Author: Ed

Miners’ Convalescent Home

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The building now known as the Queens Promenade Apartments in Blackpool was originally constructed as the Miners’ Convalescent Home between 1925 and 1927. Designed by the architectural firm Bradshaw, Gass and Hope, the home was opened on 28 June 1927 by the Prince of Wales, later to become King Edward VIII. Built in the Baroque Revival style, the structure is an imposing and distinctive example of early 20th-century architecture. The design features grand, classical detailing, with bold façades and intricate stonework that reflect the architectural trends of the period. The building’s monumental scale and decorative elements were intended to convey…

Hotel Sheraton

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In 2015, local hotelier Nigel Seddon and his family, who also own the nearby 89-bedroom Elgin Hotel, acquired the 104-bedroom Hotel Sheraton on Blackpool’s seafront. The hotel had been owned by the McPhee family for 54 years before being sold for an undisclosed amount, although it had been listed with a guide price of £2.3 million. While the exact date of construction is not confirmed, it is believed the hotel was built around 1961, based on the length of time the McPhee family had operated it. Following the acquisition, the new owners announced plans for a £500,000 refurbishment. This includes… Read more »

Genting Casino

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The Castle, located at 64 Queens Promenade in North Shore was built in 1906 by Arthur Knowles as a private residence for his wife, although she remained in France and never lived in the house. The couple occupied the property for only nine months in 1929. During World War I, the house was used to house Belgian refugees, and it remained largely empty until 1935. After this, it briefly operated as a retirement home before being purchased by Lawrence Wright (who also went by the name Horatio Nicholls) as his personal residence. In 1941, Wright sold the property, and it… Read more »

The Grand Hotel

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The Grand Hotel Blackpool, formerly known as the Blackpool Hilton Hotel, was built in 1982 and remains a prominent establishment in the area. The hotel is located along the coast, offering convenient access to several of Blackpool’s key attractions, including Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the Blackpool Tower, and the Promenade. The hotel provides a range of spacious guest rooms, including options suitable for families with children. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests. The property also features a health club with a sauna, offering visitors the opportunity to relax after a day of sightseeing or… Read more »

Counter-Terrorism and the Big Food Project

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On Wednesday, 11 September 2024, Victoria will speak at Fylde Coast Resilience about her involvement in The Big Food Project at Blackpool Foodbank and her extensive work as an international counter-terrorism consultant for both the UK Government and the United Nations. Currently, Victoria serves as the Director of Offender Management and Specialist Services at Prospects Services. Before this role, she spent several years advising the UK Government and the UN on counter-terrorism efforts, focusing on offender rehabilitation and prison management in countries such as Somalia, Kenya, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Algeria, and Tajikistan. Victoria’s career also includes a significant role as Head…

Englebert Humperdinck at Blackpool Airport

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In July 1968, Engelbert Humperdinck arrived at Blackpool Airport in his new Rolls Royce, preparing for his summer season performance at the ABC Blackpool. Reflecting on his previous appearance in the town, he said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be coming to Blackpool again. Back in 1968 I had such a great time appearing there in summer season and it proved to be a very successful show, breaking all-known box office records.” He went on to praise Blackpool as a “shining beacon” for entertainment in Britain, adding, “It will be nice to be part of that once more.” Having recently…

Lytham St Annes RNLI Shop

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There isn’t much information online about when the Lytham St Annes RNLI Shop was built but RNLI shops have humble beginnings, starting in the early 1920s as small cake stalls organized by volunteers to raise funds for local lifeboat stations. As the charity’s popularity grew, these stalls began to sell RNLI-branded souvenirs and Christmas cards. The first official shop within a lifeboat station was established in 1990, creating a dedicated space for supporters. The RNLI shop in Lytham St Annes, run entirely by dedicated volunteers, offers a variety of gifts and souvenirs, from homeware and clothing to toys, greeting cards,… Read more »

Thompson Family Takes Over Pleasure Beach

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Blackpool Pleasure Beach was founded in 1896 by Alderman William George Bean, a man with an entrepreneurial spirit who initially aspired to make his mark in advertising on New York’s Madison Avenue. After an unsuccessful attempt to break into the advertising world, Bean returned to the UK in 1897, bringing with him a vision inspired by the bustling amusements he’d seen in the U.S. He set up two amusement ventures: one in Great Yarmouth near Euston Road, and the other in Blackpool, located near the tram terminus. While the Great Yarmouth park struggled to attract visitors, the Blackpool location flourished…. Read more »

Blackpool Taco Bell

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Taco Bell has opened its first location in Lancashire with a new drive-thru restaurant in Blackpool. The popular US fast-food chain began serving customers on Rigby Road, near the Central Drive junction, on Thursday, 22 June 2023. This vibrant new eatery offers its signature Mexican-inspired dishes, including tacos and quesadillas, every day from 10:30 am to 11 pm. The two-storey restaurant seats up to 52 guests in its spacious upstairs dining area, while the ground floor features digital self-order kiosks and a reserved table for disabled customers. Taco Bell also plans to introduce a delivery service across Blackpool. The menu… Read more »

Blackpool Tourist Information Centre

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Festival House on the Promenade is home to Blackpool’s VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre, a modern facility inaugurated by HRH Prince Edward. This is the ideal spot for discovering everything that’s happening in Blackpool! Each year, more than 100,000 visitors stop by Blackpool’s Tourist Information Centre. The dedicated team here ensures that everyone can make the most of their time in Blackpool, whether they need in-person assistance or have queries by phone at 01253 478222. For non-urgent questions, the team is also reachable via email. The centre offers a wealth of information on all that Blackpool has to offer, along with… Read more »