Events at Empress Ballroom

Soak up some history in the Empress Ballroom

At the heart of historic Blackpool, the Empress Ballroom is one of the most historic conference and exhibition spaces in the North of England. With a beautiful vaulted ceiling, two balcony levels and a fully sprung dancefloor, it's a unique setting in which to enjoy concerts, trade fairs and large-scale events of all sorts. Visit a forthcoming event with Empress Ballroom tickets available to buy or sell on StubHub.

The stunning surroundings of the Empress Ballroom

The Empress Ballroom forms part of the Blackpool Winter Gardens, a large entertainment complex near the seafront that first opened in 1878. Now a Grade II listed building, this historic structure was once home to the iconic Blackpool Ferris wheel and houses various other buildings including the Blackpool Opera House and Olympia Exhibition Hall. The grand Empress Ballroom was completed in 1896 and was one of the largest ballrooms in the world at the time. Over an area of 12,500 square feet, it features three levels, decorative features in gold and white, and one of the last remaining sprung dancefloors in the UK. Another feature was a Wurlitzer organ, which was removed in 1969 but has since been replaced by a newer model. Thanks to its adjustable layout and 3,000-person capacity, the Empress Ballroom is revered as a prime location for exhibitions, conferences and trade fairs - some of the most famous of which have been the party conferences for all three major political parties in the UK. It is said that every Prime Minister since World War II has made a speech in the ballroom, so with Empress Ballroom tickets you'll be soaking up a real piece of history.

Experience outstanding gigs

While many Empress Ballroom events may be exhibitions, the venue is also known for holding concerts, cabaret evenings and dance events. The Blackpool International Soul Festival was held here in 2017, while legendary artists who have performed here over the years include Queen, The Stone Roses, Oasis and Pet Shop Boys. The World Matchplay Darts tournament has traditionally been held in the Empress Ballroom, and you may have seen it on your television screen as the backdrop for numerous other indoor sporting events. A television broadcast can't quite compare to the atmosphere of being here, with its gilded décor and detailed balconies rising above the main dancefloor on two levels. Get a bird's eye view down on the events in the room, or enjoy the spectacular detailing in the paneled flooring and exquisite chandeliers. Few venues come as historic and beautiful as this, and besides the Barrowland and Rivoli Ballroom, there aren't many such locations remaining in the UK today. Don't miss out on this spectacular example: Empress Ballroom tickets are now available to buy or sell on StubHub.