Category: 2017

Duncan Bannatyne Opens His Health Club in Blackpool

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Bannatyne Health Club in Blackpool opened in early August 2017, coinciding with the launch of a new spa facility that enhanced the club’s offering. The spa includes treatment rooms, manicure and pedicure stations, as well as access to the club’s sauna and other amenities. The health club combines state-of-the-art gym equipment and a broad selection of exercise classes with luxurious swimming pools and spa facilities, creating a balanced environment for both fitness and relaxation. The club is committed to continual investment, ensuring it remains at the forefront of industry trends while providing excellent facilities, modern equipment, and great value to… Read more »

John Nickson and Pride of Place

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John Nickson was responsible for fundraising at the British Council, English National Opera, the Royal Academy of Arts and Tate. He is a member of the governing Council of the Royal College of Music and a trustee of London Music Masters, The Beacon Collaborative and UK Community Foundations. Previously, he has been a trustee of Atlantic College, United World Colleges (UWC) and MANGO ( management accounting for NGOs) and OPERA RARA. He is Special Advisor to Philanthropy Company and Ambassador for the Blackpool Pride of Place Regeneration Project. John has been advisor and mentor to several charitable organisations, including Mansfield… Read more »

Nicola Thorp Lands Role In Coronation Street

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Nicola Sian Thorp was born in Blackpool and attended Arnold School, where she held the position of deputy head girl. Her family runs a Blackpool rock factory, established by her grandfather in 1962. Thorp is a broadcaster, columnist, activist, and former actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Nicola Rubinstein in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street, as well as her contributions to Metro newspaper, This Morning, and Talk Today. She studied acting at the Arts Educational Schools (ArtsEd) in London from 2007 to 2010. In 2018, Thorp took part in Sport Relief’s “Clash of the Channels” boat… Read more »

David Hoyle’s Belle Vue Start

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David Hoyle, born on 19 September 1962 in Layton, Blackpool, is a trailblazing English performance artist known for his avant-garde cabaret, satirical comedy, and thought-provoking work on LGBTQ+ issues. His childhood in Blackpool was marked by severe bullying for his homosexuality, which led to a mental breakdown at the age of 14. Hoyle’s artistic career began with performances in Blackpool, including at the Belle Vue pub (where Robbie Williams made a music video), where he developed comedic routines under the persona of Paul Munnery-Vain. After relocating to Manchester in the 1990s, he became a fixture in gay clubs and crafted… Read more »

Blackpool Pride of Place Partnership

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Blackpool Pride of Place Partnership calls on Government to further its support to regenerate the Town. The Partnership is part of Business in the Community (BITC), The Prince’s Responsible Business Network. It has released a fourth edition of its Blackpool Town Prospectus to help respond to the current and future needs of Blackpool, by building on its strategic partnership with the UK Government formed in 2022. The Blackpool Pride of Place Partnership, founded in 2017 by BITC, is a partnership of the private, public, and voluntary sectors working together to create long-term transformational change in Blackpool. BITC has been working in… Read more »

Murder on Blackpool Express

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Murder on the Blackpool Express is a 2017 comedy-drama television film written by Jason Cook. A parody of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, the film blends humour with a mystery narrative. It stars Johnny Vegas as Terry, a down-to-earth coach driver, and Sian Gibson as Gemma, the tour guide and his love interest. The film also features a star-studded cast, including Sheila Reid, Una Stubbs (in her final role), Griff Rhys Jones, Nina Wadia, Nigel Havers, Kimberley Nixon, and Kevin Eldon. The plot revolves around a bus tour designed for mystery novel enthusiasts, led by the pompous author… Read more »

Major Upgrade to the Ruskin Hotel

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In 2017, Tony Banks of Blackpool Promotions became the new owner of the Ruskin Hotel on Albert Road, a long-established 71-bedroom hotel that had been a staple of Blackpool’s hospitality scene for over 80 years. The Ruskin, which had been owned by the same family for decades, was sold as the owners decided to retire. Banks, who already owned four other hotels in the area, including The Royal Carlton, The Royal Seabank, The Boston, and Southbank, announced plans for a £500,000 investment to breathe new life into the hotel. His vision included the addition of spa facilities, which he hoped… Read more »

Will Smith Performing on the Promenade

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Hollywood star Will Smith headlined the final night of the 2017 Livewire Festival on Blackpool Promenade, performing with DJ Jazzy Jeff. This performance marked their only UK show that year, delighting fans with hits like Miami, Summertime, and Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It. Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff first teamed up in the 1980s and won a Grammy for their hit Parents Just Don’t Understand. Ahead of the festival, Smith posted a rehearsal video online, teasing fans with a simple message: “Y’all Ready??” Known for his successful acting career, Smith became a household name with his role in the 1990s sitcom… Read more »

Lancashire Energy HQ

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Opened in September 2017, the £12m Lancashire Energy HQ (LEHQ) is a state-of-the-art facility developed by Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) and co-funded by the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership. Located within Blackpool Airport’s newly established Enterprise Zone, the centre is purpose-built to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the engineering, manufacturing, and energy sectors. LEHQ offers a wide range of training programmes for individuals aged 16 and over who are looking to advance their careers in these high-demand industries. The facility is equipped with industry-standard resources and staffed by experts in education, ensuring high-quality STEM training. The evolving… Read more »

Ma Kellys Cabaret Showboat

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After undergoing a complete overhaul in both ownership and refurbishment, the iconic Showboat re-opened its doors in August 2017, bringing with it a fresh, exciting atmosphere and a commitment to offering one of the most unique entertainment experiences in Blackpool. There are more Ma Kellys on the Fylde Coast, one of which is the former Foxhall Pub. Widely regarded as one of the most exhilarating and amusing FREE shows on the Fylde Coast, the Showboat Showstopper delivers a thrilling evening of live entertainment that is impossible to beat. Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday throughout the season, and on select winter… Read more »