The Evening Gazette

The Blackpool Gazette has a long and storied history, originally beginning as The West Lancashire Evening Gazette in 1929. Over time, the paper evolved, first shortening its name to the Evening Gazette, and eventually adopting the more recognisable Blackpool Gazette. However, its roots extend even further back to a weekly publication first established in 1873, reflecting a deep connection to the local community for over a century. The newspaper, which is now published by National World, is often referred to simply as The Gazette by locals. Vanessa Sims served as editor, leading the paper during an era where it not only covered Blackpool’s news but also oversaw the publication of two other regional weekly papers, the Lytham St. Annes Express and the Fleetwood Weekly News. However, she wasn’t the only editor afterwards. Today, The Gazette continues its role as a vital source of news for the community, with both print editions and an online presence at blackpoolgazette.co.uk.

Philip Welsh was the managing director at The Gazette from 1996 to 2007. During that time he’d overseen a number of major changes, including the conversion of The Gazette from broadsheet to tabloid and the launch of more than a dozen new newspaper and magazine titles across the Fylde Coast. He also led The Gazette team to a host of industry awards, including UK Newspaper Of The Year in 2003 and UK Publishing Centre Of The Year in 2005. Before joining the Gazette, Welsh was editor of the Preston-based Lancashire Evening Post and had worked in newspapers for 30 years.

Welsh is now the Head of Tourism & Communications at Blackpool Council and also chairs the Blackpool Business Leaders Group (BBLG), which was established in 2006 by a small group of business leaders to improve communication between the private, public and third sectors, helping to support the wider economic development of Blackpool.

Historically, The Gazette has maintained a close relationship with Blackpool Football Club, the town’s pride and joy. This bond was particularly strong until the club’s relegation from the Premier League in 2011. However, tensions arose in 2014 when the newspaper decided to end a weekly column penned by Karl Oyston, the club’s chairman, after he made offensive comments toward a Blackpool supporter. This decision led Oyston to sever ties with the publication, refusing to recognise The Gazette as a legitimate local media outlet and limiting press access to only national news conferences. The strained relationship between the newspaper and the football club persisted until the Oyston family left the club in 2019, marking the end of a turbulent chapter in the history of Blackpool FC’s leadership. Despite these challenges, The Gazette continues to be a trusted news source for the people of Blackpool and surrounding areas, offering local stories and sports coverage that resonate with the community.