Author: Ed

Tony Williams re-forms Stealers Wheel

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Tony Williams, who was part of Stealers Wheel, decided to make big changes to the band and re-record their famous song “Stuck in the Middle with You.” Stealers Wheel became popular in the 1970s with their mix of rock and folk music, and this song was a big part of their success. In 2008, Tony Williams decided to bring the band back together with new members. The goal was to reconnect with fans and update the band’s classic sound. One of the main projects after this change was re-recording “Stuck in the Middle.” The new version was meant to introduce…

Fisherman’s Friend – The Best Cure For a Sore Throat

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Fisherman’s Friend got its start in 1865 when James Lofthouse, a pharmacist from Fleetwood, created the first lozenges specifically for fishermen who worked in harsh sea conditions. He combined menthol and eucalyptus oils, known for soothing sore throats and clearing congestion. These lozenges were initially just for the local Fleetwood community, but they quickly became popular among fishermen and locals because they worked so well. As word spread about how effective they were, Fisherman’s Friend began to grow beyond Fleetwood. By the early 20th century, the brand was being marketed more widely, with its packaging featuring a fisherman to emphasize… Read more »

TVR Cars

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TVR is a car company started by Trevor Wilkinson in 1947 in Blackpool. From the beginning, the company focused on making special sports cars. Their first cars were built using old car frames and engines from different makers. In the 1960s and 1970s, TVR became known for creating exciting and innovative sports cars like the TVR Griffith and TVR Tuscan, which stood out because of their unique looks and advanced features for that time. During the 1970s, TVR began using fiberglass to make car bodies, which made the cars lighter and more streamlined, showing the company’s focus on speed and… Read more »

The End of Snackhouse and Bensons Crisps

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Bensons Crisps, which later became Snackhouse, was one of the biggest employers on the Fylde coast and was known for making a wide range of snack foods. They were popular for their crisps and snacks, with a dedicated following both locally and beyond. Unfortunately, financial problems led to the company’s closure. Snackhouse Snackhouse was a key player in the snack food industry, famous for its crisps and other snacks. Despite its popularity, the company had financial troubles and eventually went into administration. The exact date of its closure isn’t well-documented, but it happened in the early 2000s. The shutdown was… Read more »

Strictly Come Dancing filming in the Tower Ballroom

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The first episode of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ filmed at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool happened during the show’s second series on 20 November 2004. This special episode started a beloved tradition where the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom became a glamorous and historic venue for the dance competition, adding extra excitement and prestige for both contestants and viewers. Moving to Blackpool was seen as a milestone in the competition, marking a significant achievement for the remaining contestants. Dancing in the Tower Ballroom was considered a prestigious opportunity, and many professional dancers and celebrities viewed it as one of the highlights of…

The Blackpool Dance Festival

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Since 1920, the Blackpool Dance Festival has been held every year at the Winter Gardens, except during wartime. It’s one of the oldest dance festivals in the world. What started off focusing on ballroom dancing with styles like the waltz, tango, and foxtrot, eventually grew to include Latin dances like the cha-cha, samba, rumba, paso doble, and jive. What began as mainly a British event has now turned into a major international competition, drawing dancers from all over the world. Often called the ‘Wimbledon of Ballroom Dancing,’ winning at Blackpool is seen as the highest achievement in the dance world….

Holidays in the Sun’ First Punk Event at the Winter Gardens

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“Holidays in the Sun” was a punk rock festival that took place in Blackpool. This festival was a significant event in the punk music scene, drawing fans from across the UK and beyond. The festival was named after a Sex Pistols song and was designed to bring together a wide range of punk bands from the original 1970s era, as well as newer acts that had emerged in the following decades. It took place in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, a large and historic venue, hosted the event, providing ample space for multiple stages and large crowds. The festival was held from…

The Blackpool Magicians Convention

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The first Blackpool Magic Convention was back in 1953, started by the Blackpool Magicians’ Club, which had been around since 1941. That first convention brought together a small but passionate group of magicians and magic lovers. Even though it wasn’t as big as the conventions we see today, it set the stage for what was to come. There were performances, lectures, and workshops, with magicians showing off their skills, learning new tricks, and discussing the latest trends in magic. The dealer hall, where magic dealers showcased and sold their products, quickly became a key part of the event, sparking creativity…

First British Homing Pigeon Show

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In 1977, a big pigeon show took place in Blackpool, drawing attention from pigeon fanciers, or those who breed and show pigeons, across the UK. This event was the 55th British Homing World Show of the Year, often called the “Blackpool Show,” one of the largest and most respected pigeon shows in the world. The 1977 show brought together thousands of pigeon lovers, both from the UK and other countries. Breeders showcased their best pigeons in different competitions, and many spectators came to watch. Pigeons were judged based on their breed, looks, and how they performed, with awards given for…

Thatcher Attends Conservative Party Conference

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] Margaret Thatcher’s visits to Blackpool for the Conservative Party’s annual conference were key moments during her time as leader and Prime Minister. These events in Blackpool were her stage to lay out her policies, rally her supporters, and speak directly to the nation. One of the most memorable visits was in October 1989. By then, she had already been Prime Minister for ten years. Her government had pushed through big changes, like privatization and deregulation, but faced criticism, especially around the poll tax and economic inequality. At the 1989 conference in Blackpool, Thatcher focused on defending her economic…