Thousands of pigeon fanciers to flock to Blackpool this weekend
15 January 2016
by Visit Blackpool
Tens of thousands of pigeon fanciers are set to ‘home in’ on Blackpool this weekend as the resort hosts the Royal Pigeon Racing Association Show of the Year.
Taking place from 15-17 January, more than 15,000 people will attend the event which will include visitors from all over the UK as well as a large number of international guests..
Organised by the Royal Pigeon Racing Association (RPRA), and dubbed the “Crufts of the pigeon world,” the event, held at the Winter Gardens, is the largest in the world and sees fanciers of all ages from all regions in the UK making the annual trip to Blackpool. In recent years the show organisers have worked hard to change the image of this traditional sport and have fanciers ranging in age from six years to over 90 years of age showing their prize pigeons at the show – this really is an event that appeals to both young and old alike.
Thousands of pigeons change hands at sales and auctions where sums of £10 to £10,000 can be paid for a pedigree racing pigeon or its offspring.
Around 2,500 pigeons are on display, all trying to win best in show, with the winner going on to the Supreme Champion class.
As always, there will be an eclectic mix of trade stands with fanciers being able to buy anything from a £25,000 mahogany loft to a bag of pigeon corn at one of the 200 or so trade stands.
Commenting on the event, Stewart Wardrop, General Manager at The Royal Pigeon Racing Association, said: “The Royal Pigeon Racing Association are delighted to once again hold the annual Show of the Year at the Winter Gardens, the town and the people of Blackpool are always very welcoming and our members are delighted to once again be returning, this will be our 39th Year of coming to Blackpool and many of our visitors save up all year to make the annual journey.
This is also a key event for the Blackpool economy and is expected to boost income for local businesses. The Show of the Year is a major event in the business tourism calendar and is worth in the region of 2.5million to the local economy.
Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “This is the biggest racing pigeon event in the world and each year it brings together thousands of old friends, at the biggest social event in the pigeon fancier’s diary.
”It is also just another example of the versatility of the Winter Gardens and the wider resort, events like these mean a lot to the local economy, offering a welcome boost to tourism during a quiet month.
“Last week the show was discussed on Sunday Brunch and I understand film crews from across the country and Europe will be attending, which is great publicity for Blackpool. Personally, my own dad races pigeons and I’ve grown up around that lifestyle, so am really looking forward to seeing the event in Blackpool again.”
Tickets for the show can be purchased on the day at the Winter Gardens box office or further information is available on the RPRA website: http://www.rpra.org/