Tag: Events

Jonathan Ross & Gary Barlow Switch-On the Illuminations

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Celebrity broadcaster Jonathan Ross flicked the switch for Blackpool Illuminations in 2013, a different show as the event had been extended for a whole weekend! It even made national news that year after The Script had to cancel their appearance at the last minute. With only 48 hours notice, it was a huge challenge for Blackpool to find a replacement but they managed to do it in style by getting Gary Barlow to appear as the headline act. The Take That star, Gary Barlow, brought the Illuminations alive with an amazing show. Plus singer-songwriter Eliza Doolittle performed as a special… Read more »

Diana Ross Performs at Lytham Festival

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Diana Ross performed at the Lytham Festival on June 28, 2022, as part of her Thank You Tour, marking a highly anticipated return to the stage. As the headliner for the first night of the festival, Ross captivated thousands of fans with her signature charisma, powerhouse vocals, and an electrifying setlist featuring both classic hits and newer material. The Lytham Festival, an annual music event held on the picturesque banks of the Ribble Estuary, provided a stunning coastal backdrop for the legendary singer’s performance. The Thank You Tour was named after her 2021 studio album, Thank You, which was her first… Read more »

Hamish Hamilton Directs 82nd Academy Awards & Super Bowl Halftime Show

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Hamish Hamilton, born Mark Hamilton on 8 April 1966 in Blackpool, is a British film and television director known for his work on some of the world’s biggest live events. Since 2010, he has directed the Super Bowl halftime show annually and has also been at the helm of prestigious productions such as the Academy Awards, the MTV Video Music Awards, and the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics. His career has seen him collaborate with major music artists, including Mariah Carey, Eminem, Madonna, The Who, and U2. Hamilton began his career at BBC Scotland, where he… Read more »

Showzam! is Back in February 2025

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SHOWZAM! is back, bringing something magical to Blackpool this February for Half-term. Showzam’s love, magic and mystery returns to Blackpool from 14-22 February. It brings an exciting blend of live performances, incredible illusions, and show-stopping variety to Blackpool. Enjoy cutting-edge street acts, mind-blowing tricks from world-class magicians, and fun-packed entertainment for all the family. The 2025 festival will also feature unique workshops and experiences, including a Grand Theatre heritage tour with afternoon tea, a magic school for budding young magicians, and talks on Blackpool’s history with joke and magic shops. Celebrated magician Paul Zenon will host interactive sessions exploring classic magic… Read more »

Cuffe & Taylor Bring Major Acts to the Fylde Coast

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One of the UK’s top 10 live music and event promoters, Cuffe & Taylor are experts in promotion, production, and event management. Offering exceptional experiences for artists and audiences like no other, they produce and promote major festivals, stadium tours, arena concerts and theatre shows across the UK and internationally. Founded in 2010, business partners Daniel Cuffe and Peter Taylor dipped their toe into the live music world with the one-night Lytham Proms in their hometown of Lytham, Lancashire. This has now grown into the huge five-day Lytham Festival attracting in excess of 100,000 fans each summer. Alongside Lytham Festival, Cuffe… Read more »

Scooter Event In Blackpool

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The Blackpool and Fylde Scooter Rally is organised by The Blackpool and Fylde Scooter Alliance, a collective group passionate about scooter culture. The rally is supported by local clubs and enthusiasts aiming to celebrate scooters while raising funds for charitable causes like SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. The first Blackpool and Fylde Scooter Rally took place in 1982. It has since become an annual event, attracting scooter enthusiasts from across the UK. The rally is known for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring a mix of scooter rides, music, and celebrations, and it has grown in popularity over the years. The Blackpool… Read more »

Play Expo, The UK Longest Running Retro Games Expo

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PLAY Expo is the UK’s longest running and most popular retro games expo, and it returns for 2025 to the Norbreck Castle for its 15th year! The event promises to be an unmissable event for gaming enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive celebration of gaming culture spanning decades. Organised by Replay Events, this expo is not only the UK’s longest-running retro gaming show but also a haven for gamers, collectors, and industry professionals. The event will take place on October 4–5, 2025, at the Norbreck Castle Exhibition Centre, a popular location in Blackpool that has hosted numerous large-scale gaming and entertainment events…. Read more »

Brassic Cast Comes to Blackpool for Series 5

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Brassic cast members Michelle Keegan, Tom Hanson, Bronagh Gallagher, Aaron Heffernan, Carl Rice, and Muzz Khan run riot on a Blackpool pier and try their luck in the arcade in season 5. Reeling from the dramatic events of the Series 4 finale, Vinnie and the gang face big repercussions from their entanglements with the dangerous MacDonagh brothers and powerful drug buyer Manolito. With both criminal big-wigs now on his case, Vinnie needs to negotiate his exit strategy – and fast. But there’s a lot on his mind, especially as he’s still trying to figure out what the hell is going… Read more »

Mac Barlow Becomes Manager of Blackpool FC Ladies

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Mac Barlow was born on 31 May 1967 in Blackpool and is an English football manager and former football player. She became the manager of Blackpool FC Ladies in May 2009 and is well known amongst women’s football fans, having had a long playing career. For more on women’s football, have a look at our post featuring a 1937 match between France and England in Blackpool. Barlow played for Preston Rangers WFC and was part of the team reached the semi-finals of the FA Women’s Cup in 1982–83 and 1989–90, where she played left back. In 1997, they became Preston… Read more »

Women’s Football in Blackpool

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The early beginnings of organised women’s football trace back to the late 19th century, a time when the sport was still finding its footing among male players. The first recorded women’s match took place in Edinburgh, Scotland, on 7 May, 1881. This game featured teams representing Scotland and England and was a bold step in introducing women to the football scene. However, it was not without challenges. The match faced disruption from the crowd, and societal attitudes at the time were largely dismissive of women participating in such a physically demanding activity. By the 1890s, efforts to formalise women’s football… Read more »