Author: Ed

Blackpool Cricket Club Opens

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Blackpool Cricket Club has a long and storied history, dating back to its origins in 1890. The club was initially based in various locations within the town before it found a permanent home at Stanley Park. The land, a sprawling 256-acre site, was gifted to Blackpool Corporation in 1924, as part of a grand vision for the development and expansion of the town’s public amenities. This ambitious project led to the creation of Stanley Park as a key community space, with facilities for leisure and sports. As part of the broader development, a cricket pitch was laid in 1925, alongside… Read more »

Village Hotel Opens (Now De Vere)

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The Village Hotel Blackpool, opened in 2021, is part of the Village Hotel Group, a well-established brand known for its modern facilities and vibrant atmosphere. Located in the heart of Blackpool, the hotel provides a convenient and comfortable stay for both business and leisure visitors. It is situated near key attractions like Blackpool Zoo, the seaside promenade, and the iconic Blackpool Tower, making it a great base for exploring the area. The hotel offers a wide range of facilities, including an on-site pub and grill, a Starbucks café, and comprehensive wellness amenities such as an indoor pool, a gym, and… Read more »

Parks Art Deco Cafe

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The Parks Art Deco cafe is frankly stunning. A majestic art deco building set in beautiful Stanley Park, the cafe was built in 1926 and is grade two listed. It is owned by Blackpool council and is fully licensed, although as we went for breakfast we didn’t indulge in the glorious jugs of Pimms they had advertised. There is seating both indoors and outdoors facing the Italian gardens, so wherever you choose to sit you certainly have a room with a view. When I was in Blackpool last month, the local historian Ted Lightbown also took me to the Stanley…

Blackpool Zoo Opens

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Blackpool Zoo officially opened its doors on July 6, 1972, marking the beginning of what would become one of the town’s most beloved attractions. The zoo was developed on the site of the former Stanley Park Aerodrome, an historic airfield that had fallen out of use. Amelia Earhart was one of its many famous visitors. You can see her name mentioned on the blue plaque below. Its transformation into a zoo was part of Blackpool’s broader efforts to expand its appeal beyond the famous seaside attractions and provide visitors with a unique, family-friendly experience. From its inception, Blackpool Zoo was… 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,…

Blackpool’s Brian London Fights Muhammad Ali

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Brian London, who was originally named Brian Harper and born on 19 June 1934, was a well-regarded heavyweight boxer from Blackpool. Known for his grit and toughness, London made a name for himself in British boxing by winning both the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. A significant moment in his career was his fight against Muhammad Ali on 6 August 1966. Brian was nicknamed the “Blackpool Rock” because of his hard and durable nature in the ring. Before taking on Ali, he had already fought other notable opponents like Henry Cooper and Floyd Patterson. However, he was considered the underdog…

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…

Alan Carr Switches On the Lights

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In 2009, Alan Carr, the beloved British comedian and television presenter, took centre stage to switch on the iconic Blackpool Illuminations, a cherished tradition that has illuminated the seaside resort for generations. The event took place on 4 September and was infused with Alan’s trademark wit and charm, creating a night to remember for the thousands of attendees. Alan Carr was a perfect fit for the occasion, with his rising popularity as the host of Alan Carr: Chatty Man adding a contemporary touch to the historic event. His lively personality ensured the ceremony was both humorous and engaging. Beyond performing…

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…