Category: 2022

Stanley Park’s Gift to Skaters, Skateboarders and BMX Fans

Posted by

Skaters, skateboarders and BMX fans turned out in force to celebrate the opening of a 4,000 sq m new skate park in Blackpool in May of 2022. The new facility, packed with stairs, ledges, rails, curbs, quarter pipes as well as a mini ramp to test riders’ skills, was the brainchild of two local skateboarders, Simon Bennet and Big Woody, who founded the Stanley Park Skate Park Development Group to convert a run-down area of Stanley Park into an attraction that will bring people in from across the county. They had the support of Blackpool Council and the Friends of… Read more »

Nigel Hanson Publishes His First Novel

Posted by

Nigel Hanson lives on the Fylde Coast and published his first book Murder Mapped Out on 30 October 2022. It’s part of a series of three books, which are all available on Amazon. Aside from being a terrific writer, Nigel has had a great influence on Blackpool, both with the Town Centre Forum and Blackpool BID. MURDER MAPPED OUT On his stroll through the estate grounds, his beagle alongside him, Selwyn sniffed the air and looked about with a rapturous smile. ‘A good wife, if a bit spirited, a gorgeous son, good staff, all this – and, of course, you.’… Read more »

Diana Ross Performs at Lytham Festival

Posted by

Diana Ross performed at the Lytham Festival on June 28, 2022, as part of her Thank You Tour, marking a highly anticipated return to the stage. As the headliner for the first night of the festival, Ross captivated thousands of fans with her signature charisma, powerhouse vocals, and an electrifying setlist featuring both classic hits and newer material. The Lytham Festival, an annual music event held on the picturesque banks of the Ribble Estuary, provided a stunning coastal backdrop for the legendary singer’s performance. The Thank You Tour was named after her 2021 studio album, Thank You, which was her first… Read more »

Fleetwood Mural Art

Posted by

The Big Heart Mural Project, initiated by Christian Fenn (known as Seca One) and Hayley Garner Uses Art, focuses on creating striking murals addressing significant social issues. The project seeks to produce 10 murals in Fleetwood over two years, collaborating with world-class artists and local community organisations. It also includes educational workshops aimed at schools, youth centres, and service providers to raise awareness about pressing issues and guide the public towards helpful resources. By introducing murals in stages, the project aims to keep the community engaged, promote a sense of ownership, and draw ongoing attention to Fleetwood. Organisers view the… Read more »

Alfie Boe & Michael Ball Album Launch

Posted by

On Friday, 28 October 2022, Michael Ball and Alfie Boe visited Blackpool to promote their album Together in Vegas, their fifth collaborative studio effort, released by Decca Records. The album achieved significant success, reaching number three on the UK Albums Chart. A few years earlier, Boe had also appeared in Blackpool for the Lights Switch-On concert. A clip below shows the duo at Viva Vegas during their promotional tour for the new album. Alfie Boe, the youngest of nine siblings, was born in Blackpool and raised in Fleetwood. Of Irish and Norwegian heritage, his parents named him after Pope John… Read more »

Pete & Sophie Win Big with Gogglebox

Posted by

Tremaine, Twaine, and Tristan, alongside Pete and Sophie Sandiford from Gogglebox, celebrated their win for Best Entertainment Show at the TRIC Awards 2022, held at Grosvenor House in London on Wednesday, 6th July. The couple, known for their charming presence on the Channel 4 series, dazzled on the blue carpet as Gogglebox triumphed at the prestigious TV awards. The Sandifords, siblings from Blackpool, made their way to the event in central London, joining fellow television and radio personalities. All smiles, they were thrilled to see their beloved show recognised with the accolade for Best Entertainment Show. For many, one of… Read more »

Coastal Radio Launch

Posted by

After gaining significant experience in the radio industry over the years, Paula decided to take the next step in her career by launching her very own station. In 2022, the opportunity arose when the newly established DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) multiplex became available for Blackpool, Wyre, and Fylde, and Paula saw it as the perfect platform to fulfil her long-held ambition of owning a radio station. On 26th September 2022, Coastal Radio officially went on air, marking a major achievement for Paula and her team. The launch of Coastal Radio provided a fresh, local voice to the community, offering a… Read more »

Fylde Coast Resilience

Posted by

Fylde Coast Resilience is focused on making a difference by bringing the VCFSE, private and public sectors together, providing knowledge, information and support to help businesses and organisations make positive, powerful connections. The launch meeting was on Wednesday 23 November 2022, at Mandus House. Unlike traditional ‘networking’ groups, they don’t make time-consuming presentations that prevent attendees from talking with each other. They don’t expect referrals, set targets or make any demands from attendees. Together they support the community, re-shape business and create sustainable, successful futures for everyone. If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, check… Read more »

Billy Bragg at the Rebellion Festival

Posted by

Billy Bragg has been a notable presence at the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, headlining performances in 2017, 2019, and 2022. The festival, held annually at the Winter Gardens, is one of the largest punk rock events in the world, gathering punk bands and fans from across the globe. Bragg, known for blending folk music with punk rock ethos, fits seamlessly into the festival’s diverse lineup. His performances are highly anticipated, showcasing his unique mix of music and activism. In 2017, he headlined the festival on August 5th, delivering a set that featured his classic hits and politically charged songs. He... Read more »