Category: 2021

Eric Wright Makes Bispham Gardens Care Centre Blossom

Eric Wright Group’s Health and Care division, and Glenholme Healthcare Group announced the establishment of a new joint venture (JV) with the aim of delivering 10-15 new care homes over five years from 2019. The JV focused their development and operating activities in Lancashire, Cumbria, Chester, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. The two partners had worked together to acquire Spiral Health’s interest in Bispham Gardens after Spiral Health fell into administration. Bispham Gardens is for mature and older people with care needs looking to achieve a relaxing lifestyle and retirement. The 52-bed care home with its new 24 room expansion opened… Read more »

John Thomson Stars in Hairspray at The Winter Gardens

John Patrick Thomson, born Patrick Francis McAleer on 2 April 1969 in Walkden, Worsley, is an English comedian, narrator, and actor known for his roles in The Fast Show, Men Behaving Badly, Cold Feet, 24 Hour Party People, The Brothers Grimsby, and Coronation Street. He also appeared in the 2004 TV mini-series Blackpool, playing Terry Corlette. In 2021, he joined the cast of Hairspray at Blackpool Winter Gardens, where he performed alongside Brenda Edwards, Alex Bourne, Katie Brace, and Akeem Ellis-Hyman. The production was directed by Paul Kerryson, with choreography by Drew McOnie. Thomson’s birth mother, Mary McAleer, placed him… Read more »

Knee Surgeon Shameem Sampath Turns Business Idea Into Reality

Shameem Sampath, a specialist at The Bluespot Knee Clinic, 32 Orchard Rd, Lytham, is preparing to bring his innovative physiotherapy device to market with the support of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). He credits the university’s hands-on business mentoring with providing essential guidance, describing himself as a “ship lost at sea” without it. For the past two years, Sampath has collaborated with UCLan’s business support team to develop Slider, a smart-technology product designed to assist patients undergoing knee and hip surgery in both pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery. Drawing on his extensive experience in the field, he has created… Read more »

Netflix Filming Stay Close in Blackpool

A Netflix crew were filming a new show called ‘Stay Close’ on the promenade, which will star actor James Nesbitt. This short video was made on an iPhone on 30 June 2021. This video is just one of many terrific videos you’ll find on the producer’s YouTube channel.

Funny Woman Filming in Blackpool and St Annes

St Trinian’s and James Bond actress Gemma Arterton is pictured here being filmed in St Annes for a TV series, an adaptation of Nick Hornby’s book – Funny Girls. The crew were in the resort for several days, filming scenes for the Sky Original show, the story taking place in Blackpool in the 1960s. Arterton was shooting scenes in St Anne’s on 24 September 2021, close to the pier and on the beach, and was almost unrecognisable in a bleach blonde wig and retro-inspired costume. At the time of filming, the name for the series adaptation of Nick Hornby’s best-selling novel… Read more »

Blackpool Premier Inn

On Valentine’s Day in 2009, Blackpool’s town centre was shaken by a dramatic fire that consumed Yates’ Wine Lodge on Talbot Square. The blaze, which quickly engulfed the three-storey building, caused severe damage to the historic structure. Yates’ Wine Lodge, a beloved local landmark for over 140 years, was reduced to rubble, and the iconic gilt signage that had once adorned its exterior was lost to the flames. The fire required the efforts of numerous fire crews from across the Fylde Coast, who battled the blaze for hours before it was brought under control. The destruction left a void in… Read more »

Sands Venue Resort Hotel & Spyglass

The opening of the Spyglass Bar offers a sneak peek into what Blackpool’s £30 million Sands Venue Resort Hotel will bring when it eventually opens on the Promenade. Although the hotel itself remains unfinished, the £600,000 Spyglass Bar began welcoming guests on 26 August 2021. Despite a £10 million loan from Blackpool Council, the hotel project has faced delays due to ongoing disputes between the developers and contractors. Developer Peter Swann, along with the hotel’s official website, maintains that the Sands Venue Resort will be Blackpool’s first five-star hotel, offering a luxury spa, gym, conference rooms, valet parking, and stunning… Read more »

Launch of ‘Naturally Insane’ The Life of Dan Leno

The launch of NATURALLY INSANE! THE LIFE OF DAN LENO, a new play by Blackpool based writer David Slattery-Christy featured Blackpool’s own panto star Steve Royle. For more on David Slattery-Christy, please see our other post here. Victorian superstar Dan Leno, a comedic genius from the English music hall scene, delighted audiences with his lively and quirky performances during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for his clever jokes and energetic style, Leno became a beloved entertainer in his time and left a legacy that continues to this day; especially his influence with physical comedy, making him a… Read more »

Go To A Galaxy Far Far Away on the Cleveleys Prom

The highly anticipated Star Wars Andor episode filmed in Cleveleys has been released on Disney Plus. The intergalactic action, shot on Cleveleys beach in May 2021, features scenes at Café Cove and even includes a special guest appearance by Mary’s Shell. The new episode, titled ‘Announcement,’ premiered on Disney Plus in the UK this morning (October 19) and showcases Cleveleys – with the help of CGI magic – as the space tourist resort of Niamos.