Tag: 1995

Marli Harwood Signs With Island Records

Marli Harwood (born Marilena Buck, 13 March 1975 in Lytham St Annes) also known as Marli Buck, is a British singer and songwriter. A piano and guitar player, she is of Eritrean, Italian, Welsh and English extraction. In 1995, she was signed by Chris Blackwell to his Island Records label. During the recording of her debut album, Blackwell decided to sell Island Records, and Harwood’s album was never released. In 2002, Harwood appeared on Fame Academy, and finished eighth in the series. She then recorded several albums with various major record labels, which remained unreleased or promoted. In 2010, the… Read more »

Wayne Michaels’ Bungee Stunt in James Bond Film Goldeneye

Wayne David Michaels, born on 22 January 1959 in Blackpool, is an English stuntman and stunt arranger known for his work in film and television. He attended Millfield School from 1972 to 1977 and has been married to fellow stunt performer Tracey Eddon since 1990, with whom he has one child. He is best known for performing the iconic bungee jump in the opening sequence of the James Bond film GoldenEye. The 220-metre jump, filmed at the Verzasca Dam in Switzerland, was voted the best movie stunt of all time in 2002 and set a record for the highest bungee… Read more »

Jenny Eclair – First Woman to Win Perrier Award

Jenny Eclair (born Jenny Clare Hargreaves; 16 March 1960) is an English comedian, novelist, and actress, best known for her roles in Grumpy Old Women between 2004 and 2007 and in Loose Women in 2011 and 2012. She is said to have adopted the alternative surname Eclair (later her stage name) in her teens, when she was at a disco in Blackpool and pretended to be French. She focuses on growing up in the following video clip from her standup act. Eclair was born to English parents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaya, where her father, Derek Hargreaves, a major in the… Read more »

Paul O’Grady (AKA Lily Savage) in Blackpool

Paul James O’Grady MBE DL (14 June 1955 – 28 March 2023) was an English comedian, broadcaster, drag queen, actor, and writer. Aside from all that, he was an LGBT+ champion during his days of playing loud-mouthed, heavy smoking drag act Lily Savage. The Layton Institute in Blackpool was made famous by Paul O’Grady’s Lily Savage when he filmed his Live from the Lilydrome TV show there in 1995. The club has also been graced by the likes of Joe Longthorne, the Nolans and Matt Munro. The image below shows the club as it is today. Layton Institute Images © Deeper Blue Marketing… Read more »

Ribby Hall Village & Spa Hotel

Twenty-five years ago, the Harrison family began developing what has since become one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations. In the mid-1990s, they acquired a partly developed, dilapidated caravan site in Wrea Green, Lancashire. At the time, the 100-acre plot contained a few rundown caravans and some old cowsheds, but its potential was undeniable. Today, Ribby Hall Village, still under the ownership of the Harrison family, welcomes over a million visitors annually and has become a favourite for families, individuals, and businesses alike. The transformation of Ribby Hall Village began in 1994 with the construction of 175 cottages, 350… Read more »

Affinity Lancashire – Freeport Outlet Shopping

Affinity Lancashire is a shopping and leisure outlet located in the port town of Fleetwood. Situated adjacent to Wyre Dock and the marina, the outlet is owned by Global Mutual Ltd and managed by Savills UK. It offers a wide range of retail options, with over 40 well-known brands represented, including popular names such as The Body Shop, Cadbury, Claire’s Accessories, Clarks Outlet, Mountain Warehouse, Hallmark Cards, Regatta, Home Bargains, Next, Sports Direct, Moss Bros, The Fragrance Shop, and The Works, among others. Shoppers can expect discounts of up to 60% off the recommended retail price (RRP) throughout the year,… Read more »

Helter Skelter M55 Roundabout Sculpture

The steel sculpture called Helter Skelter was situated on the roundabout at the end of the M55 that connects to Yeadon Way. The structure was erected in 1995 but damaged beyond repair in December 2015 after car mounted the roundabout and crashed into it during a police chase. Helter Skelter and figures were created by sculptor David Annand. Unfortunately, it has not been replaced due to the cost.

Village Hotel Opens (Now De Vere)

The Village Hotel Blackpool, opened in 2021, is part of the Village Hotel Group, a well-established brand known for its modern facilities and vibrant atmosphere. Located in the heart of Blackpool, the hotel provides a convenient and comfortable stay for both business and leisure visitors. It is situated near key attractions like Blackpool Zoo, the seaside promenade, and the iconic Blackpool Tower, making it a great base for exploring the area. The hotel offers a wide range of facilities, including an on-site pub and grill, a Starbucks café, and comprehensive wellness amenities such as an indoor pool, a gym, and… Read more »

Funny Bones Comes To Blackpool

“Funny Bones,” a 1995 comedy-drama directed by Peter Chelsom, prominently features Blackpool, as one of its main filming locations. Famous for its entertainment history, comedy, and variety shows, Blackpool was the perfect backdrop for a film about humor and performance. The town’s lively and nostalgic vibe provided an ideal setting. This coupled with renowned landmarks and amusement venues, like the Blackpool Tower, the historic Winter Gardens, and the bustling piers and promenade, gave the film a distinctive and authentic feel. These iconic spots helped ground the story in a recognisable place, adding to its unique visual style. The film captures... Read more »

The Saddle Beer Festival

Pam and Don Ashton, managers of the Saddle Inn, started the Saddle Beer Festival in Blackpool in 1994. Pam recalled that the party was rather emotional for them, mentioning their early retirement was due to their daughter’s serious illness. She commented further that they loved not just the building but the fantastic customers. The customers presented them with a set of crown green bowls, which they knew the couple wanted to try. Pam and Dom confirmed that receiving the gift from the locals was very touching for them. The Saddle Festival and the summer festival they introduced continued under the… Read more »