Author: Ed

Blackpool’s Open Air Baths (Lido)

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The Blackpool Open Air Baths, also called the Blackpool Lido, opened to the public in 1923. They were built to give people a big, outdoor swimming pool to enjoy, making the most of Blackpool’s fame as a seaside spot. At the time, the baths were one of the largest open-air pools in the UK. They had diving boards, areas for sunbathing, and lots of seats for people to watch. The lido quickly became a popular place for swimming, sunbathing, and family outings. Its size and impressive features made it a well-known part of Blackpool, attracting many visitors every summer. The baths were more than just a place to swim; they were an important part of Blackpool’s social life, hosting events like swimming races, diving shows, and beauty contests.

The Pleasure Beach

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Blackpool Pleasure Beach is one of the UK’s most famous amusement parks, and its history stretches back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. It was started by William Bean and his partner John Outhwaite in 1896. They bought 30 acres of land, which was then home to a gypsy camp. Bean aimed to create an American-style amusement park for people to enjoy. The park began with just a few basic rides. Over time, it grew a lot, adding more rides and attractions to attract more visitors. During the 1920s and 1930s, the park continued to expand, introducing some iconic… Read more »

Introduction of Blackpool’s New Sea Wall

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The Blackpool sea wall first went up in the mid to late 19th century. Before that, Blackpool, known for its sandy beaches and fresh sea air, often faced flooding and erosion from the Irish Sea. The first big sea wall was built in the 1870s to protect Blackpool from the sea and stop flooding as the town grew. As Blackpool became more popular with tourists, the sea wall was expanded and strengthened through the late 19th century. By the early 20th century, more work was done to handle stronger storms and rising sea levels. After World War II, additional upgrades… Read more »

Plans for Disney to come to Blackpool

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In the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was a lot of buzz about the possibility of a Disney theme park coming to Blackpool. Blackpool was already a well-known seaside resort with a long history of entertainment and fun activities. The idea of a Disney park was seen as a great opportunity to boost tourism and draw even more visitors to the town. The talk about a Disney park in Blackpool was driven by a few key points. Blackpool had popular attractions like the Blackpool Pleasure Beach amusement park and the Blackpool Tower, which made it a good candidate for…

The Beatles Perform at the ABC Theatre

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The Beatles performed at the ABC Theatre in Blackpool on several occasions during the height of their fame in the 1960s. On 21 July 1963, they took the stage there as part of a series of Sunday night concerts, just after their debut album, “Please Please Me,” came out. They were back on 9 August 1964 for a major concert that was broadcast live on ITV’s “Big Night Out.” By then, The Beatles were international stars with hits like “A Hard Day’s Night” and “She Loves You.” Their final performance at the ABC Theatre was on 1 August 1965 and… Read more »

Laurel & Hardy Wows Blackpool

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In 1947, the legendary comedy duo Laurel and Hardy made a memorable stop in Blackpool as part of their UK tour. This tour was significant as it marked one of their first stage performances in the UK following their immensely successful career in films. By this time, they had already become household names around the world thanks to their iconic slapstick comedy and timeless films. The UK tour, which included a performance at the Blackpool Opera House, was an eagerly anticipated event, drawing large crowds who were excited to see the pair live on stage. At the Blackpool Opera House,… Read more »

Frank Sinatra at The Opera House

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Frank Sinatra performed in Blackpool twice, with his first concert in July 1950. At that time, his career was struggling in the US, so he became Blackpool’s highest-paid performer, earning £2,000 per show at the Opera House. He told his chauffeur, Frank Lucas, “You know I could be mayor of this town!” as excited fans cheered, clapped, and banged on his car windows when he arrived. Sinatra loved the local support, saying, “They love me in this town, don’t they?” He came back for two more performances in Blackpool in 1953. Sinatra’s performance at the Blackpool Opera House on July…

George Formby Society attends Blackpool Convention

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The George Formby Society was at the Blackpool Convention this June, showing their commitment to preserving George Formby’s legacy. Formed to honour the famous entertainer, the society keeps his musical traditions alive by performing his classic songs on the ukulele. Their appearance at the convention highlights their dedication to sharing Formby’s music and memory with new audiences. The George Formby Society, founded in 1960, is a fan-based organisation dedicated to preserving and celebrating the life and legacy of George Formby, one of Britain’s most beloved entertainers of the 20th century. Known for his skills as a ukulele player, singer, and…

George Formby Plaque Unveiled at Home

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In 2012, George Formby was honored with a blue plaque at Beryldene, celebrating his lasting impact. The ukulele has become closely associated with Formby, who was known for his cheerful smile, child-like charm, and unforgettable performances cherished by people on the Fylde Coast. George was born in Wigan in 1904 and initially seemed headed for a different career. His father, George Formby Snr, a well-known performer, once said there was no need for ‘another fool’ in the family. But after his father passed away in 1921, George Formby Jr. chose to continue his father’s legacy. His early act resembled his… Read more »

George Formby at Football Match

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On 6 May 1939, during the Blackpool versus Portsmouth match, George Formby was photographed alongside two key figures of the football world: James Blair, the captain of Blackpool FC, on the left, and Jimmy Guthrie, the captain of Portsmouth FC, on the right. The trio was holding the FA Cup, which had been recently won by Portsmouth just a week earlier, following their victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the final at Wembley. This moment captured a sense of celebration and camaraderie, with the FA Cup symbolising not only Portsmouth’s triumph but also the enduring connection between football and popular culture…