Ready for business! Pictures of Blackpool’s tourism sector in the shop window at Winter Gardens event

The Stay Blackpool Trade Show and Open Day saw hundreds of delegates visit the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens to see what the sector has to offer and learn about the services businesses provide.

The event had been off for two years due to the pandemic lockdowns, but was back to show what is on for the coming season and to let business owners meet socially.

Among the stalls was one from Stay Blackpool’s own new online booking site, designed to offer better value to hoteliers than some of the global giants, while the team from Stay Blackpool offered refreshments.

A host of food and drink suppliers had their own area in the building and showgirls from across town brought a touch of glamour, while businesses supplying everything from insurance to crockery, fresh foods and lighting put themselves in the spotlight.