It’s the final countdown to ‘The Big Day Out’ in Blackpool for The Church of England in Lancashire (Blackburn Diocese) on Saturday, May 16.
The Big Day Out will be a joy‑filled celebration for every age; rooted in faith, community and thanksgiving. It’s one of a series of events happening as the Diocese continues to mark its centenary year in 2026.
People will come from parishes in every corner of the County to gather from 11am to 3.15pm in the heart of Blackpool - in front of St John’s Church in St John’s Square - and in the shadow of the legendary Blackpool Tower.
But anyone is welcome – you don’t have to go to church to come along and enjoy the fun.
The free Diocesan celebration will bring together families to enjoy dedicated zones for different ages; live music and comedy; a free hog roast lunch and a huge open‑air worship gathering.
There is a long tradition of people from every part of Lancashire heading to Blackpool for holidays and days out and in this special centenary year, the Diocese is proudly following in their footsteps for a once‑in‑a‑generation party.
While the afternoon celebration service is open to all with no booking required, booking is essential for the events involving young people earlier in the day and also for the lunch. Loads of people are booked in already. There is still room for more, but please note the Family Zone is now full and no more bookings can be taken for that. The Youth Zone still has spaces available. Booking is also still open for lunch.
Here is a dedicated page on the Diocesan website – including booking links – for the Big Day Out.
During the morning (11am–1pm), the Family Zone inside Blackpool Church St John’s will offer games, crafts, workshops and stories for pre‑school and primary‑aged children and their families.
The dedicated Youth Zone will be set up at nearby St John’s Church of England Primary School and will host teenagers for age‑appropriate activities (drop‑off and pick‑up required). Meanwhile, adults without children can relax and enjoy live music and comedy on the main stage in St John’s Square.
From 1pm–2pm, everyone who has booked to have food is invited to have a free hog roast lunch (with a vegetarian alternative) before the whole day culminates in a giant open‑air worship celebration from 2pm–3.15pm.
That service will feature music from the Salvation Army Band and the Blackpool Church worship team, stories of faith from across Lancashire and a message from Rt Rev Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn. There will be BSL Interpreter provision on the day and there will also be a reserved space for wheelchairs/mobility scooters for those who require this facility.
Bishop Philip said today: “I’m really looking forward to The Big Day Out. It’s going to be a very special day where we come together to celebrate and give thanks for 100 years of God’s faithfulness while renewing our shared witness to Jesus Christ in every community we serve.
“If you’ve been wondering whether to attend there is still time to come! Bring others with you, and come expecting joy. We are gathering in Blackpool not just to celebrate the past but to proclaim afresh the hope we have in Jesus.
“There is a place for everyone in that story – including you!”
You can watch a video here featuring Bishop Philip in which he encourages people across Lancashire to head to Blackpool on May 16. Many parishes have played the video in services and at local events already.
Rev Steve Haskett, Director of Mission for the Diocese, added: “It’s been a real privilege to chair the team putting this day together. The Big Day Out is about making space for people to encounter Jesus Christ, to celebrate what God has done among us over the last 100 years, and to be encouraged for the mission ahead. We’ve planned it so there’s something for everyone, so come along and share in this moment together as one Diocesan family.”