Tag: Landmarks

Arnold School Merges with King Edward VII and Queen Mary School

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In September 2012, Arnold School merged with King Edward VII and Queen Mary School in Lytham St Annes to form Arnold KEQMS (now AKS Lytham), and from September 2013 the new school was fully co-located at the Lytham St Annes site. Arnold School, a respected independent school with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1880, closed in 2013 when it merged with King Edward VII and Queen Mary School (KEQMS) in Lytham St Annes to form a new institution called AKS Lytham, as seen in the picture of its current state. The merger was designed to combine… Read more »

Derby Baths on Blackpool Promenade

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Derby Baths in Blackpool, which opened on 22 July 1939, quickly became the town’s premier spot for swimming and recreation. Designed in the popular Art Deco style, it featured a large swimming pool, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas. For decades, it was a central hub for the community, hosting events, fitness classes, and social gatherings, making it a beloved landmark in Blackpool. However, after years of declining visitor numbers and growing concerns about the building’s condition, Derby Baths closed on 31 December 1991. Although there were discussions about renovating and possibly reopening the facility, the decision was made to… Read more »

Charlie Cairoli Statue moved to the Tower

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The statue of Charlie Cairoli was initially placed in Stanley Park in Blackpool to honour his contributions to the town’s entertainment scene. But because of his special connection to the Blackpool Tower Circus, the statue was moved to the Blackpool Tower. This relocation was to better recognise his legacy by putting the statue at the place where he made such a big impact. The Blackpool Tower is a historic landmark, and its Tower Circus has been a central part of Blackpool’s entertainment since it opened in 1894. Moving Cairoli’s statue to the Blackpool Tower allows visitors to celebrate his work… Read more »

Gordon Brown pulls bid for ‘Super Casino’ in Blackpool

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Blackpool was really hoping to get a super casino to help revitalize the area and boost the local economy. In 2007, though, the British government, led by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, decided to give the license for the super casino to Manchester instead. This was part of a broader plan to set up regional casinos across the UK. The decision to choose Manchester over Blackpool stirred up controversy. Blackpool was considered a strong contender because of its history as a tourist spot and the potential benefits of a super casino for its economy, especially since the town played a key… Read more »

The Beginning of Blackpool Illuminations

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The Blackpool Illuminations, often called the “Switch-On” lights, started back in 1879 when Blackpool’s council celebrated the first use of electric lights along the Promenade. They kicked things off by spending £5,000 on a trial of electric street lighting. They set up eight arc lamps on 60-foot poles along the seafront. At the time, people were still using candles for light, so this new setup amazed everyone and got nicknamed “artificial sunshine.” These electric lights drew curious visitors to Blackpool, starting an annual tradition that continues to this day. Although the early lamps had a quirky issue—they would often go… Read more »

The Big One – The biggest rollercoaster in the world when built

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The Pepsi Max Big One is a famous roller coaster that opened on 28 May 1994. Originally sponsored by Pepsi Max, it was built by Arrow Dynamics and quickly gained fame for its record-breaking features. Standing 213 feet (65 meters) tall, the Pepsi Max Big One was the tallest and steepest roller coaster in the world when it first opened. It had a first drop of 205 feet (62 meters) and could reach speeds of up to 74 mph (119 km/h). Its impressive height and speed, along with its traditional out-and-back layout with thrilling drops and hills, made it a… Read more »

Blackpool Airport Closes Its Doors To The General Public

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Blackpool Airport in Lancashire, England, has been around since it opened in 1909. It played a key role during both World Wars and hosted various airlines over the years. It stopped handling commercial passenger flights on 15 October 2014 due to financial losses and the inability to find a buyer to keep it running. The airport had been losing money for a long time, and its owners, Balfour Beatty, decided to close it after failing to find a suitable investor. This resulted in job losses and inconvenience for passengers flying to destinations like the Isle of Man, Dublin, and Belfast…. Read more »

Unveiling of the Comedy Carpet

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Comedian Kenn Dodd opened the Comedy Carpet, a special artwork right on the seafront in front of Blackpool Tower. Created by artist Gordon Young and the Why Not Associates design team, the Comedy Carpet is a large display celebrating British comedy.

Blackpool’s Open Air Baths (Lido)

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The Blackpool Open Air Baths, also called the Blackpool Lido, opened to the public in 1923. They were built to give people a big, outdoor swimming pool to enjoy, making the most of Blackpool’s fame as a seaside spot. At the time, the baths were one of the largest open-air pools in the UK. They had diving boards, areas for sunbathing, and lots of seats for people to watch. The lido quickly became a popular place for swimming, sunbathing, and family outings. Its size and impressive features made it a well-known part of Blackpool, attracting many visitors every summer. The baths were more than just a place to swim; they were an important part of Blackpool’s social life, hosting events like swimming races, diving shows, and beauty contests.

The Pleasure Beach

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Blackpool Pleasure Beach is one of the UK’s most famous amusement parks, and its history stretches back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. It was started by William Bean and his partner John Outhwaite in 1896. They bought 30 acres of land, which was then home to a gypsy camp. Bean aimed to create an American-style amusement park for people to enjoy. The park began with just a few basic rides. Over time, it grew a lot, adding more rides and attractions to attract more visitors. During the 1920s and 1930s, the park continued to expand, introducing some iconic… Read more »