Church Street

Church Street was Blackpool's original main road, linking the Promenade with Whitegate Drive, until Talbot Road took over in the 1840s. Today it is the town's theatre street, running inland from the Promenade past St John's church. Numbers 23 to 27, built in 1847, are among the oldest buildings in the town centre.

Shows

• The Winter Gardens at 97 Church Street opened in 1878 and is Grade II* listed. It holds the Empress Ballroom, the Opera House and the Pavilion Theatre. (Pride left it in 2018 in protest at a booking; see 20 years of Pride.)
• The Grand Theatre at 33 Church Street was designed by Frank Matcham and opened in 1894. It seats about 1,100, is Grade II* listed, and reopened as a theatre in 1981 after a spell as a bingo hall. It stages musicals, drama and touring shows, some with a queer story to tell.
• Viva at 3 Church Street is a cabaret theatre with tribute nights, themed brunches and party nights.

Support

The Horizon drug service works from Winstone House, 199 Church Street (FY1 3TG), with walk-in first visits; the alcohol service is at the Lighthouse on Dickson Road. Freephone 0800 652 2206. See chemsex and drug support.

Getting here

The Promenade end is by the Tower. Several bus routes stop on Church Street by Buchanan Street.