Fourth Generation Commercial Pilot in Westoby Family
Prior to WWII, Westair had been involved in aviation since the 1930s when it was started by Walter “Wally” Westoby pictured below. Wally started his career as an engineer on lifts for coal mines. Later he would start out as mechanic on aircraft before becoming a pilot himself. At the time he was flying out of an aerodrome based at Blackpool’s Stanley Park. Some of the aircraft hangars still exist at the Zoo as part of the elephant enclosure. During the Second World War Wally was sent to Canada, teaching Navigation for the RAF. There he flew Avro Ansons like... Read more »
Robert Lawrenson Lands Role in SyFy’s Sanctuary
Robert Lawrenson was born in Blackpool on 12 November 1971. He is an actor, film editor and director, perhaps best known for his role of Declan MacRae in the SyFy TV show Sanctuary (2008) – where he appeared for three series, and Underworld Awakening (2012). He began acting as a child in musical theatre, and went on to study acting in York, and performed in theatre in York, and in several productions at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Lawrenson played P.C. Glaister and a police officer in Coronation Street from 2002 to 2007. He also appeared in Crossroads, Holby City, Heartbeat,... Read more »
Outpost – Steve Barker’s Debut Feature Film
Steve Barker, born on 4 April 1971 in Blackpool, is an English film director and screenwriter renowned for his contributions to the horror and thriller genres. Barker’s storytelling often blends genre elements, creating narratives marked by tension and stylistic innovation. His work reflects a strong commitment to genre filmmaking, solidifying his reputation within British cinema, particularly in the horror landscape. Barker’s early career highlights include Magic Hour (2002), a short film starring John Simm. He made his feature film directorial debut with Outpost (2008), a supernatural thriller set against a World War II backdrop, featuring Ray Stevenson and Richard Brake.... Read more »
Thompsons Shopfitters & Building Contractors
Thompson Contracts Blackpool Ltd was founded in 2008 by brothers Matthew and Joseph Thompson. Initially targeting pubs, breweries, and leisure facilities, the company quickly grew in reputation and scope. After two years of operations, they relocated from a single unit on a business park to Dales Farm, where they established their Head Office and workshops. This move marked the beginning of their expansion into new sectors, including service stations, hospitals, hotels, railway stations, and airports. Between 2016 and 2018, Thompson Contracts further broadened its portfolio, taking on projects within the retail sector and for football clubs. However, in 2019, the...
Little Boots on Later… with Jools Holland
Little Boots, the stage name of Victoria Hesketh, made her television debut on Later… with Jools Holland on 7 November 2008. Her invitation to perform on the show came after she gained attention by sharing her music on MySpace, marking the start of her rise to prominence. Born in Blackpool and raised in Thornton, Hesketh is a singer-songwriter and DJ with a dynamic career spanning solo projects and earlier work as a member of the band Dead Disco. As a solo artist, she has released four albums to date: Hands (2009), Nocturnes (2013), Working Girl (2015), and Tomorrow’s Yesterdays (2022),... Read more »
Tesco Extra’s Expansion
The store first opened its doors in the early 1990s, but in 2008, it underwent a major expansion. This move was part of Tesco’s broader strategy to increase its market presence and offer a more extensive product range to customers. Tesco Extra stores, which are larger than standard Tesco supermarkets, provide a wider selection of items including groceries, clothing, electronics, and household goods. The Clifton Road expansion involved significantly enlarging the existing store (as highlighted by the image below showing a noticeable roof extension). This expansion aimed to meet growing customer demand and enhance the shopping experience by modernising the... Read more »
Tommy Steele at The Grand Theatre
All round entertainer Tommy Steele starred as Dr Dolittle at the Grand Theatre. The photo was taken on 20 February 2008 out in front of the theatre. Tommy Steele brought a lot to the Doctor Doolittle role, which made perfect sense as he’s starred in so many shows that have been good for the whole family. From a title role in 1960s musical Hans Christian Andersen, via Half a Sixpence, to his stint in Scrooge, the showman is the embodiment of classic family entertainment. The cheeky cockney was perfect for a national tour of Doctor Doolittle, the smash-hit musical about the vet who... Read more »
Cannon and Ball
Thomas Derbyshire (Cannon) and Robert Harper (Ball), known collectively as Cannon and Ball, formed one of the most beloved comedy double acts in British entertainment history. Their partnership spanned over four decades, from the early 1960s, when they first met while working as welders in Oldham, Lancashire, to their final performances together before Ball’s passing in 2020. Known for their impeccable timing, slapstick humour, and infectious personalities, the duo became a staple of British comedy, with their variety show The Cannon and Ball Show running on ITV from 1979 to 1988. Cannon and Ball’s journey into show business began in... Read more »
The First Blackpool BIBA Awards
The first Blackpool BIBAs (Be Inspired Business Awards) event took place in 2008 at the Tower and brought glitz to the local business community. Former Spandau Ballet front man, Tony Hadley, provided the entertainment to the 600 attendees. The awards took the Lancashire business community by storm and so the BIBAs quickly became the awards business wanted to win. The event returns to the resort in 2024 and is expecting over 1,000 guests to attend the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Twenty trophies will be up for grabs – plus Lancastrian of the Year – and the BIBAs team have been getting... Read more »
Showzam!
Showzam is a vibrant festival that celebrates Circus, Magic, and Variety, and since its debut in 2008, it has grown into a major highlight of Blackpool’s event calendar. It has been on for several years and stopped prior to the COVID epidemic, but it’s back in February 2025. Each year, the festival becomes more ambitious, offering a diverse range of performances that appeal to all ages. For five days, Blackpool is transformed into ‘Circus Town,’ showcasing the very best in international circus and street performances. Over 25,000 visitors flocked to see performers from eleven different countries taking over the streets,... Read more »
Blackpool Beach Volleyball
Competitors gathered in Blackpool for an international beach volleyball tournament. This was the first time the Nestea European Tour held a round in the UK, with VisitBlackpool and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) hosting. The event was part of a £3.5 million NWDA investment to support major events in Blackpool as part of the town’s ongoing regeneration efforts. The three-day tournament took place on six specially constructed courts, requiring 1,200 tonnes of sand, a 2,000-seat stand, and floodlights. With a prize fund of 100,000 Euros (£79,209) and Olympic qualifying points at stake, Britain’s top male and female players competed... Read more »
Paul Daniels & Friends
Paul Daniels, the renowned magician and entertainer, had a significant presence in Blackpool while promoting The Best of British Variety Tour 2008. Celebrated for his innovative magic tricks and charismatic performances, Daniels was a central figure in variety entertainment, adding glamour and excitement to his shows. The tour, which ran through August and September 2008, visited various venues across England and Wales and celebrated British variety—a genre known for its eclectic mix of comedy, music, and magic. Blackpool, with its rich variety theatre heritage, was a prominent location for this event. The city’s Winter Gardens, a historic venue long associated... Read more »
Tony Williams re-forms Stealers Wheel
Tony Williams, who was part of Stealers Wheel, decided to make big changes to the band and re-record their famous song “Stuck in the Middle with You.” Stealers Wheel became popular in the 1970s with their mix of rock and folk music, and this song was a big part of their success. In 2008, Tony Williams decided to bring the band back together with new members. The goal was to reconnect with fans and update the band’s classic sound. One of the main projects after this change was re-recording “Stuck in the Middle.” The new version was meant to introduce... Read more »
Charlie Cairoli Statue moved to the Tower
The statue of Charlie Cairoli was initially placed in Stanley Park in Blackpool to honour his contributions to the town’s entertainment scene. But because of his special connection to the Blackpool Tower Circus, the statue was moved to the Blackpool Tower. This relocation was to better recognise his legacy by putting the statue at the place where he made such a big impact. The Blackpool Tower is a historic landmark, and its Tower Circus has been a central part of Blackpool’s entertainment since it opened in 1894. Moving Cairoli’s statue to the Blackpool Tower allows visitors to celebrate his work... Read more »
The Riverdance Shipwreck
On 31 January 2008, a container ferry got stuck on the beach near Anchorsholme, close to Cleveleys. By the morning of 1 February, people in Cleveleys and Anchorsholme woke up to find the Riverdance shipwreck on their shores. The Riverdance ferry was traveling from Ireland to Heysham when a huge wave hit it during a strong storm with winds up to 80 mph. This caused the ferry to tilt and eventually run aground at Anchorsholme, where northern Cleveleys begins. Emergency services, including the RNLI and helicopters, quickly responded. They later described the weather as some of the worst they had ever... Read more »