KT Tunstall joins line-up to celebrate Blackpool’s UK City of Culture bid

Multi-award-winning musician KT Tunstall will join Manchester’s renowned Hallé Orchestra a free live concert to celebrate Blackpool's bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.

Acclaimed actor and spoken word performer Tom Burke (Legends, Strike) is also now set to appear at the Opera House on Sunday in an evening that will celebrate of the music and legacy of David Bowie.

Presented by Blackpool Council, in association with Showtown and in partnership with top Blackpool company Elite Competitions, The People's Stage promises an unforgettable evening of live music, performance and creativity, inspired by Bowie's iconic songbook and the spirit of reinvention that has always defined Blackpool.

This free, ticketed concert is open to everyone, with 2,500 tickets available through a public ballot.

Everyone attending The People's Stage at Blackpool Opera House will also be encouraged to Back the Bid for Blackpool as UK City of Culture 2029.

This exciting free event forms part of Blackpool's campaign to showcase the resort’s vibrant creativity, ambition and community spirit as it bids for UK City of Culture 2029, and will also celebrate Blackpool being the only North West venue to host the V&A’s David Bowie: On Tour at Showtown museum in 2027.

The People’s Stage line-up brings together artists who reflect Blackpool’s diverse creativity and cultural ambition and includes:

Brit Award-winning Scottish superstar KT Tunstall; Manchester's legendary Hallé Orchestra; soulful singing sensation Jack Savoretti; celebrated actor and spoken word performer Tom Burke; the spectacular All-Star House Band featuring six acclaimed musicians from legendary northern bands including James, The Stone Roses and The Courteneers; electronic pop superstar and DJ Little Boots; acclaimed singer songwriter Rae Morris; a specially commissioned Blackpool lyric by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage; a piece from Blackpool spoken artist Nathan Parker; top Northern Soul singer Darrell Smith, and Blackpool’s uplifting Electric Pink Voices LGBTQ+ choir, with some surprise star guests also appearing on the night!

Hosted by Blackpool-born journalist, musician and cultural commentator John Robb, the evening will blend orchestral music, electronic pop, spoken word and homegrown talent into an unforgettable celebration of one of Britain's greatest musical icons.

Each artist will perform their own interpretation of a David Bowie classic alongside the Hallé Orchestra and the All-Star House Band, while also treating audiences to some of their own best-loved songs.

The People's Stage has been curated by Saul Davies of James alongside Spencer Phillips, Chair of Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust, and Musical Director Joe Duddell, whose acclaimed orchestral collaborations include Elbow, James, New Order and the Hallé.

Spencer Phillips said: "The People's Stage is about bringing together an extraordinary mix of artists to celebrate David Bowie's incredible legacy while showcasing the ambition behind Blackpool's UK City of Culture bid. We're absolutely thrilled that KT Tunstall and Tom Burke are joining what is already an exceptional line-up.

“They are both hugely talented performers with a real appreciation for Bowie's music, and together with the Hallé Orchestra, Jack Savoretti and our incredible All-Star House Band, they're going to help create a truly unforgettable night. This is a concert for everyone – a celebration of music, creativity and everything that makes Blackpool such a special place."

Tom Burke added: “I’m beyond thrilled to be part of such a line-up and in celebration of Blackpool and of Bowie. It's going to be a very special evening."

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “To have an artist of the calibre of KT Tunstall perform at The People’s Stage is an amazing moment for Blackpool and an opportunity to show the rest of the country the ambition, creativity and community spirit that makes our town so special.

‘’I encourage everyone to enter the ballot, celebrate our town, and help us show the nation why Blackpool deserves to be the UK's City of Culture 2029.