Tag: Celebrities

Kieth Harris’s Blackpool Funeral

Born in Lyndhurst, Hampshire on 21 September 1947, Keith Harris grew up in North Baddesley in Hampshire and near Chester where he attended a secondary modern school. But he also lived in Poulton during his later years. The cherished British ventriloquist and entertainer renowned for his puppet characters Orville the Duck and Cuddles the Monkey, passed away on April 28, 2015, at the age of 67 after a battle with cancer. His funeral was held in Blackpool, a town emblematic of British entertainment, providing a fitting backdrop to celebrate his life and career. The service took place on May 12,… Read more »

The Nolan Sisters

The Nolan Sisters, hailing from Blackpool, England, are a prominent pop group known for their success in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The group originally consisted of the sisters Anne, Denise, Maureen, Linda, and Bernadette (Bernie), with Coleen Nolan later joining the lineup. The Nolan Sisters began their musical journey as part of a family act called The Singing Nolans, which included their parents and brothers. The family performed in clubs and cabarets around Blackpool and the surrounding areas. Their big break came when they appeared on the TV show “It’s Cliff Richard!” in 1974, which led to increased… Read more »

Ken Dodd Opens Coral Island

Ken Dodd made countless trips to Blackpool, entertaining visitors for hours and often treating them to coffee and more fun afterwards. On 26 May 1978, he opened Coral Island, a two-acre entertainment complex on the Gold Mile, accompanied by six of his Diddymen. Later, on 10 October 2011, he was also seen opening the Comedy Carpet on the promenade. The Comedy Carpet, designed by artist Gordon Young, showcases thousands of catchphrases from comedians who have performed in Blackpool over the years. Located prominently on the Blackpool seafront, Coral Island is a large amusement complex offering a variety of attractions, including… Read more »

Les Dawson, Loads of Laughs in Blackpool

The photograph of Les Dawson was taken in his theatre dressing room in 1984, just before one of his many performances in Blackpool. Both his career and personal life were closely intertwined with Blackpool and Lytham St Annes. Blackpool, a major hub for British entertainers, played a pivotal role in his rise to prominence. Dawson frequently performed in the town, known for its vibrant entertainment scene, and venues such as the Blackpool Grand Theatre were instrumental in establishing his reputation. His unique comedy routines and piano sketches were highly acclaimed, cementing Blackpool’s significance in his career. Beyond his professional engagements,… Read more »

Joe Longthorne MBE, Cherished in Blackpool

Joe Longthorne MBE was a distinguished singer and impressionist renowned for his stage and television performances. Over his career, he released three platinum albums and resided in Blackpool with his husband and manager, James Moran. He also had a son, Ricky, from a previous relationship. Longthorne passed away at his home in Blackpool on 3 August 2019, aged 64, and was laid to rest at Layton Cemetery in Blackpool. In tribute to his contributions, The North Pier renamed its theatre as The Joe Longthorne Theatre the following year, and Blackpool Council awarded him a special accolade for ‘30 Years In… Read more »

Lisa Kudrow from ‘Friends’ in Blackpool to Film Netflix Series

Feel Good is a British comedy-drama TV series that blends romance with personal growth, created by Mae Martin and Joe Hampson. It centres around Mae, portrayed by Mae Martin as a fictionalised version of themselves, and George, played by Charlotte Ritchie, Mae’s girlfriend. The show is a semi-autobiographical narrative that explores Mae’s journey with love, addiction, and identity. The first season, consisting of six episodes, debuted on Channel 4 in the UK on 18 March 2020, with all episodes made available for streaming on All 4 shortly after. Internationally, Netflix released the show on 19 March 2020. The series was… Read more »

Robbie Williams Promo Video at the Belle Vue Pub

Robbie Williams filmed the music video for his song "Advertising Space" at the Belle Vue pub in Blackpool. The shoot took place in June 2005 and made the most of the pub's nostalgic and traditional atmosphere to match the song's emotional story. The Belle Vue Pub was chosen because it holds sentimental value for Williams, being closely linked to his late grandfather, Jack Farrell. The video shows various scenes inside the pub, highlighting its vintage character and adding a meaningful visual connection to the music. This choice of location reflects Williams' appreciation for his roots and brings a personal touch... 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 »

Strictly Come Dancing filming in the Tower Ballroom

The first episode of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ filmed at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool happened during the show’s second series on 20 November 2004. This special episode started a beloved tradition where the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom became a glamorous and historic venue for the dance competition, adding extra excitement and prestige for both contestants and viewers. Moving to Blackpool was seen as a milestone in the competition, marking a significant achievement for the remaining contestants. Dancing in the Tower Ballroom was considered a prestigious opportunity, and many professional dancers and celebrities viewed it as one of the highlights of… Read more »

Thatcher Attends Conservative Party Conference

Margaret Thatcher’s visits to Blackpool for the Conservative Party’s annual conference were key moments during her time as leader and Prime Minister. These events in Blackpool were her stage to lay out her policies, rally her supporters, and speak directly to the nation. One of the most memorable visits was in October 1989. By then, she had already been Prime Minister for ten years. Her government had pushed through big changes, like privatization and deregulation, but faced criticism, especially around the poll tax and economic inequality. At the 1989 conference in Blackpool, Thatcher focused on defending her economic policies. She... Read more »