Blackpool’s bid to host COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONS’ 25TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2012 Bid prepared by VisitBlackpool, January 2009 Contents Welcome 1 Introducing Blackpool 2 Blackpool at Leisure 3 Why Blackpool? 4 Venue Proposal 5 Accommodation 6 Social Programme 8 Excursion Options 10 Access to Blackpool 15 Direct Flights 16 About England’s Northwest 18 Contact Us 20 Welcome Borough of Blackpool Councillor Maxine Callow J.P Cabinet Member for Tourism and Regeneration Norbreck Ward Councillor I am delighted to introduce you to Blackpool and hope that you will consider our bid to host The 25th General Assembly of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions - 2012. Here in Blackpool, we have a team of professionals whose sole aim is to make your conference simply the best ever. We will provide you with a free and impartial service covering information on venues, accommodation, travel, communications, social programmes and other important services. Blackpool is by far the most exciting Resort in the United Kingdom with an outstanding reputation for delivering successful conferences from the large national political conferences to the smallest trade or promotional meeting. We have the classic Winter Gardens and lots of new and exciting smaller venues. Just give us the opportunity to help you and I promise you will not be disappointed. Blackpool is busy reinventing itself. Aside from the Business agenda, which it prides itself on, it is determined to become the European Capital of Leisure and Fun. Several new hotels have opened and a major new shopping complex will soon be completed just behind our famous Tower. Blackpool boasts ‘seven Golden Miles of Promenade’ and over £80million is currently being invested to upgrade it for the 21st Century creating a seafront that is surreal and slightly mad…but definitely and defiantly Blackpool!! If you thought you knew Blackpool…be prepared for a pleasant surprise. I look forward to welcoming you to the changing Blackpool! Yours Sincerely Councillor Maxine Callow (J.P) Home: 13, South Park Drive, Blackpool FY3 9PZ Tel: 01253 761116 Mobile: 07824361327 E-mail:[email protected] 1 Introducing Blackpool With its superb location on the Lancashire coast of England's Northwest region, Blackpool is one of Britain's leading conference destinations, the perfect place to mix business with pleasure. Spectacular, high capacity venues Silverdale and Arnside, where wildlife include the renowned Winter flourishes, villages remain unspoilt Gardens, which has hosted some of and tranquility reigns. Britain's most high-profile events. The resort offers over 1,600 hotels, Blackpool boasts efficient and guest houses and self-catering units economical transport links, with its providing the full range of own airport and helicentre, a fast accommodation to suit all budgets. motorway link to the main M6 motorway, frequent train and coach Of course Blackpool will always be services from towns and cities best known as Britain's favourite throughout the UK, and Manchester seaside resort. Its historic tramway International Airport just an hour runs along 12 miles of promenade away. connecting hotels, conference centres, the resort's three piers and With the Lake District, Manchester, wall-to-wall attractions along the Liverpool, Chester and the Yorkshire Golden Mile, including Blackpool Dales right on Lancashire's doorstep, Pleasure Beach and the world and Scotland, Wales and York famous Blackpool Tower. Shops and comfortably within two hours drive, shows, roller-coasters and Blackpool is an ideal base for visiting restaurants, clubs and casinos provide other parts of Britain for business and endless entertainment, day and night, pleasure. and Blackpool's conference delegates have VIP status, with discounts and free admissions to many of the top attractions. For those seeking more serene relaxation, this westfacing coastline is also known for its spectacular sunsets, championship golf courses and internationally important bird reserves. Lancashire's breathtaking scenery lies nearby, within two designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Forest of Bowland and, on the coast, 2 Blackpool at Leisure Soak up some culture, be swept away by a West End musical, stretch your legs on the sand, enjoy an exercise high or chill on lush green grass with a picnic - relax and be entertained. take home to the children and, of Gallery, the artworks along the New course, buying a kiss-me-quick hat on South Promenade and an exhilarating the promenade! bike-ride along the National Cycle Network from the North Pier to the Evening entertainments cliff tops for spectacular views, are As the sun sets over the sea, the just a few of the more unexpected lights go up on the theatres, pleasures of Blackpool. cabarets, casinos, clubs and bars that make up Blackpool's legendary Shopping in Blackpool nightlife. For a cabaret show with a The shiny new Houndshill Shopping twist visit the burlesque showbar Centre offers all the big high street Funnygirls. The magnificent Tower names under one roof from H&M to Ballroom, with its golden tiered Debenhams, Primark and Next; while boxes and sparkling chandeliers, boutiques and speciality shops dotted provides the perfect setting for a around the centre offer designer waltz to the mighty Wurlitzer, and labels, jewellery, art and of course, a Blackpool has more than 30 clubs and cheeky postcard or two! Pedestrian pubs including Britain's biggest shopping areas, conveniently situated Pleasure Beach Blackpool superclub, The Syndicate with a close to the conference venues, With more rollercoasters than any capacity of almost 5,000 and attracts allow delegates time to relax and other amusement park, including the top international DJs. browse for gifts to take home, treats tallest and fastest in Europe, the for themselves or a special outfit for Pepsi Max Big One, and Valhalla, the Or why not visit Septembers the post-conference party! most thrilling dark ride ever Blackpool's newest, most stylish and dreamed-up by mankind, this is the impressive dining venue? Now Sport perfect place for your delegates to occupying two extended floors this Blackpool boasts an impressive range let off steam after a hard day's work. chic Champagne Bar and Restaurant of golf courses, including an 18-hole And there's more to the Pleasure is guaranteed to impress and delight course in Stanley Park, and the Beach than its 145 rides and the most discerning of diners. famous courses of Lytham and St attractions. Devotees of good design will be Annes are very nearby. The superbly seduced by the style. The decor is equipped Sports Centre has an all- The Blackpool Experience minimalist yet exudes quality and weather athletics track and multiple Apart from braving the rollercoasters, taste. tennis courts as well as cricket, ice- other essential activities for visitors skating and bowling facilities. to Blackpool include climbing 518ft Surprising Blackpool to the top of Blackpool Tower, A peaceful stroll through Stanley walking out to sea along the piers, Park, the fine collections of 20th buying plenty of Blackpool Rock to century British art at the Grundy Art 3 Why Blackpool? Blackpool is the classic conference destination, with a wide range of venues and accommodation, and a unique capacity for hosting conferences on a grand scale. Blackpool is the classic conference Accommodation These proposals are described in destination, with a wide range of Blackpool has over 1,600 hotels, greater depth over the following venues and accommodation, and a guest houses and self catering units pages. Our extensive experience of unique capacity for hosting to suit all budgets. Excellent tram conferences has made us aware of conferences on a grand scale. It is links along Blackpool’s sea front the need for flexibility and we would easily accessible, yet it offers the means you are never far away from like to assure you that we will do all essential change in atmosphere from the conference centre and we can to accommodate any changes everyday business surroundings, and attractions. you would like to make in this the lively buzz of a thriving resort to preliminary planning stage. add excitement to your event. Social Programme Blackpool’s conference delegates With a dazzling choice of have VIP status, with discounts and entertainments, restaurants and free admissions to many of the top recreational activities to choose attractions. For those seeking more from, Blackpool provides the perfect serene relaxation, this west facing mix of business and pleasure to keep coastline is also known for its your delegates stimulated, motivated spectacular sunsets, championship and refreshed throughout the golf courses and internationally conference. important bird reserves. The experience, efficiency and Excursions/Study Tours friendliness of our team will help to We would be delighted to offer ensure that the planning and itinerary suggestions for pre- and execution of your conference is as post meeting tours and partner easy and enjoyable as possible. We programmes, from leisurely visits to look forward to working with you to the region’s rich spread of stately create an event that exceeds all homes and gardens, to the vibrancy expectations. of the city and town centres. Conference venue One venue has been offered which can accommodate your conference requirements. This is the Winter Gardens 4 Venue Proposal Using our extensive knowledge of Blackpool and drawing on the specifications for your conference requirements, we are proud to submit the following ideas. However, we are committed to meeting all your needs and will be happy to provide alternative suggestions. Winter Gardensorbreck Castle architecture creating the ultimate For more than a century, the Winter environment for any event. Gardens Blackpool has been Conferences, exhibitions, banquets, welcoming visitors with its shows, concerts and special events unequalled grandeur and undeniable have all benefited from the uniqueness. To possess just one atmosphere which only the Winter spectacular venue would be Gardens can provide.