2022 Programme

Wednesday 9 March 2022

9.30am
Schools Screening: Mary Poppins Returns

We’re pleased to bring you a special screening of the musical Mary Poppins Returns at the magnificent Blackpool Opera House.

Decades after her first visit, magical nanny Mary Poppins returns to the Banks household to help them through a difficult time in their lives.
Mary Poppins Returns >

1.30pm
Blackpool on Film


The North West Film Archive presents Blackpool on Film, a fascinating dip into the archive’s collection of films featuring the nation's premier seaside town.

From the official promotional films made to draw visitors to the town using the railway network to the home movies made by the visitors and locals alike, we’ll take a trip down memory lane, exploring the town's rich cinematic history.
Blackpool on
FIlm >


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7pm
Hindle Wakes (1927) with live accompaniment

Silent film with live accompaniment by David Ivory.

We’re pleased to bring you Maurice Elvey’s hugely enjoyable screen adaptation of Hindle Wakes the famous Stanley Houghton play of the 1910s drama about a strong-minded young woman who challenges Edwardian society’s sexual double-standards.
Hindle Wakes >


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Thursday 10 March 2022

7pm
Best of Iris: Trans Stories & Q+A session with JAMES BELL, LEO LEBEAU from the film "Birthday Boy"

The 15th Iris Prize LGBT+ Film Festival brought a huge variety of LGBT+ short films to their first ever in-person and online festival. This diverse selection of outstanding short films showcases unique stories from around the world with a strong British representation.

Join us at Blackpool Central Library as we explore a selection of the best of the festival introduced by Iris Prize director Berwyn Rowlands. We’re very pleased to announce that this screening will be followed by a Q&A session with James Bell and Leo Lebeau from the film Birthday Boy.

Admission includes tea, coffee, soft drinks.
The Best of Iris : Trans Stories >
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Friday 11 March 2022

6pm
Dream Town: A Brief Anatomy of Blackpool

Join online arts & culture magazine Blackpool Social Club for an evening of documentary and discussion. We’ll take a look at:
Dream Town: A Brief Anatomy of Blackpool (1994)

A revealing and often ribald look at the seaside resort where people can let their hair down, whether in the sedate atmosphere of the Tower Ballroom or on the world's biggest and fastest rollercoaster. Actor David Thewlis returns to his hometown, a place where beer is drunk and dreams are played out against the backdrop of a thoroughly British fantasy.

Tea, coffee and snacks will be provided. Other drinks will be available to buy from the licensed bar.
Dream Town: A Brief Anatomy of Blackpool >
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Saturday 12 March 2022

4.30pm
The Best of Iris 2021: LGBT+ Film Festival

The 15th Iris Prize LGBT+ Film Festival brought a huge variety of LGBT+ short films to their first ever in-person and online festival. This diverse selection of outstanding short films showcases unique stories from around the world with a strong British representation.

Join us at Blackpool Central Library as we explore a selection of the best of the festival introduced by Iris Prize director Berwyn Rowlands.

Admission includes tea, coffee, soft drinks.
The Best of Iris 2021 >
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7.30pm
Blackpool School of Arts Film Showcase

Student filmmakers from Blackpool School of Arts present a selection of their own short films. Introduced by the filmmakers themselves and followed by a Q&A session, this is definitely an event for anyone with an interest in contemporary film work.

Not only is this an evening of entertainment, it’s a great chance for creatives to network with fellow filmmakers; and if you’re curious to know what goes on ‘behind the scenes’, you’ll love hearing all about the filmmaking process
Blackpool School of Arts Film Showcase >
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Sunday 13 March 2022

11am - 3pm
Swing into Spring: Vintage Film and Dance afternoon

Join our fabulous film festival team for a day of vintage music, film, entertainment, fashion and dance. All ages are warmly welcomed.

Ballroom Glitz: The Blackpool Way 1:30pm

Join Rebecca, Showtown’s Assistant Curator, as she waltzes through Blackpool’s incredible dance history. From the piers to the Palace, this talk will look at how the biggest and most famous dance competition in the world came to be right here in Blackpool.

Taking inspiration from novelty dances of the past, Blackpool has a dance craze for the 21st century called ‘The Blackpool Way’. Why not join us to learn the steps and even have a go yourself!
Swing into Spring: Vintage Film and Dance afternoon >
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View our 2022 Programme guide

View our 2022 programme guide