For more than two decades, the Friends of Stanley Park has played an important role in preserving, promoting and enhancing one of Blackpool’s most treasured public spaces. Through thousands of hours of voluntary work, fundraising and community events, the organisation has helped ensure that Stanley Park remains one of the finest municipal parks in Britain. The Friends of Stanley Park was established in July 2002, bringing together local residents who shared a passion for protecting the park and encouraging more people to enjoy its historic landscape. Working in partnership with Blackpool Council, the group was formed to support the long-term care of Stanley Park while celebrating its architectural, horticultural, ecological and historical significance.
Since its formation, the Friends have become an integral part of life within the park. Operating from the Visitor Centre, volunteers welcome visitors throughout the year, provide information about the park’s history and attractions, and help organise a wide programme of community activities. Their work extends far beyond hospitality, with members contributing to gardening projects, wildlife conservation, fundraising initiatives and heritage interpretation. One of the group’s best-known contributions is its programme of free summer entertainment at the historic Bandstand.
Every year, volunteers organise and steward concerts featuring brass bands, swing orchestras, choirs, tribute acts, jazz ensembles, ukulele groups and local performers. These performances continue a tradition of open-air music that has been part of Stanley Park since it opened in 1926, attracting residents and visitors alike to enjoy live entertainment in the surroundings originally envisioned by landscape architect Thomas H. Mawson.
Inside the Visitors Centre
The Friends also organise a wide variety of community events throughout the year. Vehicle rallies, classic car displays, craft fairs, family fun days, guided walks, wildlife activities, plant sales, exhibitions and seasonal celebrations all help bring the park to life while raising funds for future improvements. These events have become a familiar feature of Stanley Park’s annual calendar and contribute significantly to its popularity as one of Blackpool’s leading green spaces. Conservation forms another important part of the group’s work. Volunteers regularly assist with planting schemes, habitat management and environmental improvements, helping to maintain the park’s formal gardens, woodland areas and natural habitats. Working alongside park staff, they also support projects within neighbouring Salisbury Woodland, encouraging biodiversity and protecting local wildlife while improving access for visitors.
The organisation has also played an active role in supporting investment in Stanley Park. Through fundraising and grant applications, the Friends have contributed towards new equipment, planting projects, visitor facilities and conservation work. In recent years, the group pledged £50,000 towards a wider £500,000 programme of additional maintenance and improvements within the park, demonstrating its continued commitment to protecting one of Blackpool’s most valuable public assets. Education remains central to the Friends’ activities. Monthly meetings often feature guest speakers covering subjects such as local history, horticulture, wildlife, conservation and Blackpool’s heritage. These talks provide opportunities for members of the public to learn more about Stanley Park and the wider history of the Fylde Coast while encouraging greater community involvement in preserving the park for future generations.
More than twenty years after its foundation, the Friends of Stanley Park continues to demonstrate the importance of community volunteering. Through countless hours of dedication, the organisation has helped preserve the park’s historic character while ensuring that it remains a welcoming place for recreation, education and community events. As Stanley Park approaches its centenary in 2026, the work of the Friends stands as a reminder that the long-term success of one of Blackpool’s finest parks depends not only on investment and careful management but also on the enthusiasm of local people who are committed to protecting its remarkable heritage for generations to come.
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