Category: 2024

Coyote Ugly Comes to Blackpool Prom

Born in the heart of New York City in 1993, Coyote Ugly Saloon was the brainchild of Liliana “Lil” Lovell, who set out to create a bar that was anything but ordinary. With its fearless bartenders, electrifying atmosphere, and wild west-inspired decor, Coyote Ugly quickly became a legend. The unique blend of bartenders dancing on the bar, thumping music, and unapologetic fun sparked an international sensation. The iconic brand truly went global after the release of the film Coyote Ugly in 2000, bringing the bold, boundary-pushing spirit to screens worldwide. Since then, Coyote Ugly Saloon has expanded its reach across… Read more »

Nigel Farage Speaks at Blackpool’s Imperial Hotel

On 20 June 2024, Nigel Farage brought his Reform UK campaign to Blackpool, addressing a sold-out crowd at the Imperial Hotel. Prior to his speech, Farage unveiled a new campaign poster in the town and spoke to local media including the Gazette, positioning Reform as the only real alternative to both Labour and the Conservatives. He urged locals to “join the revolt,” claiming that Britain was broken and only his party had the answers to fix it. Responding to a question on what Reform could do for Blackpool, Farage pointed to the party’s flagship pledge: raising the personal income tax… Read more »

Lorraine Beavers, Labour MP of Blackpool North and Fleetwood

Lorraine Beavers is a British Labour Party politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for Blackpool North and Fleetwood since the general election on 4 July 2024. She won the seat by defeating the incumbent Conservative MP, Paul Maynard, with a majority of 4,647 votes. Her victory was part of Labour’s broader success in the election, marking a shift in political representation for the constituency. Before entering Parliament, Beavers had a long-standing career in local politics. She was the deputy leader of the Labour opposition group on both Wyre Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, where she was… Read more »

Play Expo, The UK Longest Running Retro Games Expo

PLAY Expo is the UK’s longest running and most popular retro games expo, and it returns for 2025 to the Norbreck Castle for its 15th year! The event promises to be an unmissable event for gaming enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive celebration of gaming culture spanning decades. Organised by Replay Events, this expo is not only the UK’s longest-running retro gaming show but also a haven for gamers, collectors, and industry professionals. The event will take place on October 4–5, 2025, at the Norbreck Castle Exhibition Centre, a popular location in Blackpool that has hosted numerous large-scale gaming and entertainment events…. Read more »

Jane McDonald Returns to Blackpool

Jane McDonald is set to return to the stage in 2024 with her brand-new tour, With All My Love, which will begin with two special nights at Blackpool Opera House on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October. The tour will see her visit over 20 theatres and arenas across the UK, performing fan favourites as well as new material she has personally written. Audiences can expect an evening filled with glamour, heartfelt performances, and her signature Yorkshire wit. Tickets go on sale at 8:30 am on Friday, 24 November via cuffeandtaylor.com. Speaking about the tour, Jane said: “Over the years,… Read more »

Heritage Trams Suspends its Service

Blackpool faces a poignant moment as the Heritage Trams have been officially withdrawn from service, with the final tours of the season cancelled. The future of the historic fleet remains uncertain, though Blackpool Transport has expressed hope for a potential return in the future. The decision, described as a difficult but necessary step, was made to prioritise efficiency and safety as the town’s tram network continues to evolve. As part of ongoing modernisation efforts following the North Station extension, Blackpool Transport is introducing advanced safety systems, including the Obstacle Detection Assistance System (ODAS) and the Collision and Overspeed Monitoring and… Read more »

Mel B Switches on the Lights

Mel B expressed how privileged she felt to be chosen to switch on the Blackpool Illuminations, a moment she described as especially meaningful due to her deep connection to the resort. The Spice Girls singer, who once lived in Blackpool as a teenager, recalled her early days as a 16-year-old dancer in the Mystique show at the Pleasure Beach. This experience marked her first professional job before she rose to global fame with the Spice Girls. Reflecting on her childhood, Mel B shared fond memories of her family visiting the Illuminations every year in their “clapped-out car,” sitting in traffic… Read more »

Blackpool Civil Service Hub

At the time of writing this post, the new Civil Service Hub in Blackpool had not yet been completed, but it had already reached its highest point, making it the tallest office building in the town. This £100 million, 215,000 sq ft development, located near Blackpool North train station on King Street, is being delivered by Blackpool Council in collaboration with nationwide developer Muse and contractor VINCI Construction. The hub is part of Blackpool’s £350 million Talbot Gateway redevelopment, which aims to bring over 8,000 professional workers and students to the town centre, helping to rejuvenate the area. The building… Read more »

Central Multi-Storey Car Park

The new multi-storey car park opened on 17 May 2024 and is located on Seasiders Way/Chapel Street in Blackpool. It accepts cars and motorcycles and is a pay-on-foot service using your registration number, which is also required to gain access to the car park on your return.. If you are using a satnav to locate this car park, please use the postcode: FY1 5QE. Parking charges apply at all times. You can use the PayByPhone app to pay for your stay in this car park, giving you complete control from your own phone. You can download the PayByPhone app from the App Store or Google… Read more »

Chris Lowe Back in Blackpool

Chris Lowe, along with Neil Tennant, his partner in the iconic synth-pop duo The Pet Shop Boys, gave a one-night performance at Funny Girls in Blackpool on 6 September 2024. The pair, who formed their groundbreaking musical act in 1981, continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Lowe was born in Blackpool in 1959 and continues to show his affection for his hometown, as highlighted in a video of him playing It’s a Sin on the Wurlitzer organ at the Tower Ballroom. He has also supported local music initiatives, notably donating a state-of-the-art keyboard to Blackpool Music School. Lowe’s connection to Blackpool… Read more »