Category: ★

Photo Exclusive: Joe McElderry’s First Live Performance in Blackpool

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On 14 November 2010, Blackpool BID put on the Christmas Lights Switch-On event in the town centre with Joe McElderry doing the honours. The video clip and photos featured in this post were taken at the event and are shown here for the first time as an exclusive on Blackpool Timeline. For more up-to-date information about Blackpool BID, please visit the website. BACK TO THE PRESENT Michael Harrison and the Really Useful Group are delighted to announce that South Shields-born X Factor winner, Joe McElderry, will return this year to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, where he is set… Read more »

Retailing Giant Richard Lefton Dies at Age 54

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Richard Lefton, one of the most well-known figures in Blackpool’s retail sector, passed away in January 2020 at the age of 54. He died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital after being admitted with sepsis, a sudden loss that came as a devastating shock to his family. Richard was born in St Annes in December 1965 and went to Devonshire Road School and Warbreck High School. He went to both schools with Ian Rainford, now a very successful property developer, and remained friends with him until Richard passed. Ian developed the Lefton’s warehouse building on Walker Street in Blackpool as well as the… Read more »

Roy Castle Photo Exclusive!

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The following pictures were taken by Marilyn Read in 1988 during a Plumb Centre group tour of Portugal and are being published for the first time on Blackpool Timeline. Whilst these photos weren’t taken in Blackpool, Roy Castle is from Cleveleys and spent a lot of time entertaining in Blackpool, including his world record attempt at Blackpool Tower for Record Breakers, the TV show he hosted since its first airing in 1972. The Tower rope slide event can be seen towards the end of the video (featured below in this post) with many of his career highlights.

Photo Exclusive: Princess Diana’s Compassionate Visit

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In 1987, Princess Diana went to visit a young girl named Nicola Wilding in Blackpool. Nicola, who was dealing with cystic fibrosis, had written a touching letter asking Diana to come and see her. Diana, known for her kindness and dedication to charity, was moved by Nicola’s letter and decided to make the trip. When Diana arrived, she spent time with Nicola and her family, showing a real interest in Nicola’s condition and the challenges she was facing. This wasn’t just a quick visit; Diana took the time to sit down with Nicola, chat with her, and offer comfort and… Read more »