Category: 1978

Dave Ball Meets Marc Almond

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David James Ball, born on 3 May 1959 in Chester, Cheshire, is an influential English producer and electronic musician best known for his work with the synthpop duo Soft Cell and the electronic music group The Grid. Raised in Blackpool after being adopted, Ball attended Arnold School before moving on to studying art at Leeds Polytechnic, where he met Marc Almond, and together they formed Soft Cell in 1978. The duo found fame with hits like “Tainted Love” and “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye,” and continued until their split in 1984. Ball’s solo career began in 1983 with the album In… Read more »

B&M Bargains Success Story

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B&M is now one of the leading variety retailers in the UK and opened its first store in Blackpool in 1978. In 2004 B&M was acquired by Simon and Bobby Arora from Phildrew Investments, at which time the Company traded from just 21 stores. The business moved into a new head office and modern 620,000 square foot distribution centre in Speke, Liverpool. In 2012 B&M opened its 300th store in the UK. Clayton, Dubilier and Rice, one of the world’s leading private equity firms acquired a significant stake in B&M and Sir Terry Leahy was appointed and served as Chairman of B&M until March 2018…. Read more »

Ken Dodd Opens Coral Island

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Ken Dodd made countless trips to Blackpool, entertaining visitors for hours and often treating them to coffee and more fun afterwards. On 26 May 1978, he opened Coral Island, a two-acre entertainment complex on the Gold Mile, accompanied by six of his Diddymen. Later, on 10 October 2011, he was also seen opening the Comedy Carpet on the promenade. The Comedy Carpet, designed by artist Gordon Young, showcases thousands of catchphrases from comedians who have performed in Blackpool over the years. Located prominently on the Blackpool seafront, Coral Island is a large amusement complex offering a variety of attractions, including… Read more »