Preserving Heritage, Driving Progress: An Interview with Blackpool Council on the Future of WDSF DanceSport Festival at the 2026 AGM in Rome
ROME, ITALY — Following the resounding success of the 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool held this past March, which gathered hundreds of elite athletes from all corners of the globe to compete in prestigious GrandSlam formats, WDSF Open categories, and International Ranking competitions, the global DanceSport community proved once again that the sport’s future is brighter than ever.
To reflect on these major sporting achievements and discuss the strategic horizon, representatives from Blackpool Council sat down with the WDSF Team during the WDSF Annual General Meeting (AGM)weekend in Rome this June. In an insightful conversation, Councillors Lynn Williams and Jo Farrell shared their reflections on how the global community has embraced Blackpool, the profound impact of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognized federation status, and the town's ambitious cultural roadmap leading towards 2029.
A Sacred Floor Reimagined: Tradition Meets Modernity
The Empress Ballroom and the Spanish Hall within the Winter Gardens have long been regarded as the spiritual home of Standard and Latin dances. However, the introduction of the WDSF’s modern judging systems, international ranking structures, and prestigious GrandSlam formats has added an elite sporting dimension to this historic venue.
"The two editions of the WDSF DanceSport Festival have been absolutely brilliant," noted Jo Farrell, reflecting on 2025 and 2026.
"It is a very exciting journey. This year was the very first festival managed by our new team; they are highly experienced, and it is this ongoing partnership with the WDSF that will help make the festival even bigger and brighter. Blackpool possesses an incredible atmosphere; you can truly feel that people want to dance on that sacred floor."
For Blackpool Council, hosting an official International Federation recognized by the IOC elevates the town onto the global sporting stage.
"It is about us being seen at that elite level and demonstrating our capacity to deliver high-profile international events," explained Lynn Williams. "It brings the world to Blackpool, but it also projects Blackpool to the rest of the world. Our town's motto is Progress, so we must move with the times. Heritage and the WDSF’s modern sports vision complement each other beautifully."
Heritage and the WDSF’s modern sports vision complement each other beautifully." Said councillor Lynn Williams
Diversification, Inclusion, and the Next Generation of Athletes
A recurring theme throughout the interview was the shifting perception of Standard and Latin dancers into recognized elite athletes, alongside the diversification of the festival's program.
"There is an immense appreciation for the sheer volume of work involved. These dancers are absolutely athletes," Williams emphasized. "They train incredibly hard and changing the public perspective to reflect that status is fantastic. Blackpool is an inclusive town, and every discipline of dance deserves recognition."
The council leaders highlighted the unique synergy offered by Blackpool’s world-class venues, emphasizing how locations such as the Winter Gardens and the Blackpool Tower Ballroom can be effectively utilized to elevate international DanceSport events. Looking forward, the Council is eager to collaborate with the WDSF to maximize the potential of these historic spaces for the visiting global delegations.
"The opportunities provided by having such magnificent, interconnected venues under shared management are immense," Farrell noted, referencing the strategic flexibility available for hosting elite sports events. "It allows us to offer the global community an unparalleled environment, ensuring that every athlete feels inspired by the prestigious heritage of our town."
Furthermore, the Council plans to deepen grassroots engagement, building on recent successful initiatives that connected the local community with the magic of the international event. "Dance is vital for health, well-being, and longevity," Williams added, citing the inspiring nature of DanceSport competitors who demonstrate peak physical excellence. "Seeing these incredible athletes train and compete at such a high level serves as a powerful inspiration for our residents, proving that the benefits of dance span all generations and backgrounds."
“Seeing these incredible athletes train and compete at such a high level serves as a powerful inspiration for our residents” Williams said.
The Strategic Horizon: Upgrades and the 2029 UK City of Culture Bid
To ensure the festival continues to thrive, Blackpool Council and the Winter Gardens management are actively addressing logistical enhancements, including sound and lighting upgrades. The synergy between the town's venues offers flexible opportunities for multi-discipline hosting in the future.
This collaboration arrives at a crucial historical juncture for the resort. Blackpool is officially preparing a major bid to become the UK City of Culture in 2029, a milestone year marking the 150th anniversary of the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations.
"Dance is woven into the very DNA of Blackpool; it is central to our entertainment heritage and our working-class culture," Williams remarked, drawing parallels to the transformative economic and regenerative effects seen when Liverpool was named European Capital of Culture.
"Securing the UK City of Culture title for 2029 would be monumental, not just for external perceptions, but for how our own residents view themselves and their town. We have a heritage and a future to be proud of."
A Message of Gratitude and Ambition to the WDSF Delegation
As hundreds of delegates, coaches, and athletes gather globally, Blackpool Council concluded with a poignant message of mutual respect and partnership.
"First and foremost, thank you WDSF for your support, your friendship, and for loving Blackpool as much as we do," expressed Williams. "We wish to continue this remarkable relationship. We invite the WDSF community to be our global ambassadors, speaking of Blackpool in a positive light as we regenerate and grow."
"We are a remarkably welcoming town," Farrell concluded. "Everyone is welcome in Blackpool, and we look forward to hosting the global DanceSport family for many years to come."
With the shared success of the past two editions and a solidified partnership with Blackpool Council, anticipation is already building for what lies ahead. Plans are officially underway for the 2027 WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool, which promises to push the boundaries of elite sports production even further with unparalleled atmosphere and world-class competition fields. As the global DanceSport family continues to grow and evolve, the historic floors of the Winter Gardens stand ready to welcome the world's best athletes once again next year from6 to 9 of May for another unforgettable chapter in DanceSport history.
Photos by Azzurra Balistreri and Hery Deslandes.
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