Blackpool Cricket Club has a long and storied history, dating back to its origins in 1890. The club was initially based in various locations within the town before it found a permanent home at Stanley Park. The land, a sprawling 256-acre site, was gifted to Blackpool Corporation in 1924, as part of a grand vision for the development and expansion of the town’s public amenities. This ambitious project led to the creation of Stanley Park as a key community space, with facilities for leisure and sports. As part of the broader development, a cricket pitch was laid in 1925, alongside… Read more »
The Grand Theatre in Blackpool is a historic venue that has been a central part of the town's cultural scene for more than a century. Designed by the famous Victorian architect Frank Matcham, it first opened its doors on July 23, 1894. The theatre showcases Matcham’s distinctive style, blending Baroque, Rococo, and Gothic influences. Its lavish interior, adorned with intricate plasterwork and gold detailing, makes it an impressive and visually captivating space. Over the years, the theatre has seen several restorations to maintain its historic appeal while updating its facilities. It was saved from demolition in the 1970s by passionate... 
The tenpin bowling centre on Central Drive in Blackpool opened on 1 October 1965, just a short walk from the seafront. It had thirty-six Brunswick lanes all on one level with A2 type pinsetters. The centre operated until the early 1970s when the Rank Organisation decided to close all its remaining bowling centres, although the Blackpool Mecca Building remained. In the 1970s, it became well-known for The Highland Room, which was a major Northern Soul music venue. From 1977, it hosted the Commonwealth Sporting Club but closed down in the 1980s. It’s not clear if the building was used in... 