Empress Ballroom (Winter Gardens) - Image 1
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Empress Ballroom Winter Gardens Blackpool

4.6
·653 reviews·, United Kingdom

A breathtaking Victorian ballroom within Blackpool's Winter Gardens, renowned for its stunning architecture, grand chandeliers, and excellent acoustic...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Event Evenings

Experience live music and events

CrowdHigh
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Empress Ballroom (Winter Gardens) - Image 1

Empress Ballroom Winter Gardens Blackpool

Best Time

Event Evenings

Experience live music and events

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking Victorian ballroom within Blackpool's Winter Gardens, renowned for its stunning architecture, grand chandeliers, and excellent acoustics for live events.

4.6
(653 reviews)

"A breathtakingly beautiful ballroom that has to be seen to be fully appreciated. Stunning and majestic!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Gigs

Queues can snake around streets. Aim to arrive shortly after doors open to minimize wait times. :ticket:

✨ Admire the Decor

The ballroom's architecture, chandeliers, and artwork are stunning. Take time to appreciate them! :sparkles:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Ballroom

The Grand Ballroom

Main Hall

A breathtakingly beautiful space with majestic architecture, stunning chandeliers, and intricate artwork.

Reddit
Rebellion Festival Setup

Rebellion Festival Setup

Specific Event Areas

Praised for its excellent gig setup, offering great acoustics and a comfortable experience.

Reddit
Accessible Experience

Accessible Experience

Throughout the Venue

Commended for great access and assistance for disabled visitors and those with mobility issues.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Arrive Early for Entry

Queues can be long, especially for popular events. Arriving shortly after doors open can save you significant waiting time, even with a sold-out gig. Reddit

Embrace the Grandeur

This venue is a stunning architectural gem. Take time to admire the decor, chandeliers, and artwork – it's a highlight in itself. Reddit

Best Times

When
Event Evenings
Why
Experience live music and events
Crowd
High
When
Off-Peak Event Times
Why
Potentially shorter queues
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Blackpool✨ inst: anisiia07 #ballroomdance #latin #fyp #rekkk #recomendation #latindance #competition #dance #blackpool #champions
@ani.sss.s
3.8M likes • 33.5M views

🎯 Arrive Early for Gigs

Queues can snake around streets. Aim to arrive shortly after doors open to minimize wait times. Reddit :ticket:

✨ Admire the Decor

The ballroom's architecture, chandeliers, and artwork are stunning. Take time to appreciate them! Reddit :sparkles:

Last on on the Blackpool ballroom floor. Giovanni samba-ing with me. I loved it 🔥 #strictly #strictlycomedancing #strictly2022 #samba #dance #ballroom #latin #fyp
@shirleyballas
34.8K likes • 664.3K views
✨🔥THE BALLROOM IS BUZZING!🔥✨ We are back at the PRESTIGIOUS Empress Ballroom in the Winter Gardens Blackpool with our FABULOUS team of Juvenile dancers! Check out their Ballroom! ✨👀✨ To see more head over to dancetvltd.com 🎥✨ #ipswichdance #blackpool #dancelovers #team #ballroom #latin #empressballroom #wintergardens #dancetv #squad
ipswichschoolofdancing
45 likes • 1.9K views

♿️ Excellent Accessibility

Great assistance for disabled visitors and those with mobility issues. You'll be well looked after. Reddit :wheelchair:

💧 Stay Hydrated (Budget)

Drinks can be pricey (£3.50 for a 7UP). Consider bringing your own if allowed, or budget accordingly. Reddit :moneywithwings:

The Empress Ballroom..what an iconic place ❣️ 📆 2025 #WDSF DanceSport Festival 📍 Winter Gardens, Blackpool 📸 @stupiopm.photo #wearedancesport #dancesport #latin #rumba #chachacha #samba #pasodoble #jive
wdsfdancesport
1.1K likes • 35.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Gigs

Queues can snake around streets. Aim to arrive shortly after doors open to minimize wait times. Reddit :ticket:

✨ Admire the Decor

The ballroom's architecture, chandeliers, and artwork are stunning. Take time to appreciate them! Reddit :sparkles:

♿️ Excellent Accessibility

Great assistance for disabled visitors and those with mobility issues. You'll be well looked after. Reddit :wheelchair:

💧 Stay Hydrated (Budget)

Drinks can be pricey (£3.50 for a 7UP). Consider bringing your own if allowed, or budget accordingly. Reddit :moneywithwings:

🚶‍♀️ Navigate Crowds

Congregation near entrances and bars can be tricky. Look for clearer paths to avoid squeezing past others. Reddit :walking:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(653 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Empress Ballroom's stunning Victorian architecture, with its grand chandeliers and intricate artwork creating a breathtaking atmosphere. The venue is also lauded for its excellent acoustics and spacious layout, making it a top choice for gigs and events, particularly for its accessibility features that cater well to those with mobility issues. Some minor drawbacks include potentially long entry queues and the high cost of refreshments.

"Excellent venue for gigs. Very impressed with the set-up at Rebellion, however, after seeing another band here earlier in the year, I'm not sure I would see another band outside of the Rebellion festival"

Steve Schofield

"Went to the darts here and what a beautiful place. Great access and great assistance for disabled people and people with mobility issues you’re looked after well. Lovely decor so stunning! Absolutely loved the darts here and of all the venues we have been to this has to be the number 1 place!"

1974cath

"What an absolutely fantastic place to have a concert. The acoustics were perfect and the roof was amazing to look at. We weren’t crammed in and we managed to find a space near the back which was perfect for us. The server at the bar was brilliant and even made a joke with us about bottle tops being deadly weapons (you’re not allowed them to stay on the bottle if you purchase one at the bar) £3.50 for a bottle of 7up is a little expensive but expected.
The only reason I’ve not given 5 stars was the difficulty getting into the room. People were congregating near the entrance and at the bar, which is right next to the entrance. It would have been good to have a one way system to stop people having to squeeze past each other."

Geeky Groundhopper

What People Like

Stunning architecture and decor
Excellent acoustics for gigs
Spacious and comfortable layout

What People Dislike

High drink prices
Long entry queues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Empress Ballroom is located within the Winter Gardens complex in Blackpool. It's easily accessible by public transport, with numerous bus routes serving the town center. If driving, there are several car parks nearby, though they can fill up quickly during major events. Reddit

Yes, there are multiple car parks around the Winter Gardens. However, for popular events, parking can be challenging and expensive. Consider using public transport or arriving early if you plan to drive. Reddit

Blackpool North train station is a reasonable walk (around 15-20 minutes) from the Winter Gardens. Taxis are also readily available outside the station if you prefer not to walk. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets are typically sold through the official Winter Gardens website, the event promoter's website, and authorized ticket retailers. It's always best to buy from official sources to avoid scams. Reddit

Opening hours vary depending on the event. It's crucial to check the specific event details for door opening times and the start of the performance. Reddit

Entry queues can be substantial, especially for sold-out gigs. While they move fairly quickly, expect to wait around 20 minutes even if you arrive shortly after doors open. Reddit

Generally, large bags, food, and drink are not permitted. Some events may have specific restrictions, such as not allowing bottle tops to remain on purchased drinks. Always check the venue's policy for your specific event. Reddit

It depends on the event. For sold-out shows, it's unlikely. It's always recommended to purchase tickets in advance to guarantee entry. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Concerts here are often described as fantastic, with perfect acoustics and a visually stunning backdrop. The venue is spacious, preventing a cramped feeling even during sold-out shows. Reddit

Absolutely. The venue is highly praised for its great access and assistance for disabled visitors and those with mobility issues, ensuring a comfortable experience. Reddit

The ladies' toilets are noted to be kept clean, even towards the end of the night, which is a significant plus for a busy venue. Reddit

Yes, even for sold-out gigs, attendees report having plenty of space and being able to find a good spot without feeling overcrowded. Reddit

Bars are available, but queues can be long. Some popular drinks may run out during busy periods. Be prepared for potentially limited options or longer waits for refreshments. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While specific food menus can vary by event, basic refreshments are usually available at the bars. For a full dining experience, consider eating in Blackpool town center before or after your event. Reddit

Prices for refreshments, such as soft drinks, can be on the higher side, with a 7UP costing around £3.50. This is typical for many entertainment venues. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary by event. For most concerts, personal photography is usually allowed, but professional cameras and flash photography are often prohibited. Check the specific event guidelines. TikTok

The main ballroom itself, with its ornate chandeliers and ceiling artwork, offers incredible photo opportunities. Capturing the scale of the venue during an event can also be dramatic. Reddit

While personal photos are generally fine, professional equipment and flash photography are often discouraged to avoid disturbing performers and other attendees. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Empress Ballroom offers a unique and grand setting for family outings, especially for events like concerts or shows. Its spacious layout means kids can often find a comfortable spot without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. The stunning decor can also be a point of fascination for younger visitors, adding an element of wonder to the experience. Reddit

While food and drink prices can be a consideration, the venue's commitment to accessibility ensures that families with strollers or children who need extra assistance will be well looked after. It's a good idea to check the specific event details for age restrictions and suitability for children before booking. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, the Empress Ballroom presents a mixed bag. While entry to some events might be reasonably priced, the cost of drinks can add up quickly, with soft drinks costing around £3.50. Reddit Consider eating before you arrive or bringing your own water bottle if permitted by the venue's policy to save on expenses. Reddit

However, the experience of attending an event in such a historically rich and visually stunning venue can be considered excellent value. The sheer grandeur of the ballroom itself is a significant part of the attraction, offering a memorable backdrop that many modern venues lack. Reddit

♿️ Visitors with Mobility Issues

The Empress Ballroom is an outstanding choice for visitors with mobility issues. It has received consistent praise for its excellent accessibility and the great assistance provided to those who need it. Reddit You can expect to be well looked after, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience from arrival to departure. Reddit

The venue's thoughtful approach to inclusivity means that the stunning architecture and vibrant events are accessible to a wider audience. This makes it a top recommendation for anyone concerned about navigating large public spaces. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Marvel

The Empress Ballroom, nestled within the iconic Winter Gardens, is a testament to Victorian grandeur. Its breathtakingly beautiful ballroom is adorned with stunning chandeliers, intricate artwork, and a magnificent floor. Visitors consistently praise the venue's majestic and gorgeous interior, making it a feast for the eyes even before the main event begins. It's a place that truly needs to be seen to be fully appreciated, with many hoping it receives the care it deserves to be preserved for future generations. Reddit

This architectural splendor isn't just for show; it contributes to the overall atmosphere of any event held within its walls. The sheer scale and ornate detailing create a unique ambiance that sets it apart from modern venues. Whether you're attending a concert, a dance, or a conference, the backdrop of the Empress Ballroom adds a layer of historical charm and elegance to the experience. Reddit

When planning your visit, remember to allocate a few extra moments to simply soak in the surroundings. Many attendees find that the visual experience is as memorable as the event itself. The architecture, chandeliers, floor, and artwork are all elements that contribute to its status as a must-see destination within Blackpool. Reddit

Event Experience and Acoustics

The Empress Ballroom is highly regarded as an excellent venue for gigs, particularly noted for its perfect acoustics. Attendees have reported finding comfortable spaces, even in sold-out shows, and enjoying a setup that doesn't feel cramped. This makes it a favored location for music lovers, with some specifically mentioning the Rebellion Festival as a standout experience due to the venue's capabilities. Reddit

Beyond the sound quality, the venue's layout is designed to accommodate large crowds efficiently. Despite potentially long queues to get in, the process is described as moving fairly quickly. The ladies' toilets are also noted for remaining clean even late into the evening, a practical detail that enhances the overall comfort of the visitor experience. Reddit

However, it's worth noting that crowd management near entrances and bars can sometimes lead to congestion, requiring attendees to navigate carefully. Despite this, the general sentiment is that the venue offers a great space for live performances, balancing its historical grandeur with functional event management. Reddit

Accessibility and Inclusivity

A significant positive aspect of the Empress Ballroom is its commitment to accessibility. Visitors with disabilities and mobility issues have consistently praised the venue for providing great access and excellent assistance. This focus ensures that everyone can enjoy the events held within the ballroom, making it a welcoming space for all. Reddit

The venue's design and staff efforts contribute to a positive experience for those who might otherwise face challenges in attending public events. This inclusive approach is a key reason why many consider it a number 1 place for events, highlighting the importance of thoughtful planning in public spaces. Reddit

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