Author: Ed

Roy Harper Gets His First Record Deal

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From the age of 6, Roy Harper lived in St Annes-on-Sea but he was born in 1941 in Rusholme, a suburb of Manchester. His mother, Muriel, died three weeks after giving birth. He was brought up by his father and stepmother, with whom he became disillusioned because of his stepmother’s religious beliefs (although they reconciled in 1980, just before her death). His anti-religious views would later become a familiar theme within his music. English folk rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He has released 22 studio albums (and 10 live ones) across a career that stretches back to 1966. As a musician, Harper is… Read more »

Bette Davis at The ABC Theatre

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Bette Davis’ 1976 appearance at Blackpool’s ABC Theatre, a popular venue at the time, was part of a brief tour in the UK to promote her autobiography The Lonely Life and to engage with her British audience. The visit to Blackpool was a notable event, as it marked a rare opportunity for her fans in the town to see the legendary Hollywood actress in person, even as her Hollywood career had somewhat slowed in the 1970s. She delivered a talk about her life and career that evening at the ABC Theatre. It included a chance for the audience to hear first hand…

Blackpool’s Joe Riley Plays for Manchester United

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Joe Riley, born on 6 December 1996 in Blackpool, is an English professional footballer known for his versatility, playing as both a full-back and midfielder. Currently, he represents National League side AFC Fylde. Riley began his footballing journey at Manchester United, initially as a midfielder before being transitioned into a left-back role for the under-21 team. Riley made his senior debut for Manchester United on 22 February 2016 in a 3–0 FA Cup victory against Shrewsbury Town, coming on as a substitute. Four days later, he earned his first start in a UEFA Europa League fixture against Midtjylland, where Marcus… Read more »

Tower Fire False Alarm

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An unusual incident at Blackpool Tower on 28 December 2023 resulted in emergency services responding to what was initially thought to be a fire near the iconic structure’s viewing platform. However, the supposed flames turned out to be orange netting blowing in the wind, creating an illusion of fire. The situation escalated when images and videos shared on social media seemed to show flames at the top of the 158-meter-high tower. Lancashire Fire and Rescue, taking the reports seriously, dispatched six fire engines, a drone team, and climbing specialists to the scene. The police helicopter later clarified that no fire…

Outpost – Steve Barker’s Debut Feature Film

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Steve Barker, born on 4 April 1971 in Blackpool, is an English film director and screenwriter renowned for his contributions to the horror and thriller genres. Barker’s storytelling often blends genre elements, creating narratives marked by tension and stylistic innovation. His work reflects a strong commitment to genre filmmaking, solidifying his reputation within British cinema, particularly in the horror landscape. Barker’s early career highlights include Magic Hour (2002), a short film starring John Simm. He made his feature film directorial debut with Outpost (2008), a supernatural thriller set against a World War II backdrop, featuring Ray Stevenson and Richard Brake…. Read more »

Barney Harwood – BBC’s Blue Peter Presenter

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Barnaby John Harwood was born on 7 November 1979 in Blackpool and is a British actor and television presenter. He is probably best known for his work with CBBC beginning in 2002. Harwood presented Prank Patrol for the BBC and was a voice-over commentator for The Smokehouse, while on BBC Two, he co-presented Basil’s Swap Shop (a remake of Multi-Coloured Swap Shop), alongside Basil Brush. Previous work for CBBC included gameshow Crush in 2004, Sport Relief Gets Sub’d!, a Sport Relief 2006 show and as co-presenter of Smile, which aired each Sunday on BBC Two until 26 August 2007 and saw… Read more »

Curtis Jobling Designs Bob the Builder

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Curtis Jobling, born on 14 February 1972 in Blackpool and now residing in Warrington, is a British illustrator, animator, and author best known as the original production designer for the stop-motion series Bob the Builder. He conceptualised the program’s characters, props, and sets, contributing to its BAFTA-winning success. His early career included work on Wallace & Gromit and Mars Attacks!, leading to his pivotal role in Bob the Builder in 1997. Jobling has also excelled in children’s literature and animation. His book Frankenstein’s Cat, a humorous tale of a misfit feline, was adapted into an animated series aired on CBBC,… Read more »

David Hoyle’s Belle Vue Start

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David Hoyle, born on 19 September 1962 in Layton, Blackpool, is a trailblazing English performance artist known for his avant-garde cabaret, satirical comedy, and thought-provoking work on LGBTQ+ issues. His childhood in Blackpool was marked by severe bullying for his homosexuality, which led to a mental breakdown at the age of 14. Hoyle’s artistic career began with performances in Blackpool, including at the Belle Vue pub (where Robbie Williams made a music video), where he developed comedic routines under the persona of Paul Munnery-Vain. After relocating to Manchester in the 1990s, he became a fixture in gay clubs and crafted… Read more »

Daniel J Whiston – Skating His Way into our Hearts

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Daniel J. Whiston, born on 21 November 1976 in Blackpool, is a celebrated professional ice skater and television personality. The son of Marj and William Whiston, Daniel has been closely associated with the Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s Ice Arena, where he began skating at age seven and performed in numerous productions. He made his debut in the arena’s show at 18 and later toured North America with Grease on Ice. Until 2006, Whiston starred in the Pleasure Beach’s Hot Ice Show, with his performances featured on DVDs such as Quixotic, Xylatomia, and Chill. In television, Whiston gained fame through his involvement in… Read more »

Craig Parkinson in The Line of Duty

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Craig Parkinson was born on 11 March 1976 in Blackpool. He began acting at an early age in school plays. He studied at Blackpool and The Fylde College before moving to London aged 17 to attend the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Parkinson is 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) tall. In his youth, he lived in Camden and Crouch End before moving to Gloucestershire with his wife. He was married to actress Susan Lynch and they have a son but they separated in 2019. He has played Shaun in the E4 series Misfits, twins Jimmy and Johnny Kray in the… Read more »