Image provided by Karl Bartoni
In 1976, Blackpool marked one hundred years since it was granted its Charter of Incorporation as a Municipal Borough in 1876. The centenary was celebrated with a fortnight of events held between late May and mid-June, bringing together residents, community groups and visitors for one of the largest civic celebrations the resort had staged in decades.
Blackpool has reached its 150th birthday this year, but as far as we can tell, there are no official plans to celebrate that fact.
Image provided by Karl Bartoni
The highlight of the programme was the Grand Carnival Finale, organised by Blackpool Round Table. Before the colourful procession set off along the Promenade from Blackpool Pleasure Beach towards Talbot Square, local escapologist Karl Bartoni thrilled the crowds with one of his trademark high-risk escape acts. The carnival then made its way through the town, featuring decorated floats, community organisations, bands, dancers and performers representing many different groups from across the borough.
Among the distinguished guests was Tom Baker, then at the height of his popularity as the Fourth Doctor in the BBC television series Doctor Who. Accompanied by the Mayor and Mayoress of Blackpool, Councillor and Mrs Alfred Hudson, Baker led the procession as thousands of spectators lined the Promenade to celebrate the borough’s centenary.
The celebrations extended well beyond the main carnival. Throughout the borough, neighbourhoods organised street parties, exhibitions and community events, with roads such as Aintree Road hosting local celebrations that were featured on regional BBC television news.
The BBC also chose Blackpool as the opening venue for its 1976 series of Seaside Special. Broadcast from Gerry Cottle’s Circus on 19 June, the programme celebrated the resort’s centenary and featured Ken Dodd, Showaddywaddy, The Goodies, members of the cast of Are You Being Served?, and an appearance by Tom Baker following his involvement in the centenary carnival. The programme also included an escapology stunt that reflected the excitement surrounding Blackpool’s celebration.
To commemorate the milestone permanently, local historians Brian Turner and Steve Palmer produced The Blackpool Story, commissioned by the Corporation of Blackpool as the official publication marking the borough’s centenary. The book remains one of the most important illustrated histories of the town and continues to be widely used by researchers and local historians today.
Image provided by Karl Bartoni
Text source: ChatGPT & Karl Bartoni
Images by © Karl Bartoni
