Billy Bragg has been a notable presence at the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, headlining performances in 2017, 2019, and 2022. The festival, held annually at the Winter Gardens, is one of the largest punk rock events in the world, gathering punk bands and fans from across the globe. Bragg, known for blending folk music with punk rock ethos, fits seamlessly into the festival’s diverse lineup. His performances are highly anticipated, showcasing his unique mix of music and activism. In 2017, he headlined the festival on August 5th, delivering a set that featured his classic hits and politically charged songs. He... Read more »
Born in Lyndhurst, Hampshire on 21 September 1947, Keith Harris grew up in North Baddesley in Hampshire and near Chester where he attended a secondary modern school. But he also lived in Poulton during his later years. The cherished British ventriloquist and entertainer renowned for his puppet characters Orville the Duck and Cuddles the Monkey, passed away on April 28, 2015, at the age of 67 after a battle with cancer. His funeral was held in Blackpool, a town emblematic of British entertainment, providing a fitting backdrop to celebrate his life and career. The service took place on May 12,… Read more »
The Nolan Sisters, hailing from Blackpool, England, are a prominent pop group known for their success in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The group originally consisted of the sisters Anne, Denise, Maureen, Linda, and Bernadette (Bernie), with Coleen Nolan later joining the lineup. The Nolan Sisters began their musical journey as part of a family act called The Singing Nolans, which included their parents and brothers. The family performed in clubs and cabarets around Blackpool and the surrounding areas. Their big break came when they appeared on the TV show “It’s Cliff Richard!” in 1974, which led to increased… Read more »
Ken Dodd made countless trips to Blackpool, entertaining visitors for hours and often treating them to coffee and more fun afterwards. On 26 May 1978, he opened Coral Island, a two-acre entertainment complex on the Gold Mile, accompanied by six of his Diddymen. Later, on 10 October 2011, he was also seen opening the Comedy Carpet on the promenade. The Comedy Carpet, designed by artist Gordon Young, showcases thousands of catchphrases from comedians who have performed in Blackpool over the years. Located prominently on the Blackpool seafront, Coral Island is a large amusement complex offering a variety of attractions, including… Read more »
The photograph of Les Dawson was taken in his theatre dressing room in 1984, just before one of his many performances in Blackpool. Both his career and personal life were closely intertwined with Blackpool and Lytham St Annes. Blackpool, a major hub for British entertainers, played a pivotal role in his rise to prominence. Dawson frequently performed in the town, known for its vibrant entertainment scene, and venues such as the Blackpool Grand Theatre were instrumental in establishing his reputation. His unique comedy routines and piano sketches were highly acclaimed, cementing Blackpool’s significance in his career. Beyond his professional engagements,… Read more »
Joe Longthorne MBE was a distinguished singer and impressionist renowned for his stage and television performances. Over his career, he released three platinum albums and resided in Blackpool with his husband and manager, James Moran. He also had a son, Ricky, from a previous relationship. Longthorne passed away at his home in Blackpool on 3 August 2019, aged 64, and was laid to rest at Layton Cemetery in Blackpool. In tribute to his contributions, The North Pier renamed its theatre as The Joe Longthorne Theatre the following year, and Blackpool Council awarded him a special accolade for ‘30 Years In… Read more »
Just a short stroll from the promenade, Blackpool’s newest community arts venue provides a unique setting for creative activities. The venue aims to make arts and culture accessible to everyone in Blackpool, offering a range of shows, engaging activities, educational programmes, and varied experiences. The Electric Sunshine Project (TESP), founded in 2016, was established to nurture creative expression through workshops, events, projects, and performances. Their mission is to break down barriers and encourage children, families, and individuals to explore their creativity. The name ‘Electric Sunshine’ pays tribute to Blackpool’s historic achievement in 1879 when it became the first town in… Read more »
BlueBlueThe 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… Read more »
The first episode of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ filmed at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool happened during the show’s second series on 20 November 2004. This special episode started a beloved tradition where the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom became a glamorous and historic venue for the dance competition, adding extra excitement and prestige for both contestants and viewers. Moving to Blackpool was seen as a milestone in the competition, marking a significant achievement for the remaining contestants. Dancing in the Tower Ballroom was considered a prestigious opportunity, and many professional dancers and celebrities viewed it as one of the highlights of… Read more »
Since 1920, the Blackpool Dance Festival has been held every year at the Winter Gardens, except during wartime. It’s one of the oldest dance festivals in the world. What started off focusing on ballroom dancing with styles like the waltz, tango, and foxtrot, eventually grew to include Latin dances like the cha-cha, samba, rumba, paso doble, and jive. What began as mainly a British event has now turned into a major international competition, drawing dancers from all over the world. Often called the ‘Wimbledon of Ballroom Dancing,’ winning at Blackpool is seen as the highest achievement in the dance world…. Read more »
Billy Bragg has been a notable presence at the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, headlining performances in 2017, 2019, and 2022. The festival, held annually at the Winter Gardens, is one of the largest punk rock events in the world, gathering punk bands and fans from across the globe. Bragg, known for blending folk music with punk rock ethos, fits seamlessly into the festival’s diverse lineup. His performances are highly anticipated, showcasing his unique mix of music and activism. In 2017, he headlined the festival on August 5th, delivering a set that featured his classic hits and politically charged songs. He... Read more »
