When was Blackpool at its peak?

Between 1918-1939, Blackpool was successful, it was one of Europe’s leading destinations. By 1901, the population was up to 47,000. In 1851 - 2500, in 1881 - 14000, and in 1951, the population had risen to 147,000. Paid holidays were introduced, making holidays to Blackpool even more affordable. Blackpool Tower opened in 1894 and the Fairground opened 1905. In 1846, the railway opened which made it easier for people in the North of England to get to Blackpool. The Central Pier opened in 1868. In 1870, Blackpool became more popular for poorer people because government brought in annual holidays for workers, and it was cheaper to stay in the UK.

In 1911, the town’s Central Station was the busiest in the world, and in July 1936, 650 trains came and went in a single day. Blackpool was Britain’s glittering Vegas-on-Sea — and then cheap flights lured us away. Blackpool’s last peak was August bank holiday in 1981, when visitors rented all 28,000 deckchairs in town. It dwarfs Brighton, Bournemouth, Scarborough and St Ives and gets a fraction of the coverage. With 18.8 million visitors contributing £1.4 billion to the local economy in 2021, Blackpool is the nation’s biggest seaside resort.

Blackpool defied the odds this summer by drawing record-breaking crowds to its iconic seafront. According to newly released data, visitor numbers to the town’s Promenade rose sharply in June, July, and August last year compared to the same period in 2023, with a remarkable peak of 6.8 million visitors in July. Visitor numbers remained strong, with footfall up by 42% year-on-year, even in September. The town has continued to innovate with creative, council-led initiatives, from the Lightpool Festival and Monster Hunt to the ever-popular Christmas by the Sea. The Illuminations Switch-On, a highlight of the season, featuring Spice Girl Mel B, drew an impressive 60,000 spectators to the Tower Festival Headland. The World Fireworks Championships attracted record crowds, with footfall climbing by 41% compared to 2023. The Blackpool Air Show brought approximately 350,000 visitors to the resort.