HODs 2026

Connect with other organisers at our virtual Café. A spotlight talk from the community will kickstart conversation focusing on how to make the most of our annual festival theme.

Springboard into the year with this interactive session. Meet the team, hear from local organisers and chat through ideas and questions together.

Beatrix Potter is beloved as an author but how much do you know of her as Beatrix Heelis, the farmer? Step into her clogs and discover the land and the animals she loved. Plus some of the people she couldn’t have done it all without.

Curtain up, and let’s welcome into the spotlight three brilliant entertainers who defied gender conventions. The popular male impersonator who became Britain’s highest earning woman. The Colonel who created a sideshow out of speculation about their marriage. The elegant ventriloquist with a matcho working class alter ego. Sit back and enjoy as Showtown in Blackpool introduce us to these stories of working lives that don’t revolve around a desk!

Inspiration, top tips and special offers to help you explore daily working life through the ages.

Join us to discuss plans for the year ahead before we launch registration.