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 »
Coastal Radio Local Business Awards
The inaugural Coastal Radio LBA (Local Business Awards) in 2024 was a resounding success, setting the stage for what promises to become an annual highlight in the region’s business calendar. The event was made possible by the incredible support of Coastal Radio’s headline sponsor, Danbro Business Solutions and Financial Planning, alongside the invaluable contributions of the other 24 category sponsors, all of whom played a vital role in bringing the awards to life. A heartfelt thank you was extended to every sponsor, partner, and supplier involved in the event. Without their commitment and dedication, this celebration of local business excellence... Read more »
Counter-Terrorism and the Big Food Project
On Wednesday, 11 September 2024, Victoria will speak at Fylde Coast Resilience about her involvement in The Big Food Project at Blackpool Foodbank and her extensive work as an international counter-terrorism consultant for both the UK Government and the United Nations. Currently, Victoria serves as the Director of Offender Management and Specialist Services at Prospects Services. Before this role, she spent several years advising the UK Government and the UN on counter-terrorism efforts, focusing on offender rehabilitation and prison management in countries such as Somalia, Kenya, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Algeria, and Tajikistan. Victoria’s career also includes a significant role as Head... Read more »
Showtown Museum Launch
Showtown, Blackpool’s newest attraction, offers a vibrant and entertaining journey through the town’s rich showbiz history. Situated in the heart of Blackpool, this museum brings the town’s fun-loving spirit to life with a dynamic, immersive experience. Designed to entertain and engage, it showcases the famous entertainers who helped shape Blackpool’s legacy, from comedians and dancers to acrobats and larger-than-life performers. The museum highlights how this seaside resort became a hub of British entertainment. Visitors can step onto the dance floor, breathe in the nostalgia of the circus, and explore the hidden stories behind the scenes. For those eager to dive... Read more »
The Backlot Cinema and Diner
The Backlot Cinema & Diner officially opened on 22nd March. Situated in the Houndshill Shopping Centre, it features a state-of-the-art entertainment complex, boasting Blackpool’s only IMAX screen. This screen, one of the largest in the North West at 10.85 meters high and 19.87 meters wide, uses IMAX with Laser technology to deliver a high-quality, immersive cinematic experience. The cinema provides a diverse selection of films, ranging from the latest Hollywood releases to arthouse titles and special event screenings. In addition to movies, the venue hosts a variety of events, including corporate conferences, birthday parties, comedy nights, and live gaming tournaments.... Read more »
Tram Line Extension to Blackpool North Train Station
Blackpool’s new tram extension to Blackpool North railway station, known as the North Station tramway extension, opened in June this year. This extension links the railway station with the existing tram network, making it easier for people to get around town. The tram line starts at the Promenade near North Pier, goes up Talbot Road, and ends at Blackpool North railway station. The extension has new tram stops that fit in with the current transport system. It provides a direct route between the railway station and the Promenade, which benefits both commuters and tourists. This new line improves public transport,... Read more »
Talbot Gateway Holiday Inn
The Holiday Inn at Talbot Gateway in Blackpool is a key feature of the area’s ongoing £350 million regeneration project. This new addition to the town opened in mid-2023 and boasts 144 rooms, making it a modern and centrally located option for both business and leisure travellers. Managed by RBH Hospitality, the hotel is directly connected to Blackpool North train station via a newly constructed underpass and is adjacent to a tram extension linking the town centre to the Blackpool Promenade. This connectivity underscores its role as a hub for visitors arriving in Blackpool. The Holiday Inn also features Marco... Read more »
Odyssey 2024
The biggest standalone light installation ever created for Blackpool Illuminations has brought a futuristic feel to the famous Golden Mile. Standing at 11 metres high, Odyssey is a spectacular interactive display that has been co-created by international designer Jack Irving in collaboration with a highly-talented team of computer scientists from Lancaster University. The outdoor installation comprises six large-scale towers that are combined with state-of-the-art technology to create an immersive projection show themed on undiscovered creatures lurking in the depths of the deep sea. Odyssey, which has been manufactured at the Blackpool Illuminations Lightworks factory, has taken more than two years to design... Read more »
Star Trek Convention at The Norbreck Castle
The convention at Norbrek Castle in Blackpool is a major event for Star Trek enthusiasts, attracting fans from all corners. Blackpool, with its rich history in entertainment, serves as an ideal venue for such gatherings, and the Norbrek Castle Hotel has become a favoured location for fan conventions over the years. This event is a comprehensive celebration of the Star Trek universe. Activities typically include panel discussions with actors, writers, and prominent figures from the franchise, providing attendees with a chance to hear firsthand stories and behind-the-scenes insights. Fans can also take part in autograph sessions and photo opportunities with... Read more »
George Formby Society attends Blackpool Convention
The George Formby Society was at the Blackpool Convention this June, showing their commitment to preserving George Formby’s legacy. Formed to honour the famous entertainer, the society keeps his musical traditions alive by performing his classic songs on the ukulele. Their appearance at the convention highlights their dedication to sharing Formby’s music and memory with new audiences. The George Formby Society, founded in 1960, is a fan-based organisation dedicated to preserving and celebrating the life and legacy of George Formby, one of Britain's most beloved entertainers of the 20th century. Known for his skills as a ukulele player, singer, and...