Tag: Events

Married Dangling From The Tower

Posted by

In 1985, escapologist Karl Bartoni and his bride, Wendy Stokes, created an unforgettable spectacle when they married while suspended high above Blackpool Tower. Surrounded by flowers, the couple was lowered in an open cage, 450 feet above a crowd of 20,000 onlookers below. With a vicar, a choir, and a church organ stationed at the top of the Tower, they exchanged vows while standing on a plank, suspended in mid-air. Sadly, the couple later parted ways, and Bartoni—whose real name was Antoni Peter Bartnik—humorously arranged for his headstone to be made in advance, joking that it would allow him to… Read more »

Pete & Sophie Win Big with Gogglebox

Posted by

Tremaine, Twaine, and Tristan, alongside Pete and Sophie Sandiford from Gogglebox, celebrated their win for Best Entertainment Show at the TRIC Awards 2022, held at Grosvenor House in London on Wednesday, 6th July. The couple, known for their charming presence on the Channel 4 series, dazzled on the blue carpet as Gogglebox triumphed at the prestigious TV awards. The Sandifords, siblings from Blackpool, made their way to the event in central London, joining fellow television and radio personalities. All smiles, they were thrilled to see their beloved show recognised with the accolade for Best Entertainment Show. For many, one of… Read more »

Prince William and Kate Middleton visit Blackpool Tower

Posted by

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, made a visit to Blackpool Tower, where they took part in a roundtable discussion about the town’s recent history, the challenges it faces, and the ongoing regeneration efforts. Hundreds of well-wishers gathered on the promenade to greet them, despite the rain, as they toured the town to learn about its social and health issues, alongside some of Blackpool’s iconic landmarks. Their visit began at Blackpool Tower, before taking them to some of the most deprived areas, where they witnessed firsthand the regeneration work currently underway. Their tour began at… Read more »

Santa Dash on the Prom

Posted by

The 3km Santa’s dash takes place on the promenade between the Sandcastle Waterpark and the Central Pier. Hundreds of santas take part every year from all ages, including some doggy santas! The dashers always get cheered on by spectators and event volunteers, flooding the promenade with good Christmas cheer, all in aid of the Trinity Hospice charity. Trinity provides the Santa suits and only requires its participants to get down to the Sandcastle to join everyone else! Thanks goes out to all the Santa Dashers who’ve taken part over the years and to those planning to take part in the future.

Counter-Terrorism and the Big Food Project

Posted by

On Wednesday, 11 September 2024, Victoria will speak at Fylde Coast Resilience about her involvement in The Big Food Project at Blackpool Foodbank and her extensive work as an international counter-terrorism consultant for both the UK Government and the United Nations. Currently, Victoria serves as the Director of Offender Management and Specialist Services at Prospects Services. Before this role, she spent several years advising the UK Government and the UN on counter-terrorism efforts, focusing on offender rehabilitation and prison management in countries such as Somalia, Kenya, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Algeria, and Tajikistan. Victoria’s career also includes a significant role as Head… Read more »

Englebert Humperdinck at Blackpool Airport

Posted by

In July 1968, Engelbert Humperdinck arrived at Blackpool Airport in his new Rolls Royce, preparing for his summer season performance at the ABC Blackpool. Reflecting on his previous appearance in the town, he said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be coming to Blackpool again. Back in 1968 I had such a great time appearing there in summer season and it proved to be a very successful show, breaking all-known box office records.” He went on to praise Blackpool as a “shining beacon” for entertainment in Britain, adding, “It will be nice to be part of that once more.” Having recently… Read more »

St Annes Kite Festival

Posted by

The St. Anne’s Kite Festival is a beloved annual event that lights up the skies over St. Anne’s beach, attracting thousands of visitors each summer. The festival owes its current success to Patrick May, a local primary school teacher whose passion for kite flying was sparked by a single visit to the Catch the Wind Festival in Morecambe. Inspired by the experience, Patrick didn’t just take up kite flying as a hobby; he took it a step further and decided to revive the St. Anne’s Kite Festival in 2012 alongside his wife, Jenny. With the help of international kite experts… Read more »

Beaverbrooks Blackpool 10k Fun Run

Posted by

The Beaverbrooks Blackpool 10K Fun Run is a celebrated annual event that takes place along Blackpool’s stunning seafront every May. This 10K run, organized by Trinity Hospice and sponsored by Beaverbrooks, has been a staple of Blackpool’s event calendar since it first began in 1983, thanks to the involvement of Andrew Brown MBE, Beaverbrooks’ former chairman. The run draws participants from all over the UK, offering a mix of fitness, charity, and community spirit, all set against the backdrop of Blackpool’s famous promenade. Unlike many charity runs, the Beaverbrooks Blackpool 10K Fun Run allows participants to choose which charity they… Read more »

Blackpool’s Strongest Man

Posted by

Strongmen from across the county came together to compete for the title of Blackpool’s Strongest Man. Among them was Greg “Man Mountain” Dunnings, a veteran strongman who also works for a charity. Standing 6’7″ and weighing 25 stone of pure muscle, 23-year-old Greg aimed to be recognized as one of the UK’s strongest juniors. He organized the event, designing a range of challenging strength tests, including the “Truck Pull,” “Conan’s Wheel,” “Farmer’s Walk,” and “Yoke Carry,” for a thrilling display of strength that was sure to draw a large crowd. Held in St John’s Square in Blackpool on June 20,… Read more »

Blackpool Beach Volleyball

Posted by

Competitors gathered in Blackpool for an international beach volleyball tournament. This was the first time the Nestea European Tour held a round in the UK, with VisitBlackpool and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) hosting. The event was part of a £3.5 million NWDA investment to support major events in Blackpool as part of the town’s ongoing regeneration efforts. The three-day tournament took place on six specially constructed courts, requiring 1,200 tonnes of sand, a 2,000-seat stand, and floodlights. With a prize fund of 100,000 Euros (£79,209) and Olympic qualifying points at stake, Britain’s top male and female players competed… Read more »