Category: 2008

Fourth Generation Commercial Pilot in Westoby Family

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Prior to WWII, Westair had been involved in aviation since the 1930s when it was started by Walter “Wally” Westoby pictured below. Wally started his career as an engineer on lifts for coal mines. Later he would start out as mechanic on aircraft before becoming a pilot himself. At the time he was flying out of an aerodrome based at Blackpool’s Stanley Park. Some of the aircraft hangars still exist at the Zoo as part of the elephant enclosure. During the Second World War Wally was sent to Canada, teaching Navigation for the RAF. There he flew Avro Ansons like… Read more »

Robert Lawrenson Lands Role in SyFy’s Sanctuary

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Robert Lawrenson was born in Blackpool on 12 November 1971. He is an actor, film editor and director, perhaps best known for his role of Declan MacRae in the SyFy TV show Sanctuary (2008) – where he appeared for three series, and Underworld Awakening (2012). He began acting as a child in musical theatre, and went on to study acting in York, and performed in theatre in York, and in several productions at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Lawrenson played P.C. Glaister and a police officer in Coronation Street from 2002 to 2007. He also appeared in Crossroads, Holby City, Heartbeat,… Read more »

Outpost – Steve Barker’s Debut Feature Film

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Steve Barker, born on 4 April 1971 in Blackpool, is an English film director and screenwriter renowned for his contributions to the horror and thriller genres. Barker’s storytelling often blends genre elements, creating narratives marked by tension and stylistic innovation. His work reflects a strong commitment to genre filmmaking, solidifying his reputation within British cinema, particularly in the horror landscape. Barker’s early career highlights include Magic Hour (2002), a short film starring John Simm. He made his feature film directorial debut with Outpost (2008), a supernatural thriller set against a World War II backdrop, featuring Ray Stevenson and Richard Brake…. Read more »

Thompsons Shoplifters & Building Contractors

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Thompson Contracts Blackpool Ltd was founded in 2008 by brothers Matthew and Joseph Thompson. Initially targeting pubs, breweries, and leisure facilities, the company quickly grew in reputation and scope. After two years of operations, they relocated from a single unit on a business park to Dales Farm, where they established their Head Office and workshops. This move marked the beginning of their expansion into new sectors, including service stations, hospitals, hotels, railway stations, and airports. Between 2016 and 2018, Thompson Contracts further broadened its portfolio, taking on projects within the retail sector and for football clubs. However, in 2019, the… Read more »

Little Boots on Later… with Jools Holland

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Little Boots, the stage name of Victoria Hesketh, made her television debut on Later… with Jools Holland on 7 November 2008. Her invitation to perform on the show came after she gained attention by sharing her music on MySpace, marking the start of her rise to prominence. Born in Blackpool and raised in Thornton, Hesketh is a singer-songwriter and DJ with a dynamic career spanning solo projects and earlier work as a member of the band Dead Disco. As a solo artist, she has released four albums to date: Hands (2009), Nocturnes (2013), Working Girl (2015), and Tomorrow’s Yesterdays (2022),… Read more »

Tesco Extra’s Expansion

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The store first opened its doors in the early 1990s, but in 2008, it underwent a major expansion. This move was part of Tesco’s broader strategy to increase its market presence and offer a more extensive product range to customers. Tesco Extra stores, which are larger than standard Tesco supermarkets, provide a wider selection of items including groceries, clothing, electronics, and household goods. The Clifton Road expansion involved significantly enlarging the existing store (as highlighted by the image below showing a noticeable roof extension). This expansion aimed to meet growing customer demand and enhance the shopping experience by modernising the… Read more »

Tommy Steele at The Grand Theatre

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All round entertainer Tommy Steele starred as Dr Dolittle at the Grand Theatre. The photo was taken on 20 February 2008 out in front of the theatre. Tommy Steele brought a lot to the Doctor Doolittle role, which made perfect sense as he’s starred in so many shows that have been good for the whole family. From a title role in 1960s musical Hans Christian Andersen, via Half a Sixpence, to his stint in Scrooge, the showman is the embodiment of classic family entertainment. The cheeky cockney was perfect for a national tour of Doctor Doolittle, the smash-hit musical about the vet who… Read more »

Cannon and Ball

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Thomas Derbyshire (Cannon) and Robert Harper (Ball), known collectively as Cannon and Ball, formed one of the most beloved comedy double acts in British entertainment history. Their partnership spanned over four decades, from the early 1960s, when they first met while working as welders in Oldham, Lancashire, to their final performances together before Ball’s passing in 2020. Known for their impeccable timing, slapstick humour, and infectious personalities, the duo became a staple of British comedy, with their variety show The Cannon and Ball Show running on ITV from 1979 to 1988. Cannon and Ball’s journey into show business began in… Read more »

The First Blackpool BIBA Awards

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The first Blackpool BIBAs (Be Inspired Business Awards) event took place in 2008 at the Tower and brought glitz to the local business community. Former Spandau Ballet front man, Tony Hadley, provided the entertainment to the 600 attendees. The awards took the Lancashire business community by storm and so the BIBAs quickly became the awards business wanted to win. The event returns to the resort in 2024 and is expecting over 1,000 guests to attend the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Twenty trophies will be up for grabs – plus Lancastrian of the Year – and the BIBAs team have been getting… Read more »

Showzam!

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Showzam is a vibrant festival that celebrates Circus, Magic, and Variety, and since its debut in 2008, it has grown into a major highlight of Blackpool’s event calendar. It has been on for several years and stopped prior to the COVID epidemic, but it’s back in February 2025. Each year, the festival becomes more ambitious, offering a diverse range of performances that appeal to all ages. For five days, Blackpool is transformed into ‘Circus Town,’ showcasing the very best in international circus and street performances. Over 25,000 visitors flocked to see performers from eleven different countries taking over the streets,… Read more »