Category: 1966

Norman Barrett MBE Becomes the Voice of Blackpool Tower Circus

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Few performers became as closely associated with Blackpool Tower Circus as Norman Barrett MBE. During a remarkable 25-year association with the Tower, Barrett became one of Britain’s best-loved ringmasters, delighting millions of visitors with his commanding presence in the ring, his partnership with legendary clown Charlie Cairoli, and his extraordinary act featuring performing budgerigars. His long service helped define an era that many regard as the golden age of the Tower Circus. Born in York on 20 December 1935, Norman was raised in a circus family. His parents, George and Winifred Barrett, owned Barrett’s Circus, where he learned the skills…

Lytham St Annes Civic Society: Preserving the Heritage of the Fylde Coast

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For more than half a century, the Lytham St Annes Civic Society has played a leading role in protecting, promoting and celebrating the architectural, environmental and historical heritage of Lytham and St Annes. Through conservation projects, historical research, educational activities and community involvement, the Society has become one of the Fylde Coast’s most respected heritage organisations. The Society was founded in 1966 by a group of local residents who recognised the importance of safeguarding the unique character of Lytham St Annes during a period of rapid development. Like many civic societies established throughout Britain during the 1960s, its aim was…

Lesley Daine Stars with Sir John Mills

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Lesley Daine was born ‘Lesley Dainty’ on 20 May 1947 in Blackpool. She was an actress, best known for ‘Without a Clue’ (1988) and ‘The Family Way’ (1966), the latter being a film featuring music by Beatle Paul McCartney. The film also starred Sir John Mills with his daughter Hayley Mills. The two clips below show Lesley Daine appearing in the 1970s drama series ‘Within These Walls’. But she also appeared in ‘Coronation Street‘ in two roles: firstly in August 1976 as stripper Josie Steel; and she returned to the programme as Irene Sherratt, an old school friend of Audrey Potter, who attended… Read more »

George Eastham Helps England Win 1966 World Cup

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George Eastham, OBE (born 23 September 1936 in Blackpool), is a former English footballer best known for his spells with Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Stoke City. A member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad, he is also remembered for his role in a landmark 1963 legal case that reshaped football by granting players greater freedom of movement between clubs. Coming from a footballing family, Eastham’s father, George Eastham Sr., was an England international who played for Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool FC, while his uncle, Harry Eastham, played for Liverpool and Accrington Stanley. As a youngster, George was also a talented… Read more »

Roy Harper Gets His First Record Deal

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From the age of 6, Roy Harper lived in St Annes-on-Sea but he was born in 1941 in Rusholme, a suburb of Manchester. His mother, Muriel, died three weeks after giving birth. He was brought up by his father and stepmother, with whom he became disillusioned because of his stepmother’s religious beliefs (although they reconciled in 1980, just before her death). His anti-religious views would later become a familiar theme within his music. English folk rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He has released 22 studio albums (and 10 live ones) across a career that stretches back to 1966. As a musician, Harper is… Read more »

Cilla Black’s Blackpool

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Priscilla Maria Veronica White OBE (27 May 1943 – 1 August 2015), better known as Cilla Black, was a singer and television presenter. Championed by her friends the Beatles, Black began her career as a singer in 1963. Her singles “Anyone Who Had a Heart” and “You’re My World” both reached number one in the UK in 1964. She had 11 top 10 hits on the UK Singles Chart between then and 1971 and an additional eight hits that made the top 40. During this period she had several bookings in Blackpool, some of which are detailed below. In May 2010,…

Billy J Kramer at The ABC Theatre

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Billy J. Kramer, a singer-songwriter from Liverpool, rose to prominence during the legendary British Invasion of the 1960s. With his backing band, The Dakotas, he delivered chart-topping hits such as “Bad to Me” and “Little Children,” winning the hearts of fans worldwide with his unique voice and charismatic stage presence. This photograph captures a moment of musical magic—a vivid reminder of the energy and emotion of live performances that have left a lasting impact on audiences across generations. The print radiates timeless charm, evoking the joy and nostalgia of an era when music had the power to bring people together,… Read more »

Blackpool’s Brian London Fights Muhammad Ali

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Brian London, who was originally named Brian Harper and born on 19 June 1934, was a well-regarded heavyweight boxer from Blackpool. Known for his grit and toughness, London made a name for himself in British boxing by winning both the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. A significant moment in his career was his fight against Muhammad Ali on 6 August 1966. Brian was nicknamed the “Blackpool Rock” because of his hard and durable nature in the ring. Before taking on Ali, he had already fought other notable opponents like Henry Cooper and Floyd Patterson. However, he was considered the underdog…