Tag: 2009

Mac Barlow Becomes Manager of Blackpool FC Ladies

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Mac Barlow was born on 31 May 1967 in Blackpool and is an English football manager and former football player. She became the manager of Blackpool FC Ladies in May 2009 and is well known amongst women’s football fans, having had a long playing career. For more on women’s football, have a look at our post featuring a 1937 match between France and England in Blackpool. Barlow played for Preston Rangers WFC and was part of the team reached the semi-finals of the FA Women’s Cup in 1982–83 and 1989–90, where she played left back. In 1997, they became Preston… Read more »

Yates’s Wine Lodge History and Fire

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In July 1861, the first-floor hall of the building was being promoted in the local press as soon to reopen as the New Theatre Royal. By August of that year, its manager, Watkins Young, had secured a theatrical licence, allowing performances to be staged during the summer months. The building itself boasted a long and intricate history, with its origins tracing back to 1868, when it first opened its doors as the Arcade and Assembly Rooms. In 1896, Yates Bros Ltd took over the property, converting the ground floor into Yate’s Wine Lodge, which remained in operation until the building’s… Read more »

Lady Gaga Performs at the Opera House

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On 7 December 2009, Lady Gaga delivered a performance at the Royal Variety Performance at Blackpool’s iconic Opera House that left the audience, including Queen Elizabeth II, utterly captivated. Known for her bold and avant-garde fashion choices, Gaga surpassed all expectations by appearing on stage dressed as Queen Elizabeth I in a striking red latex outfit. The ensemble, complete with an intricate ruffled dress and dramatic sparkly eye makeup, was a stunning blend of historical reference and modern eccentricity. Her performance was equally daring, featuring a massive, surrealist Dali-style piano that added an extra layer of spectacle to her already… Read more »

Santa Dash on the Prom

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The 3km Santa’s dash takes place on the promenade between the Sandcastle Waterpark and the Central Pier. Hundreds of santas take part every year from all ages, including some doggy santas! The dashers always get cheered on by spectators and event volunteers, flooding the promenade with good Christmas cheer, all in aid of the Trinity Hospice charity. Trinity provides the Santa suits and only requires its participants to get down to the Sandcastle to join everyone else! Thanks goes out to all the Santa Dashers who’ve taken part over the years and to those planning to take part in the future.

Whitegate Drive Health Centre

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Whitegate Drive was selected as the location for a state-of-the-art health centre, deeply embedded in the local community, and designed to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the area. This £20 million project, completed in 2009, represented a significant investment in public health infrastructure, aiming to provide modern, accessible medical services to the local population. The decision to build on Whitegate Drive was influenced by several strategic factors, including its central location within the community, ease of access for residents, and the potential to offer a wide range of healthcare services under one roof. Spanning an impressive 80,000 square feet… Read more »

Pink Link Business Networking

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Coral Horn founded Pink Link Ladies, a networking group for women in 2009, and launched The Enterprise Vision Awards in 2011. The organisation is now known as Pink Link. Pink Link business networking offers an inclusive environment for women of all ages, backgrounds and business types. The meetings help women to make new connections and build genuine business relationships. They can meet potential new customers and suppliers and discover opportunities to collaborate in a supportive and energetic environment. Women are invited to come and promote their businesses and expand awareness of their brands by meeting other women who understand their challenges, often… Read more »

Alan Carr Switches On the Lights

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In 2009, Alan Carr, the beloved British comedian and television presenter, took centre stage to switch on the iconic Blackpool Illuminations, a cherished tradition that has illuminated the seaside resort for generations. The event took place on 4 September and was infused with Alan’s trademark wit and charm, creating a night to remember for the thousands of attendees. Alan Carr was a perfect fit for the occasion, with his rising popularity as the host of Alan Carr: Chatty Man adding a contemporary touch to the historic event. His lively personality ensured the ceremony was both humorous and engaging. Beyond performing… Read more »

Peter Kay Meets the Queen

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On 7 December 2009, Queen Elizabeth II attended the Royal Variety Performance held at the Opera House in Blackpool, an event known for its prestigious line-up of entertainment acts. Following the show, Her Majesty had the opportunity to meet with several of the evening’s performers, including the beloved British comedian Peter Kay. Peter Kay, known for his sharp wit and relatable humour, had performed during the event, bringing his signature comedic style to the stage. The Royal Variety Performance is a longstanding tradition, with a history dating back to 1912, where members of the British Royal Family meet and interact… Read more »

Frank Carson Meets the Queen in Blackpool

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Frank Carson was born on June 11, 1926 in Belfast, County Down, Northern Ireland, UK. The meeting between Queen Elizabeth II and comedian Frank Carson in Blackpool highlights the town’s significance in the British entertainment landscape. This encounter took place during the Queen’s visit to Blackpool in December 1994, when she attended the Royal Variety Performance, an annual event showcasing a wide range of entertainment acts for charity. Accompanying the Queen was Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, underscoring the importance of the occasion and their joint commitment to supporting the arts. Frank Carson, a beloved Northern Irish comedian known for… Read more »

Hangar 42 Spitfire Visitor Centre at Blackpool Airport

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The Lytham St Annes Spitfire Display Team was founded in 2009 by Chairman John Coombes to raise funds for the RAF Memorial at Fairhaven Lake in Lytham St Annes. Back in 1940, the people of Lytham St Annes raised £6,500 to buy a Spitfire Mark Vb W3644, which was sadly shot down in 1942, resulting in the loss of its pilot, Sgt. Alan Lever-Ridings. Now, a full-size replica of W3644 stands proudly at the Spitfire Memorial at Fairhaven Lake (FY8 1BD). The Spitfire Display Team continues to support the Spitfire Visitor Centre at Blackpool Airport through fundraising and is available… Read more »