Author: Ed

Blackpool King Carnival

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The Blackpool King Carnival of 1923 was a grand event that captivated the town over a full week from 9 – 16 June. This week-long celebration was designed to showcase Blackpool’s burgeoning reputation as a leading entertainment destination and to offer an extensive programme of activities for both residents and visitors. The carnival kicked off with a spectacular parade featuring elaborate floats, costumed performers, and marching bands. Each float was meticulously themed to reflect contemporary trends, popular culture, or local history, creating a vibrant and colourful spectacle. The parade was a highlight of the week, drawing large crowds and setting the tone for the festivities.

The Opening of Houndshill Shopping Centre

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The original Hounds Hill Shopping Centre in Blackpool, which opened in 1980, played a significant role in modernising the town’s retail landscape. Conceived as part of Blackpool’s efforts to upgrade its shopping environment, the centre was designed to address the growing demand for contemporary retail spaces and attract more visitors to the town centre. The planning phase involved consultations with retailers and town planners to ensure that the new centre would complement Blackpool’s existing retail offerings. Houndshill Shopping Centre is an indoor shopping centre and the only one in Blackpool. It’s located in the centre of the town with one… Read more »

Reginald Dixon – Renown Wurlitzer Organist

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Reginald Dixon’s tenure at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool, beginning in 1930, was a defining era for both his career and the venue’s reputation. Appointed as the resident organist, Dixon quickly became a central figure in the ballroom’s entertainment scene, bringing a new level of excitement and professionalism to the stage. Dixon’s performance style was marked by virtuosity and flair, characterized by a blend of classical music, popular tunes, and innovative arrangements. His ability to adapt his performances to suit various moods and occasions made each show unique and engaging. He skillfully utilized the Wurlitzer organ’s range of stops and effects, including the distinctive Tibia Plena stop, to create rich, resonant sounds that enhanced the theatrical experience of the ballroom.

Pleasure Beach Fire

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On May 25, 1934, a devastating fire broke out in the early hours of the morning, around 3:00 AM, beginning at the Big Dipper roller coaster, which was one of the park’s main attractions. The blaze spread rapidly due to the wooden structures and flammable materials used in the rides and was further fueled by high winds that night. The fire quickly engulfed several other key attractions, including the Scenic Railway and the Whip, and…

RHO Hills Store Fire

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The RHO Hills fire in Blackpool on May 8, 1967, was a devastating event that led to the complete destruction of the iconic department store located on Bank Hey Street. The fire started shortly after midnight, around 12:20 AM, and within 15 minutes, flames were already visible from miles away. The store’s night watchman, Owen Davey, was the first to notice the fire during a routine security check when he detected smoke and discovered a raging fire on the second floor. Despite a swift response from approximately 60 firefighters from Blackpool, Preston, and the Lancashire County Brigade, the fire quickly…

The Doric Hotel

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The Doric Hotel was originally known as Wrigley Terrace. The Taylor Family acquired the hotel in 2000 and in later years became part of the Waterside Hotel Group alongside the Park House Hotel and Pavilion on the Prom. The Doric Hotel reopened its doors on 10 February following a five-week closure for renovations. This latest development is part of a significant investment in the property, totalling £250,000, which positions the Doric Hotel as a standout among Blackpool’s 3-star establishments. The refurbishment included a complete transformation of key communal areas such as the reception, lounge, bar, and corridors. The updates reflect… Read more »

HMS Foudroyant Shipwreck

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HMS Foudroyant, once Admiral Nelson’s flagship between 6 June 1799 and June 1801, ended her illustrious career in a dramatic wreck off the Blackpool coast in 1897. After years of distinguished service, the ship had retired and embarked on a fundraising voyage around Britain to promote her preservation. Her journey, however, came to an abrupt and tragic conclusion. The Foudroyant arrived in Blackpool on 4 June 1897, anchoring two miles offshore between Central and North Piers. On the morning of 16 June, a hurricane-strength storm swept through the area, and the ferocious winds caused the ship to break anchor. Buffeted…

The Abana Shipwreck

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On 22 December, 1894, the Abana, a Norwegian barque, was wrecked along the Blackpool coastline during a fierce storm. Sailing to Florida, the ship’s crew mistook the newly-built Blackpool Tower for a lighthouse, leading them dangerously close to the shore. Battling high winds and rough seas, the vessel eventually ran aground near Little Bispham. Despite the peril, all 17 crew members and the ship’s dog were rescued by the Blackpool lifeboat team. The lifeboat itself faced challenges, briefly becoming grounded on a sandbank during the operation. After the rescue, the sailors were brought ashore and celebrated their survival with a…

The Sirene Shipwreck

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The Sirene was a Norwegian barque en route from Fleetwood to Florida when disaster struck on October 9, 1892. During its voyage, the vessel encountered a fierce storm, forcing it toward the Blackpool coastline. Unable to withstand the severe weather, the Sirene ran aground near North Pier. The dramatic wreck saw the ship’s masts topple onto the Promenade, creating a scene of both danger and awe for onlookers. Despite the perilous circumstances, all eleven crew members managed to leap from the stricken vessel onto the safety of the pier, escaping unharmed. Their survival was celebrated as a remarkable feat, considering…

Elgin Hotel

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The Elgin Hotel in Blackpool, originally built in 1937, began as a modest boarding house before evolving into one of the town’s well-loved seafront hotels. Over the decades, its management has expanded and modernized the property, transforming it into a distinctive accommodation that merges four adjoining Promenade hotels from the 1930s. This unique history gives the hotel’s 89 en-suite rooms individual character, with each varying in size and layout. Known for its warm, family-run atmosphere, the Elgin combines traditional charm with high standards of service, offering a memorable stay for guests whether they’re visiting for leisure, business, or a festive… Read more »