Tag: Celebrities

Judy Garland at the Opera House

Judy Garland’s appearance at Blackpool’s Opera House on Sunday, 24 June 1951, remains a legendary moment in the venue’s history. The 28-year-old star, brought to the UK by promoter Harold Fielding as part of a major concert tour, was experiencing a transitional phase in her career. With her film work in decline, Garland sought to rekindle her stardom through live performances in some of Britain’s most prestigious venues. The anticipation was palpable as more than 6,000 fans packed the Opera House for two shows that evening. Outside, devoted admirers gathered around the stage door, hoping for a glimpse of the… Read more »

World War Drama filming on St Annes beach

The BBC’s filming of World on Fire at Lytham St Annes has drawn significant attention, as the North Beach has been meticulously transformed to replicate the beaches of Dunkirk. The dramatic recreation of one of World War II’s most pivotal moments showcases the production’s commitment to authenticity. The scene forms part of the series’ exploration of the Dunkirk evacuation, a crucial episode in the early years of the war that saw the rescue of hundreds of thousands of Allied troops trapped on the French coast. World on Fire, created by Peter Bowker, offers a deeply human perspective on World War… Read more »

Netflix Filming Stay Close in Blackpool

A Netflix crew were filming a new show called ‘Stay Close’ on the promenade, which will star actor James Nesbitt. This short video was made on an iPhone on 30 June 2021. This video is just one of many terrific videos you’ll find on the producer’s YouTube channel.

Dream Town – A Brief Anatomy of Blackpool

In 1994, the BBC ran a Blackpool theme night. For some, the most interesting programme on it was this documentary where actor David Thewlis explores some of the odder parts of the town. Some of these places are gone now so it’s a bit of a time piece. We see Ripley’s Forteana museum, Louis Tussaud’s Anatomy Exhibition, The Tower Aquarium and tons more besides. Amongst many things, his video features Jayne Mansfield switching on the lights in 1959. You can read more about HERE on Blackpool Timeline.

Arena – Blackpool Documentary

The long-running BBC arts series takes a look at Blackpool. First broadcast 13th January 1989.

Funny Woman Filming in Blackpool and St Annes

St Trinian’s and James Bond actress Gemma Arterton is pictured here being filmed in St Annes for a TV series, an adaptation of Nick Hornby’s book – Funny Girls. The crew were in the resort for several days, filming scenes for the Sky Original show, the story taking place in Blackpool in the 1960s. Arterton was shooting scenes in St Anne’s on 24 September 2021, close to the pier and on the beach, and was almost unrecognisable in a bleach blonde wig and retro-inspired costume. At the time of filming, the name for the series adaptation of Nick Hornby’s best-selling novel… Read more »

Geri Halliwell Switches On The Lights

On 3 September 2004, former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell took centre stage in Blackpool to perform before activating the Blackpool Illuminations in a grand celebration of their 125th anniversary. This milestone year, dubbed “125 Electric Light Years,” paid homage to the enduring legacy of this iconic annual event. Geri was joined on stage by an array of star performers, including chart-topping boy band McFly, Fame Academy sensation Lemar, former Savage Garden frontman Darren Hayes, 1980s hitmakers Swing Out Sister, and the cast of Boogie Nights, featuring entertainers Jimmy Osmond and Billy Pearce. The event was a dazzling spectacle hosted by… Read more »

Morecambe & Wise Statue

The bronze statue of beloved comedians Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise was unveiled by their families at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens theatre, a fitting tribute to the iconic duo who graced the town’s stages over 1,000 times during their illustrious career. The 8-foot-tall monument was sculpted by Graham Ibbeson, the artist behind the Eric Morecambe statue on Morecambe’s seafront. The statue commemorates the 75th anniversary of the pair’s first performance together in 1941, celebrating their lasting legacy as Britain’s most cherished comedy double act. Eric’s widow, Joan, attended the unveiling alongside their children, Gary and Gail Morecambe. Gary remarked that Blackpool… Read more »

Sophie Ellis-Bextor in Blackpool

Sophie Ellis-Bextor, celebrated for her sophisticated pop sound and striking stage persona, delivered an unforgettable performance of her hit Murder on the Dancefloor at Roxy’s Nightclub in Blackpool on 17 November 2013. This exclusive event served as the after-party for the Strictly Come Dancing live broadcast, which had enchanted audiences earlier that evening from the legendary Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The glamorous venue provided the perfect stage for Ellis-Bextor’s infectious energy, as fans danced the night away to her iconic tune, adding a touch of star-studded flair to the festive atmosphere. Fast forward ten years, and Ellis-Bextor returned to Blackpool in… Read more »

Ian Anderson MBE Launches Jethro Tull

Ian Scott Anderson, born on 10 August 1947 in Dunfermline, Scotland, is best known as the singer, flautist, acoustic guitarist, primary songwriter, and sole continuous member of the rock band Jethro Tull. Anderson’s early life was shaped by his father’s work at the RSA Boiler Fluid Company in East Port, Dunfermline. The family moved to Edinburgh when he was young, and later to Blackpool in 1959, where he attended Blackpool Grammar School. Anderson’s rebellious nature came to the forefront during his school years—he was reportedly asked to leave for refusing to submit to corporal punishment, which was still common practice… Read more »