Winter Gardens draws extra 55,000 delegates since centre opening

The Winter Gardens first opened in 1878

Blackpool's Winter Gardens has drawn an extra 55,000 delegates since its £30m conference centre opened in 2022, officials have said.

It was officially opened by then prime minister Boris Johnson, when it hosted a Conservative party conference.

The centre's managing director Michael Williams said the venue was "not just meeting but exceeding expectations".

Trade unions and e-gaming groups have held events as the wider resort hosted more than 20 million people in 2022.

The National Union of Students and Civil Service will also hold major events at the centre in 2024.

Then prime minister Boris Johnson said it was "an honour" to open the venue

Mr Williams said many delegates were "visiting Blackpool for the first time but leaving with a commitment to return".

"This success contributes to real-world economic impact, cementing Blackpool as a year-round destination for both business visitors and tourists."

He said it had boosted recruitment and local opportunities, adding: "In terms of revenue growth, we are on track to see a new record in line with our ambitious budget."

About £450,000 has also been invested in the business tourism bureau Meet Blackpool, which offers packages for event organisers and delegates.