Blackpool is missing out on concerts from major artists due to the lack of a big enough venue in the area, according to former councillor Tony Williams. The ex-politician, who played guitar with folk-rock groups Stealers Wheel and Jethro Tull, has called for the construction of a state-of-the-art arena on the site of the recently collapsed £300m Blackpool Central leisure plan. Williams, who led the town’s Conservative group from 2015 to 2023, believes the new venue would allow Blackpool to compete with other towns and cities on the entertainment circuit.
Williams initially suggested the arena plan with former Blackpool Mayor Robert Wynne in 2018. Despite “excellent transport links and accommodation options”, Blackpool is still “overlooked” and rarely visited by international musicians and shows, according to Williams. He warned that the absence of a suitable venue not only limits the town’s potential as a cultural hub but also reinforces the perception that Blackpool is no longer the vibrant, world-class destination it once was.
Blackpool South MP Chris Webb has backed the proposal, which he says is supported by residents. The current council, meanwhile, maintains confidence in finding investors for the Blackpool Central site, though a recent decision to demolish a former police station and courts on the site could offer developers a fully cleared space to work with.
For Williams, however, there is a sense of urgency. He expressed his dismay at missing out on concerts from global stars, stating that the town is perfectly positioned to draw large crowds. “What continues to dismay me,” he said, “is the frequent sight of international groups, musicians and shows touring the UK, yet Blackpool is never on their itinerary.” Williams believes that a new arena could be the key to reversing that trend and revitalising tourism in the area
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