Author: Ed

The Solaris Centre

Posted by

Originally built in 1938 as a Winter Garden, the Solaris Centre had deteriorated over the years, becoming a decaying eyesore along the promenade. Thankfully, instead of opting for demolition, Blackpool Council chose to restore the building and commissioned Mellor Architects to revitalise it. The vision was to transform the Solaris into a regional hub for environmental action, where each organisation or company occupying one of its many units would contribute to environmental sustainability in some way, earning the privilege of calling the Solaris their home. For more information about Mellor Architects and their role in this project, click the link…

Blackpool Dog Show

Posted by

The Blackpool Dog Show began in 1921, with the first Championship show taking place in 1934 at the Tram sheds on Hornby Road. Since then, the event has typically been hosted at Stanley Park. The early years of the show saw Mr Harold Roberts serve as Secretary until 1974, followed by Mr Jack Bennett until 2003, when the current Secretary, Steve Hall, took over. For more information, you can visit the official website through the link provided below. In the photo below, Baby Peterjon steals the spotlight from Zodie, a Pyrenean Mountain Dog, during the Blackpool Dog Show on 2…

Lucy Morton, Britain’s first Women’s Olympic Swimming Champion

Posted by

Lucy Morton was born in 1898 in New Tatton, Cheshire, but her family relocated to Blackpool when she was a child. At the age of ten, she joined the local amateur swimming club. Blackpool Council supported her training by opening the local swimming baths early in the mornings and late in the evenings, long before the Olympic-sized Derby Baths opened in 1939. Lucy achieved considerable success, winning an Olympic gold medal in the 200m breaststroke at the 1924 Paris Summer Games. Her accomplishments began even earlier, as she held world swimming records in 1914, 1916, and 1920. From 1919 to…

Paul Daniels & Friends

Posted by

Paul Daniels, the renowned magician and entertainer, had a significant presence in Blackpool while promoting The Best of British Variety Tour 2008. Celebrated for his innovative magic tricks and charismatic performances, Daniels was a central figure in variety entertainment, adding glamour and excitement to his shows. The tour, which ran through August and September 2008, visited various venues across England and Wales and celebrated British variety—a genre known for its eclectic mix of comedy, music, and magic. Blackpool, with its rich variety theatre heritage, was a prominent location for this event. The city’s Winter Gardens, a historic venue long associated… Read more »

Frank Carson Meets the Queen in Blackpool

Posted by

Frank Carson was born on June 11, 1926 in Belfast, County Down, Northern Ireland, UK. The meeting between Queen Elizabeth II and comedian Frank Carson in Blackpool highlights the town’s significance in the British entertainment landscape. This encounter took place during the Queen’s visit to Blackpool in December 1994, when she attended the Royal Variety Performance, an annual event showcasing a wide range of entertainment acts for charity. Accompanying the Queen was Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, underscoring the importance of the occasion and their joint commitment to supporting the arts. Frank Carson, a beloved Northern Irish comedian known for… Read more »

Billy Bragg at the Rebellion Festival

Posted by

Billy Bragg has been a notable presence at the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, headlining performances in 2017, 2019, and 2022. The festival, held annually at the Winter Gardens, is one of the largest punk rock events in the world, gathering punk bands and fans from across the globe. Bragg, known for blending folk music with…

Star Trek Convention at The Norbreck Castle

Posted by

The convention at Norbrek Castle in Blackpool is a major event for Star Trek enthusiasts, attracting fans from all corners. Blackpool, with its rich history in entertainment, serves as an ideal venue for such gatherings, and the Norbrek Castle Hotel has become a favoured location for fan conventions over the years. This event is a comprehensive celebration of the Star Trek universe. Activities typically include panel discussions with actors, writers, and prominent figures from the franchise, providing attendees with a chance to hear firsthand stories and behind-the-scenes insights. Fans can also take part in autograph sessions and photo opportunities with…

Kieth Harris’s Blackpool Funeral

Posted by

Born in Lyndhurst, Hampshire on 21 September 1947, Keith Harris grew up in North Baddesley in Hampshire and near Chester where he attended a secondary modern school. But he also lived in Poulton during his later years. The cherished British ventriloquist and entertainer renowned for his puppet characters Orville the Duck and Cuddles the Monkey, passed away on April 28, 2015, at the age of 67 after a battle with cancer. His funeral was held in Blackpool, a town emblematic of British entertainment, providing a fitting backdrop to celebrate his life and career. The service took place on May 12,…

The Nolan Sisters

Posted by

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

Posted by

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…