The owner of Blackpool’s Galleon Bar has said “now is the perfect moment” for Blackpool to apply for city status, as he plans to extend his hospitality business with a new amusement arcade and art gallery on Abingdon Street.
Speaking to the Gazette, Stephen Pierre said that with a population of approximately 145,000 and a place in the longlist for City of Culture 2029, Blackpool is eligible to be considered for reclassification.
“It is big enough and draws in a huge amount of people each year,” said Pierre. “It has three piers, a world-recognised and historic amusement park in the Pleasure Beach, classic theatres in Blackpool Grand and the Opera House, the globally-revered Tower Ballroom, Grade II listed Stanley Park, Blackpool Zoo and a first generation tramway which also has international significance.”
“Blackpool has so much to offer, but it does have some serious challenges. Any extra funding, recognition or help we can get must be grabbed with both hands.”
Responding to the comments, a spokesperson for the council said, somewhat unambitiously, “spending time, money and resources on the bidding process to be a city isn’t a priority right now.”
“We’re focusing our efforts on regenerating the town, creating opportunities for the people who live here and improving our neighbourhoods to make Blackpool better.”
Originally published on Coinslot on June 22, 2026. Republished with permission.