Lady Gaga performs for the Queen in Blackpool Royal Variety

Most famous for its stunning Blackpool Illuminations, the seaside resort town of Blackpool hosted the Royal Variety Performance for the first time since 1955.
The beach resort town is widely regarded as Britain’s family holiday capital and welcomes over 10 million visitors each year. It’s little surprise, then, that the town’s Opera House Theatre was deemed a suitable venue to host the event.
The Royal Variety Performance is held annually in support of the Entertainment Artists’ Benevolent Fund which offers support to entertainers in the UK who require assistance as a result of old age, health issues, or hard times.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh both attended the performance, which was hosted by popular comedian Peter Kay. Acts ranged from Lady Gaga to Hollywood legend Bette Midler. Other performers included Miley Cyrus and classical singer Katherine Jenkins along with talent show winners Alexandra Burke (X-Factor) and Diversity (Britain’s Got Talent).
Though officially over for the year, the town’s famous illuminations were turned on again on Monday night along the route of the royal party. The event will be screened on ITV1 on Wednesday, 16 December at 7:30PM.
Blackpool is home to a number of favourite UK attractions and events year-round, and the winter season is no exception. The town’s Christmas lights have been shining since the 21st of November and an Ice Rink is open in front of the Winter Gardens. Most of Blackpool’s attractions, including the Sandcastle Water Park and Blackpool Zoo, are open with a Christmas theme.
For more information on Blackpool’s attractions and events, www.visitblackpool.com details the upcoming events in the town, and www.visitbritain.tv features videos about Blackpool’s famous illuminations and other events throughout the resort.

www.visitbritain.tv