Tag: Shows

The Nolan Sisters

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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 Opens Coral Island

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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 »

Les Dawson, Loads of Laughs in Blackpool

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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, Cherished in Blackpool

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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 »

The Old Electric Theatre

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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 »

Grand Theatre

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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... Read more »

Strictly Come Dancing filming in the Tower Ballroom

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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 »

The Blackpool Dance Festival

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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 »

Holidays in the Sun’ First Punk Event at the Winter Gardens

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“Holidays in the Sun” was a punk rock festival that took place in Blackpool. This festival was a significant event in the punk music scene, drawing fans from across the UK and beyond. The festival was named after a Sex Pistols song and was designed to bring together a wide range of punk bands from the original 1970s era, as well as newer acts that had emerged in the following decades. It took place in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, a large and historic venue, hosted the event, providing ample space for multiple stages and large crowds. The festival was held from… Read more »

Young Blackpool Filmmaker Ryan J. Smith Achieves Worldwide Movie Releases

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The Skint Film Company, founded in 2019, is the film production vehicle of filmmaker Ryan J. Smith.Skint was formed to handle all aspects of production and delivers high quality films for theatrical and streaming distribution. Its recent productions TALKING TO GHOSTS and LOTTERY are available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Tubi, Plex and more – putting them in position to undertake more commercial projects with bigger studio and financing partners. Previous productions include the documentary feature RED LIGHT SOLO and the short films BRIGHT EYES and THE BULL AND THE BEAR. Ryan works closely with friends Adam Bentley (visual effects), Alisdair… Read more »