Tag: Events

Photo Exclusive: Princess Diana’s Compassionate Visit

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In 1987, Princess Diana went to visit a young girl named Nicola Wilding in Blackpool. Nicola, who was dealing with cystic fibrosis, had written a touching letter asking Diana to come and see her. Diana, known for her kindness and dedication to charity, was moved by Nicola’s letter and decided to make the trip. When Diana arrived, she spent time with Nicola and her family, showing a real interest in Nicola’s condition and the challenges she was facing. This wasn’t just a quick visit; Diana took the time to sit down with Nicola, chat with her, and offer comfort and… Read more »

Unveiling of the Comedy Carpet

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Comedian Kenn Dodd opened the Comedy Carpet, a special artwork right on the seafront in front of Blackpool Tower. Created by artist Gordon Young and the Why Not Associates design team, the Comedy Carpet is a large display celebrating British comedy.

Plans for Disney to come to Blackpool

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In the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was a lot of buzz about the possibility of a Disney theme park coming to Blackpool. Blackpool was already a well-known seaside resort with a long history of entertainment and fun activities. The idea of a Disney park was seen as a great opportunity to boost tourism and draw even more visitors to the town. The talk about a Disney park in Blackpool was driven by a few key points. Blackpool had popular attractions like the Blackpool Pleasure Beach amusement park and the Blackpool Tower, which made it a good candidate for… Read more »

Frank Sinatra at The Opera House

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Frank Sinatra performed in Blackpool twice, with his first concert in July 1950. At that time, his career was struggling in the US, so he became Blackpool’s highest-paid performer, earning £2,000 per show at the Opera House. He told his chauffeur, Frank Lucas, “You know I could be mayor of this town!” as excited fans cheered, clapped, and banged on his car windows when he arrived. Sinatra loved the local support, saying, “They love me in this town, don’t they?” He came back for two more performances in Blackpool in 1953. Sinatra’s performance at the Blackpool Opera House on July… Read more »

George Formby Society attends Blackpool Convention

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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… Read more »

George Formby at Football Match

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On 6 May 1939, during the Blackpool versus Portsmouth match, George Formby was photographed alongside two key figures of the football world: James Blair, the captain of Blackpool FC, on the left, and Jimmy Guthrie, the captain of Portsmouth FC, on the right. The trio was holding the FA Cup, which had been recently won by Portsmouth just a week earlier, following their victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the final at Wembley. This moment captured a sense of celebration and camaraderie, with the FA Cup symbolising not only Portsmouth’s triumph but also the enduring connection between football and popular culture… Read more »

Samuel L Jackson Visits Fleetwood

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Samuel L. Jackson made an entertaining appearance on “The Graham Norton Show,” where he shared a humorous story about his visit to Fleetwood involving taking selfies and sightseeing to spot what the town at the time was known for.

Henri Farman and the Birth of Aviation at Blackpool Airport

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The first flight from Blackpool Airport, which was originally known as Squires Gate Airport, happened in 1909 with French aviator Henri Farman flying the plane. This marked the beginning of the airport’s long history and made it one of the oldest active airports in the UK. The flight was part of the UK’s first official aviation meeting in October 1909, which drew a lot of attention from early aviation pioneers and enthusiasts. Henri Farman, an important figure in early aviation known for his work in powered flight, piloted the aircraft during this event. The meeting was a key moment in… 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 »

100 Years of Flying – Blackpool Airport Celebrates Milestone

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In 2009, Blackpool Airport celebrated its 100th anniversary. Originally called Squires Gate Airport, it opened in 1909 and quickly became a major player in early aviation by hosting the UK’s first official aviation meeting that same year. This marked the start of the airport’s long and important history. During World War I, the airport was used for military training and aircraft production as a Royal Flying Corps base. It continued to play a crucial role in World War II, serving as a key base for the Royal Air Force and for making military planes. After the wars, the airport shifted… Read more »