Tag: Music

The Beatles Perform at the ABC Theatre

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The Beatles performed at the ABC Theatre in Blackpool on several occasions during the height of their fame in the 1960s. On 21 July 1963, they took the stage there as part of a series of Sunday night concerts, just after their debut album, “Please Please Me,” came out. They were back on 9 August 1964 for a major concert that was broadcast live on ITV’s “Big Night Out.” By then, The Beatles were international stars with hits like “A Hard Day’s Night” and “She Loves You.” Their final performance at the ABC Theatre was on 1 August 1965 and… Read more »

Frank Sinatra at The Opera House

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Frank Sinatra performed in Blackpool twice, with his first concert in July 1950. At that time, his career was struggling in the US, so he became Blackpool’s highest-paid performer, earning £2,000 per show at the Opera House. He told his chauffeur, Frank Lucas, “You know I could be mayor of this town!” as excited fans cheered, clapped, and banged on his car windows when he arrived. Sinatra loved the local support, saying, “They love me in this town, don’t they?” He came back for two more performances in Blackpool in 1953. Sinatra’s performance at the Blackpool Opera House on July… Read more »

George Formby Society attends Blackpool Convention

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The George Formby Society was at the Blackpool Convention this June, showing their commitment to preserving George Formby’s legacy. Formed to honour the famous entertainer, the society keeps his musical traditions alive by performing his classic songs on the ukulele. Their appearance at the convention highlights their dedication to sharing Formby’s music and memory with new audiences. The George Formby Society, founded in 1960, is a fan-based organisation dedicated to preserving and celebrating the life and legacy of George Formby, one of Britain’s most beloved entertainers of the 20th century. Known for his skills as a ukulele player, singer, and… Read more »

George Formby Plaque Unveiled at Home

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In 2012, George Formby was honored with a blue plaque at Beryldene, celebrating his lasting impact. The ukulele has become closely associated with Formby, who was known for his cheerful smile, child-like charm, and unforgettable performances cherished by people on the Fylde Coast. George was born in Wigan in 1904 and initially seemed headed for a different career. His father, George Formby Snr, a well-known performer, once said there was no need for ‘another fool’ in the family. But after his father passed away in 1921, George Formby Jr. chose to continue his father’s legacy. His early act resembled his… Read more »

George Formby at Football Match

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On 6 May 1939, during the Blackpool versus Portsmouth match, George Formby was photographed alongside two key figures of the football world: James Blair, the captain of Blackpool FC, on the left, and Jimmy Guthrie, the captain of Portsmouth FC, on the right. The trio was holding the FA Cup, which had been recently won by Portsmouth just a week earlier, following their victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the final at Wembley. This moment captured a sense of celebration and camaraderie, with the FA Cup symbolising not only Portsmouth’s triumph but also the enduring connection between football and popular culture… Read more »

The Return of Music Legend Graham Nash

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Graham William Nash OBE, the renowned musician and legendary songwriter, took the stage as the headliner at the British Country Music Festival, held from 1 to 3 September 2023. The event marked his return to his birthplace of Blackpool, where he performed at the Winter Gardens. Born on 2 February 1942 at the Kimberly Hotel in South Shore, Blackpool, Nash’s early years were shaped by his mother’s evacuation from Salford due to World War II. The hotel, once a place of significance, had fallen into disrepair and gained a poor reputation over the years, eventually leading to its closure by… Read more »