Author: Viva Blackpool
Viva launches Dynamic Pricing
8 November 2023
Every now and again, we review our Viva seating plans to meet demand, react to feedback and popularity of the 900+ seating positions we have in the venue.
This has recently been undertaken, and we are introducing some improvements to our seating plans for 2024.
– The area previously known as ‘Premier’ has been upgraded to ‘PremierPLUS’ and has been reduced to a focused area in the centre of the room, nearest the stage. These are the BEST seats in the house and will typically be highest priced tickets
– The seating areas previously known as ‘Bar Area’ and ‘VIP/Tall Table’ seating have been combined and renamed ‘Standard’ seating. They offer a great view at an affordable price.Some of our tables/seats have been re-categorised. If for example there is a slight viewing restriction – we’ve moved these seats into the ‘Standard’ seating category to reflect this in the price of the tickets.
There has been no change to the table numbering. So if you have already purchased tickets – this will not change.
Where ticket demand is very high, fewer changes have been made to the price bands, and only the names of the seating areas have been changed (to PremierPLUS, Premier and Standard).
We have also introduced some more information onto the seating plan – such as what the colours mean on the different seats, where venue facilities are etc.
We are retaining our ‘Child (U7) tickets (which are FREE for most in house performances) and Junior Tickets (7-15) but we are combining Adult and OAP tickets into a single ‘Adult 16+’ ticket as we seek to reduce the complicated number of options available, and introduce Dynamic Pricing.
Dynamic Pricing
This is similar to how airline tickets are priced – with prices fluctuating according to demand. So our advice is to BOOK EARLY and get the best price possible, as it is likely it won’t go any cheaper before the performance.To introduce Dynamic pricing, we will be removing the option to book with a ‘Flexible Deposit’ for a trial period – as we will require payment in full in order to manage the dynamic pricing.
FAQs…
What will happen if I’ve already booked? You don’t need to do anything! Your seat will still be in the same position, and the table number/seat number remain the same – so please don’t worry.
I’ve already booked with a flexible deposit, is this cancelled? No – your flexible deposit is still holding the seat/table you’ve booked and you can pay the balance any time up to 7 days before your visit.
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Christmas By The Sea
25 April 2023
Extending Blackpool’s season right up until January, Christmas by the Sea includes a full Christmas log cabin village featuring stalls, bars, ice rinks and rides – right infront of Blackpool Tower on the World famous Golden Mile!
Dates are yet to be confirmed, but Christmas by the sea will be returning this year so you’ll be able to wrap up warm, grab a tasty sweet treat or gift from our charming cabins and spend an evening discovering all what’s on offer in this unmissable outdoor experience.
The event also includes the extension of the Blackpool Illuminations – so extends into the night-time when illuminated displays take over as well as projections onto the Tower building, simulated snowfall and a party atmosphere.
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Lightpool Festival
The award winning Lightpool Festival returns to Blackpool from the 20th to the 28th October 2023.
Running alongside the World Famous Blackpool Illuminations, this FREE series of events, outdoor activities and special illuminated art installations are staged across a wide range of venues and locations across the town.
The programme features a spectacular mix of extraordinary light installations, live performance and 3D projection shows – not to be missed, across one of the busiest weeks of the year in Blackpool.
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Ball & Boe head to Viva Blackpool for new album launch
15 October 2022
To celebrate the release of their new album titled ‘Together In Vegas’, Michael Ball & Alfie Boe will be coming down to Viva Blackpool on Friday October 28th to host a special launch Q&A plus they’ll be performing some of the new songs from the record! There will also be a chance a chance to Spin The Wheel on the giant Video Jukebox to win prizes and special merchandise, plus there will even be a specially curated “Together in Vegas” Menu
They have become known as the UK’s favourite entertainers, and together form the ultimate musical duo: Michael Ball & Alfie Boe never fail to raise spirits with their unique combination of powerful voices and tongue-in-cheek charm. The perfect pair join forces yet again for a brand new album, their fifth studio album together where they take us to The Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas. They are ‘Together In Vegas’. Armed with all the charisma and panache needed for such an excursion, together with suitably dazzling vocal skills, the couple present the most exciting music they have ever recorded together, featuring classic Rat Pack numbers such as ‘Luck Be A Lady’ (Frank Sinatra) and ‘Sway’ (Dean Martin) as well as showstoppers ‘Viva Las Vegas’ (Elvis Presley), ‘A Man Without Love’ (Engelbert Humperdinck) ‘The Gambler’ (Kenny Rogers), and many more.
In addition to the launch event the Viva Vegas Diner is hosting a unique pop-up store selling a full range of amazing Ball & Boe merchandise, some of it exclusive to this store. The store is open all day, right on the Promenade.
Viva is the Vegas Venue in the Heart of Blackpool! Located right next door to Blackpool Tower, and in the centre of the famous Blackpool promenade amongst the hustle and bustle of the World famous illuminations, Viva is a huge cabaret lounge hosting amazing resident productions and it’s the venue where the big stars come to play when they’re in town! So we can’t wait to welcome you for some delicious dining, pre-show drinks and an exciting atmosphere in the build up to ‘Ball & Boe – together in Vegas!’.
Tickets are available NOW – right here – https://BallandBoe.lnk.to/blackpoolFI
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Happy 10th Birthday To VIVA!
5 August 2022
The last couple of years have proven to be an unpredictable bag of emotional highs and lows for all. Yet true to human nature, despite any adversity, we tend to come out at the other end with our heads held high; stronger than ever.
This is also true for Blackpool’s very own entertainment gem: Viva Blackpool.
This year we celebrate 10 fabulous years of establishment as the go-to performance venue of the ‘Vegas of the North West’. We have come far since we opened all that time ago and still continue to wow visitors and locals alike with our unique take on the glitz and glamour of show-bar entertainment.
Taking a stroll down memory lane, we find ourselves in June 2012 where Martin Heywood (Managing Director) and Leye D Johns (Entertainment Director and Resident Host) first held the keys not only to the building, but to the doors of an exciting and ever evolving future. With fire in their bellies and endless ideas ready for fruition, it took them no more than 5 weeks to turn the old Mecca Bingo site into the beautiful Purple Palace of present. The opening night was an astounding success and of course, the rest is history. Now, they look back with pride at how far they have come and how their achievements have exceeded even their own expectations.
Viva have had no issues with producing spectacles of the highest caliber for an entire decade – taking your breath away with mesmerising visuals, vocalist and dancers of superb excellence, hilarious antics from the outrageous yet loveable Leye D Johns and of course stunning costumes; all peppered with an overall compilation of utmost professionalism within our glamorously dressed purple themed setting. It is clear that Viva have never compromised their aspiration for quality no matter what we may have faced.
With a hunger for progression, Viva have never remained the same over their double digit timeline. As we gained admirable popularity both locally and across country, we also became a platform for shows outside of our vicinity. Sharing our stage with visiting shows, we opened our venue to be a place of opportunity for entertainers worldwide. To this day, acts from all around the globe travel to perform at Viva, staying true to the concept of diverse entertainment and catering to all demographics. Viva’s prestige has even extended as far as celebrity performances, the venue seeing a number of reputable entertainers such as Joe Longthorne MBE, Cannon and Ball, Roy Walker, Billy Pierce and even the likes of Tyson Fury.
In true Viva form, we did not stop at prominence. With expansion in mind, the brand continued to grow within the hospitality industry, opening the doors to ‘Viva Vegas Diner and Bar’ in 2017. Focusing on an authentic American style diner experience, within the last few years ‘Viva Vegas Diner’ have established themselves as one of the most popular comfort food and drink destinations in Blackpool. With a fantastic location at hand; situated next to our sister venue, the restaurant looks directly onto the sea front, creating an atmospheric dining experience like no other. A must visit spot of high-end novelty.
Coming up to present day and reopening our doors to the public after lockdown – Viva have come back with full throttle! With a refurbished interior, and a take on an entirely new line-up of productions for the season, the show-bar never fails to surprise with our refreshing approach to keeping our visitors engaged and stimulated; from pre-show dining to post-show entertainment. This season Viva sees its very first West End Musical as one of its resident shows; bringing ‘Boogie Nights’ to the stage, starring none other than the original lead Shane Richie’s son: Shane Nolan. With impressive success so far in regards to what we have to offer this year, it is clear that Viva is a prime example of triumphant risk-taking. No rest for the creative!
We truly see Viva Blackpool as a powerhouse role-model for independent businesses everywhere – with constant nurturing, hard-work and a little bit or dazzle dazzle it seems anything is possible! 10 years of success stories and a name that now holds a solid ground in Blackpool’s entertainment history, Viva will not be going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, we are eager to share with you the surprises that we have in store for you over our next fabulous decade to come. Keep your eyes peeled -10 years may have passed, but we’ve only just begun…
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Viva Celebrates 10th Anniversary Season
1 May 2022
Blackpool’s Viva Showroom celebrates its 10th anniversary with a action-packed calendar of brand new shows, it’s first ever West End Musical, top-class comedy and much more.
Opened in 2012, Viva has been entertaining 150,000 visitors annually with a top-class programme of live entertainment produced in house by owners Martin Heywood and the ever-popular outrageous host Leye D Johns.
This Summer sees the most exciting new line up of shows ever produced in its unique cabaret style theatre with a different attraction every night from June through November.
For the first time ever, Viva will stage a full West End musical, ‘Boogie Nights The 70’s Musical’. The hilarious and heart-warming musical featuring a hit soundtrack of our lives will feature
Shane Nolan as the lead. Jon Conway, the show’s original London director and will stage this Viva version, said, “Boogie Nights always had a terrific party atmosphere on previous Blackpool visits and I’m really excited we have secured a large and talented cast of established musical theatre performers to stage the show at Viva.”
Resident host Leye D Johns will headline ‘Viva The Show’ a vibrant new spectacular production with a glamorous cast of singers and dancers showcasing the very best of showbiz glitz at the heart of Blackpool’s Golden Mile.
New for 2022 ‘Viva Country Legends’ starring Danni Graham as Dolly Parton features a foot stomping live band onstage in a tribute to country icons including Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Glen Campbell and many more.
Seasonal favourites return by popular demand including hit shows ‘Oh What A Night’ starring The Jersey Beats, celebrating the hits of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and ‘Voulez-Vous’, a true celebration of Europe’s original pop four-piece Abba!
Viva will become the home of family entertainment as part of it’s 10th anniversary celebration welcoming the hilarious ‘Crazy Comedy Company’. An exciting new show which has been a hit at Butlins resorts for the last two years and the Edinburgh Festival. The show brings a zany mix of cirque skills and family comedy in a perfect teatime show during all school holiday breaks.
Big name stars will return including top comedians Joe Pasquale and Billy Pearce. For those who like the comedy a little more adult, the legendary Joey Blower is set appear every weekend lunchtime from April until October.
In a nonstop year of celebrations, Viva is set to welcome more new attractions, shows and events including Bingo Loco the ultimate party night and a range of terrific tributes to artists including Amy Winehouse, George Michael and many more.
Viva will hold a celebratory ‘10th Anniversary Command performance’ on 12th August 2022, welcoming a star-studded line up 10-years to the day since opening its doors for the very first time.
Owners Martin Heywood and its popular outrageous host Leye D Johns, comment.
“It’s been a spectacular 10-years and an amazing privilege to play an integral role in Blackpool’s resurgence as the UK’s favourite family destination. Through hard work, dedication and a huge wealth of talent Viva has become an entertainment mecca, welcoming thousands of visitors each season.”
“As well as a top-class programme of entertainment featuring a wide range of brand-new shows and returning favourites, over £250,000 with the support of the Arts Council is set to be invested to ensure we continue to grow, producing the best in live entertainment in the heart of Blackpool”
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Queens Jubilee Celebrations in Blackpool
Blackpool will be celebrating the Queens Jubilee with a wide range of events across the resort in June.
The headline event will be a unique one off ‘Heritage Tram’ parade on the afternoon of Thursday 2nd June – as a fleet of trams will come out of retirement and travel in convoy from Blackpool Pleasure Beach to the North Pier, before being available for the public to take journeys on them North and South on the promenade.
Other Queen’s celebrations will take place on the Blackpool Comedy Carpet, including a giant picnic, a special beacon lighting at three locations across Blackpool (including the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom), and a spectacular fireworks display launched from Blackpool Pleasure Beach on the night of Saturday 4th June.
To commence the two bank holidays at the start of the four-day holiday weekend. on Thursday 2nd June a grand parade of heritage trams will take place along the seafront, a giant outdoor picnic and free entertainment on the Comedy Carpet, a light and laser show, and a burst of fireworks at the top of The Blackpool Tower.
Staged in association with Blackpool Transport and the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID), the parade will see around a dozen trams from the heritage fleet travel in convoy from the Pleasure Beach to Little Bispham, creating one of the largest tram parades the resort has seen.
The convoy, which sets off at 2.30pm, will pause at the Tower Festival Headland opposite the Viva Showrooms and the Viva Vegas Diner for a unique photo opportunity.
Between 3pm and 7pm, people will be able to relax at The Big Comedy Picnic, an al fresco eating out area opposite The Blackpool Tower and the Viva venues, with free live entertainment – including our very own Jersey Beats and Viva cast!
Then, between 9pm and 9.45pm, there will be further entertainment before the resort joins the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons, followed by a light show and a burst of fireworks on The Blackpool Tower.
Although the historic trams were officially “retired” when new European-style trams were brought into service on the seafront route in 2012, a number of them were retained and thanks to an army of volunteers have been brought back into regular use. They now form one of the finest heritage fleets in the world.
Blackpool is one of thousands of locations and landmarks across the UK where beacons will be lit. In true Blackpool style, it will be adding its own unique twist to the ceremony. Beacon lighting has long been associated with celebrating major milestones, including Royal Jubilees, weddings and coronations. Dating all the way back to 1897, beacons were lit to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Most recently, beacons have been used to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day and Her Majesty’s 90th birthday in 2016.
A spokesperson said: “We are thrilled that Blackpool Transport and the Tourism Business Improvement District are partnering with us to create a unique celebration of this very special royal milestone.
“A parade of heritage trams on this scale is something that has not been seen for many years and it promises to be a spectacular sight. The addition of a burst of fireworks at the top of The Blackpool Tower will create a magnificent finale at the end of the first day of the holiday.”
The parade and beacon lighting ceremony form part of a brilliant programme of events across the resort to celebrate the special royal milestone. These include:
- The lighting of The Blackpool Tower in red, white and blue throughout the four days.
- Jubilee-themed events and live entertainment at Blackpool Pleasure Beach throughout the four-day holiday weekend including late night riding, fireworks and a Jubilee Concert on Saturday 4 June.
- A chance to take afternoon tea in one of Blackpool’s magnificent heritage venues including the magnificent Blackpool Tower Ballroom, the Imperial Hotel, the magnificent Mazzei Café in the Winter Gardens, and the Art Deco Café overlooking the Italian Gardens in the award-winning Stanley Park.
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Brand New Peter Rabbit Attraction HOPS Into Blackpool Opening 2022
25 November 2021
The well loved classical character PETER RABBIT will burrow into Blackpool Promenade next year with a new £1 million attraction set to open in 2022 in partnership with Merlin Entertainments.
Beloved characters from the award-winning PETER RABBIT™ animated TV series are set to make a new home on Blackpool’s famous seafront next year in a partnership that marks the first stand-alone Merlin visitor attraction to be based on the series
The attraction will open on Blackpool Promenade, next door to Madame Tussauds on the seafront as a stand-alone attraction – the first time Merlin has ventured on such an attraction based upon the series and is a World first! The addition will join Merlin’s six other attractions in Blackpool including The Blackpool Tower and SEA LIFE Blackpool.
The brand-new concept is the first time Merlin has created a stand-alone visitor attraction experience based on the series.
The new experience will provide the opportunity to hop into the over-sized world of Peter and his friends to embark on an adventure across five fluffy-tailed themed zones. Guests will need to think like a rabbit, move like a rabbit and deploy rabbit-like senses with a whole burrow-full of creativity in order to complete the challenges and earn badges – seeing if they have the skills to join the secret treehouse club!
Guests will also be able to meet, greet and ‘high-paw’ with Peter himself – making the experience a bumper bunny day out! All of Peter’s friends will be joining him on the promenade – an exciting trip for thousands of pre-schoolers who will visit the resort in years to come and part of Blackpool’s strategy to become a year round destination!
The new experience will provide the opportunity to hop into the over-sized world of Peter and his friends to embark on an adventure across five fluffy-tailed themed zones. Guests will need to think like a rabbit, move like a rabbit and deploy rabbit-like senses with a whole burrow-full of creativity in order to complete the challenges and earn badges – seeing if they have the skills to join the secret treehouse club!
Developed in partnership with Silvergate Media, Penguin Ventures (on behalf of PETER RABBIT™ brand owners Frederick Warne & Co.) and Blackpool Council, the attraction is set to open next door to the famous Madame Tussauds Blackpool as part of a new standalone experience. The addition will join Merlin’s six other attractions in Blackpool including The Blackpool Tower and SEA LIFE Blackpool.
Kate Shane, Regional Director for Merlin Entertainments, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming such an icon to Blackpool! Peter Rabbit is a well-loved household name for young and old and is globally renowned. We are delighted that this new attraction concept will be created here in Blackpool first. We firmly support Blackpool’s overall ambition to be the UK’s number one family seaside resort and with such a family-favourite brand joining our Blackpool Cluster of attractions we can’t wait to ‘hop’ to it and get the experience open next year.”
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “This new attraction will be another fabulous addition to Blackpool’s growing portfolio of world-class attractions that are aimed at a family market.
“The creation of a standalone experience featuring one of the world’s best-known children’s characters will provide another compelling reason to visit what we believe is the UK’s ultimate family resort.”
Lisa Macdonald, SVP Consumer Products and Content Sales at Silvergate Media, said: “We’re excited to partner with Merlin Entertainments on a new stand-alone attraction that brings the animated adventures of Peter Rabbit and his friends to life for families in Blackpool. Harnessing the multi-generational appeal of Peter Rabbit to create a unique brand experience and unforgettable day out will enhance its enduring popularity for generations to come.”
Thomas Merrington, Creative Director Live & Experiential at Penguin Ventures, said: “Working with Merlin on creating this attraction over the past year, pulling together ideas and new themes from the show and seeing them come to life has been such a thrill. This really will deliver a brand new experience and I am so excited to see how our young fans will engage with the multiple aspects of this highly interactive play attraction.”
© Frederick Warne & Co Limited and Silvergate PPL Limited, 2021. Based on the works of Beatrix Potter. PETER RABBIT and BEATRIX POTTER are trademarks of Fredrick Warne and Co. All rights reserved.
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