Venus Reborn tableau in Blackpool illuminations designed by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
Laurence Llewelyn Bowen Illumination
Tag: Celebrities
David Tennant Switches on the Lights
In 2007, David Tennant came to Blackpool to switch on the Illuminations after having just won the role of Dr Who in the BBC series. Here he takes a break from filming to light up the town. That year, the lights incorporated a Doctor Who display, including monsters from the revived series. As the then star of the show, David Tennant was invited to switch on the display for the massive event on August 31st. Also present was TV personality Dale Winton, who hosted the evening, and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, who designed part of the display, while acts performing included Natasha Bedingfield,… Read more »
Blackpool’s Brian London Fights Muhammad Ali
Brian London, who was originally named Brian Harper and born on 19 June 1934, was a well-regarded heavyweight boxer from Blackpool. Known for his grit and toughness, London made a name for himself in British boxing by winning both the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. A significant moment in his career was his fight against Muhammad Ali on 6 August 1966. Brian was nicknamed the “Blackpool Rock” because of his hard and durable nature in the ring. Before taking on Ali, he had already fought other notable opponents like Henry Cooper and Floyd Patterson. However, he was considered the underdog… Read more »
Tram Hits Alan Bradley
In the storyline, Alan Bradley, an abusive and villainous character in Coronation Street, was relentlessly pursuing his partner, Rita Fairclough, who had fled to Blackpool to escape him. The climax occurs when Alan tracks Rita down and chases her along Blackpool’s famous Promenade. During the chase, Alan recklessly runs onto the tram tracks and is struck by an oncoming tram, resulting in his dramatic death. The filming of the tram crash was meticulously planned, involving close coordination with the Blackpool Transport Authority. The production team obtained special permissions to film on the tram tracks, and the sequence was carefully choreographed… Read more »
Alan Carr Switches On the Lights
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 »
Britain’s Got Talent
Judges Amanda Holden (centre), Alesha Dixon (second from left), David Walliams (second from right) and Simon Cowell with presenters Anthony ‘Ant’ McPartlin (left) and Declan ‘Dec’ Donnelly (right) attending the Britain’s Got Talent auditions at Blackpool’s Opera House on 16 January 2018. But for fans of the show what’s even better is that it looks like auditions will be coming back to Blackpool October 2024! Everyone is officially invited to become the 5th judge and join Ant & Dec, and all the judges LIVE at the glittering auditions taking place in the Winter Gardens.
Peter Kay Meets the Queen
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 »
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 »
Frank Carson Meets the Queen in Blackpool
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 »
Billy Bragg at the Rebellion Festival
Billy Bragg has been a notable presence at the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, headlining performances in 2017, 2019, and 2022. The festival, held annually at the Winter Gardens, is one of the largest punk rock events in the world, gathering punk bands and fans from across the globe. Bragg, known for blending folk music with punk rock ethos, fits seamlessly into the festival’s diverse lineup. His performances are highly anticipated, showcasing his unique mix of music and activism. In 2017, he headlined the festival on August 5th, delivering a set that featured his classic hits and politically charged songs. He... Read more »