Tag: Events

Funny Bones Comes To Blackpool

Posted by

“Funny Bones,” a 1995 comedy-drama directed by Peter Chelsom, prominently features Blackpool, as one of its main filming locations. Famous for its entertainment history, comedy, and variety shows, Blackpool was the perfect backdrop for a film about humor and performance. The town’s lively and nostalgic vibe provided an ideal setting. This coupled with renowned landmarks and amusement venues, like the Blackpool Tower, the historic Winter Gardens, and the bustling piers and promenade, gave the film a distinctive and authentic feel. These iconic spots helped ground the story in a recognisable place, adding to its unique visual style. The film captures... Read more »

Launch of ‘Naturally Insane’ The Life of Dan Leno

Posted by

The launch of NATURALLY INSANE! THE LIFE OF DAN LENO, a new play by Blackpool based writer David Slattery-Christy featured Blackpool’s own panto star Steve Royle. For more on David Slattery-Christy, please see our other post here. Victorian superstar Dan Leno, a comedic genius from the English music hall scene, delighted audiences with his lively and quirky performances during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for his clever jokes and energetic style, Leno became a beloved entertainer in his time and left a legacy that continues to this day; especially his influence with physical comedy, making him a… Read more »

Queen Elizabeth II’s First visit to the Fylde Coast

Posted by

Queen Elizabeth II visited the Fylde Coast several times during her 70-year reign, and people in Blackpool always gave her a warm welcome. Her first visit was in 1955 when she attended the Royal Variety Performance. She came back in 2009 for another performance. During these visits, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh also checked out The Grand Theatre and Blackpool Tower for the first time. In the photo: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh meet singer Alma Cogan and show presenter Jack Hylton after the Royal Variety Performance at the Opera House in 14 April 1955. Inset… Read more »

Blackpool’s World Fireworks Championships

Posted by

Since 1996, the World Fireworks Championship in Blackpool has been captivating audiences with its amazing nighttime shows. It’s become a major event in Blackpool and one of the highlights in the UK’s festival scene. Teams from all over the world come to compete, creating impressive fireworks displays set to music. Each show is judged on how spectacular, creative, and precise it is.

The Return of Music Legend Graham Nash

Posted by

Graham William Nash OBE, the renowned musician and legendary songwriter, took the stage as the headliner at the British Country Music Festival, held from 1 to 3 September 2023. The event marked his return to his birthplace of Blackpool, where he performed at the Winter Gardens. Born on 2 February 1942 at the Kimberly Hotel in South Shore, Blackpool, Nash’s early years were shaped by his mother’s evacuation from Salford due to World War II. The hotel, once a place of significance, had fallen into disrepair and gained a poor reputation over the years, eventually leading to its closure by… Read more »

The Saddle Beer Festival

Posted by

Pam and Don Ashton, managers of the Saddle Inn, started the Saddle Beer Festival in Blackpool in 1994. Pam recalled that the party was rather emotional for them, mentioning their early retirement was due to their daughter’s serious illness. She commented further that they loved not just the building but the fantastic customers. The customers presented them with a set of crown green bowls, which they knew the couple wanted to try. Pam and Dom confirmed that receiving the gift from the locals was very touching for them. The Saddle Festival and the summer festival they introduced continued under the… Read more »

Spitfire Tribute at Gynn Roundabout

Posted by

Spitfire Island was one of the exciting new features of the Blackpool Illuminations 2023, which started on 1 September and ran every night until 1 January 2024. The installation was the result of a collaboration between the Blackpool Illuminations team and the renowned designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. This year, the focus was on a tribute to the iconic Spitfire aircraft, with three full-scale replica Spitfires taking centre stage in a revamped display at Gynn Roundabout in the northern part of Blackpool. The collaboration also included Airfix, the famous model kit company, who sponsored the feature. It was a landmark moment as… Read more »

Go To A Galaxy Far Far Away on the Cleveleys Prom

Posted by

The highly anticipated Star Wars Andor episode filmed in Cleveleys has been released on Disney Plus. The intergalactic action, shot on Cleveleys beach in May 2021, features scenes at Café Cove and even includes a special guest appearance by Mary’s Shell. The new episode, titled ‘Announcement,’ premiered on Disney Plus in the UK this morning (October 19) and showcases Cleveleys – with the help of CGI magic – as the space tourist resort of Niamos.