Tourism awards announce new venue and more finalists

Marketing Lancashire has announced that the 2022 Lancashire Tourism Awards will take place at the Blackpool Conference and Exhibition Centre, the new multi-million-pound development connected to the iconic Winter Gardens.

And there now will be 65 businesses from across Lancashire hoping to collect a trophy on the night of Tuesday 7 February 2023 as the finalists in four more categories have been announced.

The ceremony will bring together 400 guests from across Lancashire’s leisure and hospitality industry as well as guests and stakeholders.

Rachel McQueen, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, said: "To see so many quality events returning after the last two years and entering the awards is true testament to the determination of the industry to bounce back and create incredible experiences for visitors and residents of the county. If there was ever a good sign that Lancashire tourism is bouncing back, it is in the calibre and creativity of this year’s finalists in the Lancashire Tourism Awards.

“The Blackpool Conference and Exhibition Centre is the first major building development to happen on the Winter Gardens complex since the construction of the Opera House in 1939 and is one of the largest venues of its kind in the north of England. The level of investment which has gone into the facility, leading the way for even bigger conferences and exhibitions to take place right here in Lancashire is incredible and we are excited to be holding the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2022 there.

“Lancashire’s tourism and hospitality businesses are nothing short of remarkable in their resilience and innovation and we look forward to celebrating with all the finalists and our supporters at this stand-out event in the new year.”

The finalists announced today will now join finalists in 17 categories announced earlier in the year going through to the next stages of the competition which includes a presentation and interview with a panel of judges for all shortlisted entrants.

The finalists announced today:

Large Event of the Year Award
British Textile Biennial, East Lancashire
Christmas by the Sea, Blackpool
Highest Point Festival, Lancaster
Santa Specials at East Lancashire Railway

Small Event of the Year Award
British Country Music Festival, Blackpool
Chorley Flower Show
Dino Day, Lancaster
Pumpkin Festival at Ridgeway Farm, Blackpool
Thornton Hall Christmas Adventure, Thornton-in-Craven

Taste Lancashire Producer Award
Brindle Distillery, Chorley
Goosnargh Gin
Lancaster Brewery Spirits Company
Morecambe Bay Chowder

Unsung Hero Award
Jenna Bullows, Assistant Manager, The Whitehall Hotel and Distillery
Sharon Jones, Hall Director, Samlesbury Hall
Jeremy Rowlands, Owner, PLAU