Category: 1923

Tramway Shelter 1923 in Lytham St Annes

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Tramway shelter 23 in Lytham St Annes, originally built in 1923 by John Heap & Sons, is a notable relic from the former tramway that once connected Lytham and Blackpool via St. Annes. It served as a passenger shelter for both trams and later, buses, until road changes in the mid-1990s rendered it disused. The shelter was restored in 2009 by Fylde Borough Council and Lytham Civic Society and remains a local landmark, though no longer used for public transport. The shelter was built in 1923 by John Heap & Sons at the request of the Lytham St. Annes Borough… Read more »

Palatine Library and Learning Centre First Opens

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The Palatine Public Library officially opened to the public on 8 September 1923, marking a significant moment in Blackpool’s cultural and educational history. Its origins, however, trace back to 1920, when Boy Scout Troop One began collecting books with the aim of creating a community resource. Their efforts laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of public learning and literacy in the area. The library’s formal opening in 1923 signalled the beginning of a new chapter in accessible education and community enrichment, offering local residents the opportunity to borrow books and engage with a growing range of services…. Read more »

Gracie Fields’ Love Affair with Blackpool

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Gracie Fields, the iconic Lancashire lass, maintained a lifelong connection with Blackpool, a place that held a special charm for her throughout her illustrious career. Her first encounter with the resort came as a young girl on an outing for underprivileged children from Rochdale. At just seven years old, she wandered under North Pier and became lost as the tide rolled in. By the age of 14, she returned with professional ambitions, running away to Blackpool in hopes of joining a juvenile performance troupe. Fields began topping show bills in Blackpool in the 1920s, performing in her husband Archie Pitt’s… Read more »

Blackpool King Carnival

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The Blackpool King Carnival of 1923 was a grand event that captivated the town over a full week from 9 – 16 June. This week-long celebration was designed to showcase Blackpool’s burgeoning reputation as a leading entertainment destination and to offer an extensive programme of activities for both residents and visitors. The carnival kicked off with a spectacular parade featuring elaborate floats, costumed performers, and marching bands. Each float was meticulously themed to reflect contemporary trends, popular culture, or local history, creating a vibrant and colourful spectacle. The parade was a highlight of the week, drawing large crowds and setting the tone for the festivities.

Blackpool War Memorial and Cenotaph

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The Blackpool War Memorial and Cenotaph, erected in 1923, stands as a poignant tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in conflicts, particularly World War I and World War II. Located in a prominent position on Blackpool Promenade, within the Town Centre Conservation Area, this imposing monument is both a symbol of remembrance and a central feature of Blackpool’s historical landscape. Crafted from durable stone, the cenotaph’s design reflects the gravitas and respect typical of war memorials from its era. It features classical architectural elements that evoke a sense of solemnity, with inscriptions and symbolic elements such as wreaths and… Read more »

Blackpool’s Open Air Baths (Lido)

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The Blackpool Open Air Baths, also called the Blackpool Lido, opened to the public in 1923. They were built to give people a big, outdoor swimming pool to enjoy, making the most of Blackpool’s fame as a seaside spot. At the time, the baths were one of the largest open-air pools in the UK. They had diving boards, areas for sunbathing, and lots of seats for people to watch. The lido quickly became a popular place for swimming, sunbathing, and family outings. Its size and impressive features made it a well-known part of Blackpool, attracting many visitors every summer. The baths were more than just a place to swim; they were an important part of Blackpool’s social life, hosting events like swimming races, diving shows, and beauty contests.