughout the evening with multiple acts, culminating in a grand finale around midnight. Unlike traditional theatre, the show format includes intervals where the DJ keeps guests entertained, creating a party atmosphere rather than a continuous performance. Arrive early to secure drinks and settle into your seat before the opening number.
Can I attend multiple New Year venues in one night in Blackpool?
Yes, Blackpool’s compact centre makes venue-hopping practical for New Year celebrations. Many visitors start with early evening entertainment like the free outdoor festivities from 3pm-6pm, then move to a dinner show at Funny Girls or Viva around 7pm. After midnight, numerous clubs and bars stay open late for continued celebrations. Plan your route in advance and check last admission times at capacity venues.
Is Funny Girls suitable for first-time drag show audiences?
Absolutely. Funny Girls has entertained millions of guests over 30 years, including many first-timers. The show balances cheeky humour with family-friendly entertainment, avoiding overly risqué content. The talented cast includes trained dancers and performers, delivering professional choreography and vocals. Reviews consistently mention how welcoming the atmosphere feels, with staff and performers creating an inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy themselves regardless of background or familiarity with drag culture.
What’s the best way to travel to Blackpool for New Year?
Public transport offers the easiest option for New Year in Blackpool, avoiding parking challenges and allowing everyone to enjoy drinks. Trains connect Blackpool to major cities across the North West and beyond. If driving, Blackpool Council offers discounted parking at £2 for four hours on most council car parks. The town centre is walkable, with most venues within 15 minutes of each other. Trams run along the promenade connecting venues, though they can be busy during peak times.
Do I need to book New Year entertainment in Blackpool in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is strongly recommended for New Year in Blackpool. Popular venues like Funny Girls often sell out weeks before December 31st, especially for premium seating and dinner packages. While some venues accept walk-ins or door sales, this risks disappointment and typically costs more than advance tickets. The free outdoor entertainment requires no booking, but indoor shows, dinner reservations, and club events all benefit from advance planning to secure your spot.
