Stanley Park marks 100 years in 2026, with special celebrations planned 

For 100 years, Stanley Park has played a central role in Blackpool, providing residents and visitors with a landmark green space that combines heritage, recreation and natural beauty. 

The Grade II-listed park, which opened in 1926, is widely recognised as one of the UK’s most significant green spaces and has been voted the best park in the country twice, following a public vote involving more than 360 parks and green spaces nationwide. 

While the main anniversary celebrations are scheduled for October to coincide with the park’s official opening, a series of activities will take place throughout the year.  

Blackpool Council, working in partnership with Friends of Stanley Park, Enveco and other partner organisations, is developing a varied events programme to celebrate the park’s heritage, its role in the community, and its future development. 

Planned activities will include family-focused activity sessions, heritage walks, Love Parks Week events and the ever-popular Bandstand performances. Residents will also be encouraged to share their memories and photographs taken at Stanley Park over the years. 

On 2 and 3 October, a special two-day celebration will mark the park’s 100th anniversary, forming the centrepiece of the centenary programme, with Friday 2 October being the official anniversary day. 

Early ideas for the Saturday celebrations include artisan market stalls, activity sessions, fairground rides and family-friendly entertainment, with more details to be confirmed and shared as plans develop.  

In addition, a separate, dedicated activity for some of Blackpool’s local schoolchildren is planned as part of the programme. 

Stretching across approximately 390 acres, Stanley Park combines formal gardens, woodland, water features and recreational facilities. The park is arranged across four distinct zones, including gardens to the north and west, a lake and woodland area to the east, and children’s play areas and sports facilities to the south. 

Stanley Park is also recognised for its historic and architectural features, including the Italian Gardens, ornamental bridges, boating lake and bandstand, as well as the Art Deco Café, regarded as one of the finest examples of its kind in England.  

The park is home to the Cocker Clock Tower, a memorial to Blackpool’s first Mayor, Dr William Cocker, and a prominent local landmark.  

Open daily from dawn until dusk, the park attracts more than two million visitors each year. 

In addition to the events programme, a schedule of maintenance and restoration works will be delivered throughout the year, with Blackpool Council investing £500,000 in additional maintenance during the anniversary year, including £50,000 raised by the Friends of Stanley Park. 

This will include repairs to the Cocker Clock and the water fountain feature within the Italian Gardens, supporting the ongoing preservation of key historic assets and ensuring the park continues to be enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come. 

The council will be working alongside some of the sports teams who practice at Stanley Park, as well as some of the competitions taking place throughout the year, with awardees receiving a special centenary medal. 

Councillor Jane Hugo, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council (Place) and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said: 

“For almost 100 years, Stanley Park has been a place where memories are made. 

“This centenary year is about celebrating its past, enjoying everything it offers today and investing in its future so people of all ages can continue to enjoy this remarkable, award-winning green space. 

“We’re gearing up for a very special celebration to mark the official anniversary in October and look forward to welcoming residents, families and visitors to be part of this special milestone.” 

For more information about Stanley Park’s centenary celebrations and year-round programme, visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/Centenary