Tag: Government

Alfie Boe Switches on the Lights

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Alfie Boe headlined the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On concert on 31 August 2018 at the Tower Festival Headland, drawing thousands of visitors to celebrate the launch of the town’s world-famous illuminations. But there’s a bigger connection, the fact he was born in Blackpool. He’s the youngest in a family of nine children and was brought up in nearby Fleetwood. He is of Irish and Norwegian descent and his mother and father named him after the Italian name of Pope John XXIII. He attended St Wulstan’s and St Edmund’s School and Cardinal Allen Catholic High School in Fleetwood. His earliest musical memories were… Read more »

Sands Venue Resort Hotel & Spyglass

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The opening of the Spyglass Bar offers a sneak peek into what Blackpool’s £30 million Sands Venue Resort Hotel will bring when it eventually opens on the Promenade. Although the hotel itself remains unfinished, the £600,000 Spyglass Bar began welcoming guests on 26 August 2021. Despite a £10 million loan from Blackpool Council, the hotel project has faced delays due to ongoing disputes between the developers and contractors. Developer Peter Swann, along with the hotel’s official website, maintains that the Sands Venue Resort will be Blackpool’s first five-star hotel, offering a luxury spa, gym, conference rooms, valet parking, and stunning… Read more »

Lancashire Energy HQ

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Opened in September 2017, the £12m Lancashire Energy HQ (LEHQ) is a state-of-the-art facility developed by Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) and co-funded by the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership. Located within Blackpool Airport’s newly established Enterprise Zone, the centre is purpose-built to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the engineering, manufacturing, and energy sectors. LEHQ offers a wide range of training programmes for individuals aged 16 and over who are looking to advance their careers in these high-demand industries. The facility is equipped with industry-standard resources and staffed by experts in education, ensuring high-quality STEM training. The evolving… Read more »

Jayne Mansfield Switches on the Lights

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On 9th September 1959, Hollywood actress Jayne Mansfield had the honour of switching on Blackpool’s world-famous Illuminations. Pictured here at the event, Mansfield stands at the centre, flanked by Ted Hill, the leader of the boilermakers’ union (left), and W.J. Carron, the president of the engineers’ union. Behind them is Morgan Phillips, the secretary of the Socialist party. This glamorous moment was part of the Trades Union Congress celebration, and Mansfield, with her iconic image, was the perfect figure to mark the occasion. Mansfield and her husband went to enjoy themselves at Blackpool’s beach but caused a controversy. A ‘Baby… Read more »

Showzam!

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Showzam is a vibrant festival that celebrates Circus, Magic, and Variety, and since its debut in 2008, it has grown into a major highlight of Blackpool’s event calendar. It has been on for several years and stopped prior to the COVID epidemic, but it’s back in February 2025. Each year, the festival becomes more ambitious, offering a diverse range of performances that appeal to all ages. For five days, Blackpool is transformed into ‘Circus Town,’ showcasing the very best in international circus and street performances. Over 25,000 visitors flocked to see performers from eleven different countries taking over the streets,… Read more »

Fleetwood’s Marine Hall

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Marine Hall is a striking Art Deco theatre located on Fleetwood’s scenic seafront, built in 1935. The building is renowned for its beautiful architectural design, with the ballroom being one of its most notable features, highlighted by a stunning glazed dome that takes centre stage. The venue retains much of the charm and elegance of its 1930s Art Deco heritage, making it a unique and atmospheric setting for a wide variety of events. Situated against the backdrop of Fleetwood’s Marine Gardens, the venue offers lovely views from its outdoor terrace and performance area, which also overlooks the surrounding recreational facilities…. Read more »

Counter-Terrorism and the Big Food Project

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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 »

Blackpool Council

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The Municipal Building The site on Corporation Street, FY1 1LY, previously occupied by Boots the Chemist, became an extension to the Town Hall in 1977. This building is primarily used for Blackpool Council offices and the DWP Job Centre Plus. It also serves as a customer service point with facilities like interview desks, computer access, and phone terminals. It houses various council departments and staff, handling a wide range of services for residents, such as bin collections, council tax, and more. This is also where job seekers can access support and services related to employment and benefits. The New Office… Read more »

Blackpool Civic Trust

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Established in 1975, Blackpool Civic Trust is dedicated to fostering excellence and nurturing a strong sense of community spirit throughout Blackpool. The Trust is deeply committed to celebrating and preserving the town’s rich heritage while actively engaging in shaping its future. It serves as a pivotal organisation in promoting Blackpool’s historical significance, cultural vibrancy, and development for residents of all ages. The Civic Trust’s work encompasses a wide range of interests related to Blackpool. It plays a crucial role in advocating for the preservation of the town’s architectural and cultural landmarks, ensuring that its historical character is maintained amidst modern… Read more »

Blackpool War Memorial and Cenotaph

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The Blackpool War Memorial and Cenotaph, erected in 1923, stands as a poignant tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in conflicts, particularly World War I and World War II. Located in a prominent position on Blackpool Promenade, within the Town Centre Conservation Area, this imposing monument is both a symbol of remembrance and a central feature of Blackpool’s historical landscape. Crafted from durable stone, the cenotaph’s design reflects the gravitas and respect typical of war memorials from its era. It features classical architectural elements that evoke a sense of solemnity, with inscriptions and symbolic elements such as wreaths and… Read more »