Tag: Events

Tour of Britain Cycle Race

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The Tour of Britain cycle race has long been a highlight of the British sporting calendar, drawing international and local talent to compete in a grueling test of endurance and speed. On 7 June 1964, the race made a memorable stop in Blackpool, a town synonymous with British seaside culture. Blackpool in the 1960s was a thriving hub of entertainment, tourism, and community spirit, and the town’s iconic landmarks, such as the Blackpool Tower and the bustling promenade, provided a dramatic backdrop to the race. Blackpool’s wide streets and the scenic coastal roads of Lancashire created a natural stage for… Read more »

Rolling Stones Riot at Winter Gardens

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Scenes at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool after riots broke out during the Rolling Stones concert on 24 July 1964. It was one of the most notorious riots in rock and roll history and it happened right here in Blackpool. A teenage mob forced The Rolling Stones to flee from the Empress Ballroom, as they stormed the stage wrecking their kit. The cheers and screams of the teenagers turned into threatening boos and the five band members ran from the stage to safety while grand piano was reduced to matchwood. In March 1964, the Stones were back in the North West, playing at… Read more »

Mike Yarwood Fails Driving Test

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In 1965, up-and-coming impersonator Mike Yarwood was pictured with actress Janet Rowsell, the “pretty starlet” who helped him after he failed his driving test for the third time. The two were photographed on 14 June 1965 at the Central Pier in Blackpool, where they appeared together in a show. The image shows them reading the Highway Code—a lighthearted moment that perfectly captured the youthful charm and comedic spirit of Yarwood at the time. Yarwood’s career took off in the 1970s, reaching its peak during the golden age of British light entertainment. Under the guidance of Bill Cotton, the BBC’s head… Read more »

Morris Minor competing at Blackpool Rally

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The image of T. Wagner’s Morris Minor in the Blackpool Rally of 1936 captures a vibrant moment from the early days of British motorsport. Organised by the Lancashire Automobile Club (LAC), the Blackpool Rally was a prestigious event that mirrored the style of the famed Monte Carlo Rally. This format blended competitive motoring with the allure of a glamorous destination, making it a major attraction for both participants and spectators. The rally was first held in 1936 and took place again in 1937 and 1939. Its absence in 1938 was due to the RAC Rally concluding in Blackpool that year,… Read more »

Churchill Off to Party Conference in Blackpool

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The photo below shows Churchill Off to Party Conference in Blackpool – Sir Winston Churchill and Lady Churchill at Euston Station before their departure for the conference. On the morning of Saturday, 8 October 1954, Sir Winston Churchill boarded a train at Euston Station bound for Blackpool to attend the 74th Annual Conservative Party Conference. This occasion was a significant milestone in British political history, as it marked Churchill’s final speech as both Conservative Party leader and Prime Minister. In his address to the rally, Churchill reflected on the accomplishments of his government. Domestically, these included the maintenance of high… Read more »

Veteran and Vintage Car Rally

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The Manchester to Blackpool Veteran and Vintage Car Rally of 1964 stands as a remarkable moment in the history of classic motoring events. Organised by the Lancashire Automobile Club, which continues to thrive today, the rally was a celebration of automotive heritage. That year’s event featured over 160 entries, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide to showcase their treasured vehicles. A standout scene from the rally, immortalised in photographs, showed a Ford Model T Fire Engine making its way along the Blackpool seafront, with the iconic Blackpool Tower providing a fitting backdrop. This annual rally, a highlight of the motoring… Read more »

Bette Davis Escapes to Blackpool

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Bette Davis’s first visit to Blackpool was in September 1936 when she stayed at the County Hotel. During her stay, she crossed the Promenade to be photographed and interviewed by the Gazette. She checked into the hotel under her married name as Mrs H.O. Nelson, California. It was the answer to the question newspapers were asking on both sides of the Atlantic: Where is Bette Davis? She vanished from Hollywood after a row with film magnate Jack Warner, head of the mighty Warner Brothers organisation. Bette, reaching the peak of her career, felt her scripts were declining in quality and, after… Read more »

Bob Hope at the Opera House

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Bob Hope (1903–2003), one of the biggest stars of the golden age of Hollywood, brought his legendary comedic talents to Blackpool during a brief but memorable visit in 1961. Although Hope was at the height of his film career and preparing for a prestigious engagement at the London Palladium, his London agent, Lew Grade, had arranged for him to perform two warm-up concerts at Blackpool’s Opera House on Saturday, 21 April. Hope’s appearances in Blackpool were, unsurprisingly, a resounding success, drawing packed houses eager to see the South London-born performer who had become a quintessential American icon. During his visit,… Read more »

Sir John Gielgud at the Opera House

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The headline referenced a different kind of national emergency—the outbreak of war—when stage producers sought refuge for their plays away from London. Blackpool, with its multiple theatres and a wartime population swelled by civil servants and RAF personnel in training, became an unlikely hub for some of the most prestigious productions of the time. Among these, one of the most remarkable moments came in late September 1939, when the Grand Theatre hosted what might well be its most star-studded cast ever. The production was John Gielgud’s staging of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Gielgud himself starred as John… Read more »

Judy Garland at the Opera House

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Judy Garland’s appearance at Blackpool’s Opera House on Sunday, 24 June 1951, remains a legendary moment in the venue’s history. The 28-year-old star, brought to the UK by promoter Harold Fielding as part of a major concert tour, was experiencing a transitional phase in her career. With her film work in decline, Garland sought to rekindle her stardom through live performances in some of Britain’s most prestigious venues. The anticipation was palpable as more than 6,000 fans packed the Opera House for two shows that evening. Outside, devoted admirers gathered around the stage door, hoping for a glimpse of the… Read more »