Samuel L. Jackson made an entertaining appearance on “The Graham Norton Show,” where he shared a humorous story about his visit to Fleetwood involving taking selfies and sightseeing to spot what the town at the time was known for.
The first flight from Blackpool Airport, which was originally known as Squires Gate Airport, happened in 1909 with French aviator Henri Farman flying the plane. This marked the beginning of the airport’s long history and made it one of the oldest active airports in the UK. The flight was part of the UK’s first official aviation meeting in October 1909, which drew a lot of attention from early aviation pioneers and enthusiasts. Henri Farman, an important figure in early aviation known for his work in powered flight, piloted the aircraft during this event. The meeting was a key moment in…
The Lytham St Annes Spitfire Display Team was founded in 2009 by Chairman John Coombes to raise funds for the RAF Memorial at Fairhaven Lake in Lytham St Annes. Back in 1940, the people of Lytham St Annes raised £6,500 to buy a Spitfire Mark Vb W3644, which was sadly shot down in 1942, resulting in the loss of its pilot, Sgt. Alan Lever-Ridings. Now, a full-size replica of W3644 stands proudly at the Spitfire Memorial at Fairhaven Lake (FY8 1BD). The Spitfire Display Team continues to support the Spitfire Visitor Centre at Blackpool Airport through fundraising and is available…
In 2009, Blackpool Airport celebrated its 100th anniversary. Originally called Squires Gate Airport, it opened in 1909 and quickly became a major player in early aviation by hosting the UK’s first official aviation meeting that same year. This marked the start of the airport’s long and important history. During World War I, the airport was used for military training and aircraft production as a Royal Flying Corps base. It continued to play a crucial role in World War II, serving as a key base for the Royal Air Force and for making military planes. After the wars, the airport shifted…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] “Funny Bones,” a 1995 comedy-drama directed by Peter Chelsom, prominently features Blackpool, as one of its main filming locations. Famous for its entertainment history, comedy, and variety shows, Blackpool was the perfect backdrop for a film about humor and performance. The town’s lively and nostalgic vibe provided an ideal setting. This coupled with renowned landmarks and amusement venues, like the Blackpool Tower, the historic Winter Gardens, and the bustling piers and promenade, gave the film a distinctive and authentic feel. These iconic spots helped ground the story in a recognisable place, adding to its unique visual style. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column…
The launch of NATURALLY INSANE! THE LIFE OF DAN LENO, a new play by Blackpool based writer David Slattery-Christy featured Blackpool’s own panto star Steve Royle. For more on David Slattery-Christy, please see our other post here. Victorian superstar Dan Leno, a comedic genius from the English music hall scene, delighted audiences with his lively and quirky performances during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for his clever jokes and energetic style, Leno became a beloved entertainer in his time and left a legacy that continues to this day; especially his influence with physical comedy, making him a…
Elmslie Girls School, founded in 1918 by three sisters—Elizabeth, Polly, and Peggie Brodie—was an institution that stood out not only for its academic success but also for its distinctive atmosphere and strong sense of community. Located on Whitegate Drive in a large, detached house, the school served as a nurturing environment for girls, offering them opportunities to excel in various fields, including competitive sports, music, science, and the arts. Elmslie Girls School, which was an all-girls school for the majority of its history, did admit boys at the preschool or early years level. The school was known for providing an… Read more »
Rossall School, often called ‘The Eton of the North,’ has a long history. It was started in 1844 by Rev. St Vincent Beechey as a sister school to Marlborough College, which had opened the year before. The goal was to offer a top-quality education in classics, math, and general studies at a fair price for the sons of clergymen and others. Rev. Beechey got support from well-known people like The Earl of Derby, the Duke of Devonshire, and the Bishop of Chester to establish the school. Sir Peter Hesketh Fleetwood rented out his family home, Rossall Hall, to the school… Read more »
Queen Elizabeth II visited the Fylde Coast several times during her 70-year reign, and people in Blackpool always gave her a warm welcome. Her first visit was in 1955 when she attended the Royal Variety Performance. She came back in 2009 for another performance. During these visits, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh also checked out The Grand Theatre and Blackpool Tower for the first time. In the photo: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh meet singer Alma Cogan and show presenter Jack Hylton after the Royal Variety Performance at the Opera House in 14 April 1955. Inset…
In April 2001, Blackpool Transport, the local public transport provider, underwent a significant rebranding, changing its identity to Metro Coastlines. This move was part of an ambitious plan to modernise the service and make it more appealing to locals and tourists alike. As part of the rebrand, Blackpool Transport introduced a new colour-coded system for its bus services, where each main bus route was assigned a distinct colour, creating a visual identity that made it easier for passengers to identify the routes. This colour-coded approach extended to Blackpool’s famous tramway along the promenade, which also adopted a version of this…