Stepping Back in Time: A Lunch Break at Blackpool’s Iconic Tower Ballroom

One of the unexpected highlights of TutorFest wasn’t a keynote speaker or a workshop—it was lunch.

Instead of simply grabbing a sandwich and checking emails, I wandered into the magnificent Tower Ballroom at Blackpool Tower. It’s one of those places that instantly makes you slow down. The soaring ceiling, glittering chandeliers and beautifully polished dance floor transport you to another era.

As the famous Wurlitzer organ filled the ballroom with music, couples of all ages glided effortlessly across the floor. Some had clearly been dancing together for decades, while others smiled their way through every step. There was no rush, no pressure—just people enjoying the moment and doing something they loved.

After a busy morning of learning, networking and absorbing new ideas at TutorFest, it was exactly what I needed.

Watching the dancers was a reminder that learning doesn’t stop when we leave school. Ballroom dancing takes years of practice, patience and continuous improvement. Even experienced dancers keep refining their technique, just as great tutors continue developing their craft throughout their careers.

There was something wonderfully fitting about seeing lifelong learners in action during a conference dedicated to education.

It also reminded me how important it is to pause.

Professional development events can be packed with information, and it’s tempting to spend every spare minute talking business or planning the next session. But sometimes the most valuable thing you can do is take a short break, enjoy your surroundings and let everything you’ve learned begin to settle.

Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom has been inspiring visitors for well over a century, and it’s easy to see why. It isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a place where tradition, skill and joy come together in a way that’s genuinely uplifting.

I returned to TutorFest refreshed, inspired and ready for the afternoon sessions with a clearer head than if I’d spent the entire lunch break staring at my phone.

Education is about more than qualifications and exam results. It’s about curiosity, culture, community and appreciating the dedication that goes into mastering any skill. Whether it’s teaching algebra, helping a child learn to read or perfecting a graceful waltz, excellence comes from showing up, practising consistently and never losing the joy of learning.

Sometimes the best conference takeaway isn’t found in a seminar room.

Sometimes it’s found on a beautiful dance floor, watching people remind us that learning, like dancing, is something to be enjoyed for a lifetime.

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