The Blackpool Dance Festival began in 1920 in the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Covering a period of fourteen days, the May Blackpool Dance Festival is by far the largest of the five festivals held in Blackpool. The Festival covers Ballroom and Latin American dancing, incorporating the British Open Championships for Adult Amateur and Professional couples, plus Formation Teams.

2026 will see the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Festival.