Tag: Shows

Winter Gardens

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The Winter Gardens, a prominent entertainment venue in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, features a theatre, ballroom, and conference facilities. Established in 1878, it is a Grade II listed building. The Blackpool Entertainment Company Limited operates it on behalf of Blackpool Council, which acquired the property from Leisure Parcs Ltd in 2010 as part of a £40 million deal. Throughout its history, the Winter Gardens has been the venue for numerous significant events, including the annual Trades Union Congress, the Conservative Party Conference, the Labour Party Conference, and the Liberal Democrat Conference held twice a year. The venue’s management noted that every… Read more »

The Launch of Radio Wave

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Radio Wave was an Independent Local Radio station that served Blackpool, The Fylde, and nearby regions. It operated from studios located in the Layton area of Blackpool and transmitted its broadcasts via a specially built transmitter positioned atop Blackpool Tower. In the late 1980s, local entrepreneur John Barnett advocated for a unique Independent Local Radio (ILR) licence for Blackpool and the Fylde area. He also plays a key role at Social Enterprise Solutions. The licence was granted in 1992, and Radio Wave commenced its broadcasts at 7 am on 25 May 1992. The station’s launch included an introduction from Barnett,… Read more »

David Tennant Switches on the Lights

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In 2007, David Tennant came to Blackpool to switch on the Illuminations after having just won the role of Dr Who in the BBC series. Here he takes a break from filming to light up the town. That year, the lights incorporated a Doctor Who display, including monsters from the revived series. As the then star of the show, David Tennant was invited to switch on the display for the massive event on August 31st. Also present was TV personality Dale Winton, who hosted the evening, and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, who designed part of the display, while acts performing included Natasha Bedingfield,… Read more »

Tram Hits Alan Bradley

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In the storyline, Alan Bradley, an abusive and villainous character in Coronation Street, was relentlessly pursuing his partner, Rita Fairclough, who had fled to Blackpool to escape him. The climax occurs when Alan tracks Rita down and chases her along Blackpool’s famous Promenade. During the chase, Alan recklessly runs onto the tram tracks and is struck by an oncoming tram, resulting in his dramatic death. The filming of the tram crash was meticulously planned, involving close coordination with the Blackpool Transport Authority. The production team obtained special permissions to film on the tram tracks, and the sequence was carefully choreographed… Read more »

Britain’s Got Talent

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Judges Amanda Holden (centre), Alesha Dixon (second from left), David Walliams (second from right) and Simon Cowell with presenters Anthony ‘Ant’ McPartlin (left) and Declan ‘Dec’ Donnelly (right) attending the Britain’s Got Talent auditions at Blackpool’s Opera House on 16 January 2018. But for fans of the show what’s even better is that it looks like auditions will be coming back to Blackpool October 2024! Everyone is officially invited to become the 5th judge and join Ant & Dec, and all the judges LIVE at the glittering auditions taking place in the Winter Gardens.

Peter Kay Meets the Queen

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On 7 December 2009, Queen Elizabeth II attended the Royal Variety Performance held at the Opera House in Blackpool, an event known for its prestigious line-up of entertainment acts. Following the show, Her Majesty had the opportunity to meet with several of the evening’s performers, including the beloved British comedian Peter Kay. Peter Kay, known for his sharp wit and relatable humour, had performed during the event, bringing his signature comedic style to the stage. The Royal Variety Performance is a longstanding tradition, with a history dating back to 1912, where members of the British Royal Family meet and interact… Read more »

Paul Daniels & Friends

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Paul Daniels, the renowned magician and entertainer, had a significant presence in Blackpool while promoting The Best of British Variety Tour 2008. Celebrated for his innovative magic tricks and charismatic performances, Daniels was a central figure in variety entertainment, adding glamour and excitement to his shows. The tour, which ran through August and September 2008, visited various venues across England and Wales and celebrated British variety—a genre known for its eclectic mix of comedy, music, and magic. Blackpool, with its rich variety theatre heritage, was a prominent location for this event. The city’s Winter Gardens, a historic venue long associated… Read more »

Frank Carson Meets the Queen in Blackpool

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Frank Carson was born on June 11, 1926 in Belfast, County Down, Northern Ireland, UK. The meeting between Queen Elizabeth II and comedian Frank Carson in Blackpool highlights the town’s significance in the British entertainment landscape. This encounter took place during the Queen’s visit to Blackpool in December 1994, when she attended the Royal Variety Performance, an annual event showcasing a wide range of entertainment acts for charity. Accompanying the Queen was Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, underscoring the importance of the occasion and their joint commitment to supporting the arts. Frank Carson, a beloved Northern Irish comedian known for… Read more »

Billy Bragg at the Rebellion Festival

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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…

Kieth Harris’s Blackpool Funeral

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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 »