A star-studded free concert inspired by David Bowie is coming to Blackpool this weekend.
The People’s Stage will take place at the Blackpool Opera House on Sunday and forms part of the town’s UK City of Culture 2029 campaign.
Central to the evening will be a reimagining of Bowie’s iconic catalogue.
Performers will include the Hallé Orchestra, singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti, and the All-Star House Band, featuring members from northern legends James and The Stone Roses.
James guitarist Saul Davies, co-curator of the event, said: "Blackpool's always had a special magic about it.
"There's an energy that gets under your skin, and it's a place that's given James some unforgettable nights over the years.
"The Empress Ballroom gigs are the stuff of legend – those crowds, that atmosphere, it stays with you.
"So when the chance came for me to be part of The People's Stage and help support Blackpool's UK City of Culture 2029 bid, it was an easy yes.
"It's a huge privilege to be involved in this amazing event.
"Blackpool's a place that's always known how to put on a show and it truly deserves the spotlight."
Also taking to the stage will be Blackpool artists Little Boots and Rae Morris, alongside additional performers still to be announced.
The concert is organised by Blackpool Council in association with Showtown and in partnership with Elite Competitions.
It also celebrates the upcoming David Bowie: On Tour exhibition, which will run at Showtown from June 30 to September 26, 2027.
The exhibition will feature more than 100 items from the V&A’s Bowie archive, including costumes, instruments, and never-before-seen objects.
Each guest artist will present their own interpretation of a Bowie classic in collaboration with the orchestra and house band.
John Robb, Blackpool-born journalist and host of the event, said: "This is not simply a concert.
"It’s a civic statement. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring people together in the place that has always known how to entertain the nation, and to say clearly: Blackpool is ready.
"Blackpool believes. Blackpool belongs on the national cultural stage.
"This is not a closed cultural event. It’s for the people.
"It also gives Blackpool residents a stake in the City of Culture campaign and a reason to feel proud."
If Blackpool wins the UK City of Culture 2029 title, it will receive £10 million to host a year-long celebration of arts and culture.
The People’s Stage concert is free but ticketed, with 2,500 tickets available through a public ballot.
The event will run from 7pm to 9.30pm.
The full programme will also feature a specially commissioned lyric from Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, a performance by spoken artist Nathan Parker, Northern Soul singer Darrell Smith, and the Electric Pink Voices LGBTQ+ choir.
The event is curated by Saul Davies, Spencer Phillips of the Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust, and musical director Joe Duddell, known for his work with Elbow, James, New Order, and the Hallé Orchestra.
To enter the ballot for tickets and to sign up to Back the Bid for Blackpool to become UK City of Culture 2029 visit www.blackpool2029.co.uk
