Blackpool 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival

For generations, the Winter Gardens has been more than just a venue. Each step on its polished floors seems to carry echoes of the dancers who came before. The soft glow of the chandeliers and the resonance of live music create an atmosphere where elegance and emotion merge, inspiring athletes and spectators alike.

To dance in Blackpool is to feel part of a tradition greater than oneself. In 2026, the World DanceSport Federation is delighted to announce the return of the WDSF DanceSport Festival to this historic setting, cementing the legacy of a story that has touched countless hearts. From Wednesday, 25^th March to Sunday, 29^th March 2026, the city of Blackpool, in United Kingdom, will once again welcome the global DanceSport community for a celebration of deportivity.

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This year’s festival promises to be even more spectacular than the first edition. Building on the tremendous success of last year’s edition, the 2026 Festival will begin on Wednesday, 25th March with the Standard and Latin Adjudicators Congress and will unfold over four days of competition, one more than last year, concluding on Sunday, 29th March.

The upcoming edition also introduces several exciting developments: for the first time, two competition halls, Empress Ballroom and Spanish Hall, will operate simultaneously, creating an even more dynamic experience for athletes and spectators alike, as the event is set to welcome what promises to be a historic number of participants. Meanwhile, a brand-new Exhibition Venue – “Pavilion and Horseshoe” – will celebrate DanceSport culture, products, and partners in a dedicated space.

Reflecting on the evolution of the event, Shawn Tay, President of the World DanceSport Federation, stated:

“The WDSF DanceSport Festival is becoming a symbol of excellence, tradition, and innovation. Following the renewal of this prestigious event last year, we are proud to present an even stronger edition in 2026 that will offer unprecedented experiences for athletes, partners, and audiences to share.”

Athletes have already expressed high expectations for the event, noting the opportunity to perform in front of a vibrant, international audience and to share the floor with the world’s best competitors.

The upcoming edition promises to carry forward that momentum with new energy and innovation. With the sound of live Empress Orchestra filling the Empress Ballroom, the event will blend the elegance of tradition with the excitement of modern competition.

15th October tickets for the WDSF DanceSport Festival 2026 will be available to purchase. Get ready for the 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival in Blackpool, as it will undoubtedly be a highlight of the DanceSport calendar, reaffirming once again the event’s place as a global stage where excellence in dance continues to shine.

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Published on 4 October 2025