Category: 2025

Ian Prince Releases his First Book

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Ian Prince was born in Blackpool and lived here until his late 40s. He was quite an entrepreneur and ran a photography business, a sand picture business, and a sculpted, framed cottage business. Since then he’s lived in Florida, bought various sailboats and has been sailing around the world, stopping at over 130 countries. See more about his new book below. This is Ian’s current boat, a 38′ Prout catamaran. Ian playing snooker in Blackpool The Voyages of the Grocklesnapper and Other Stories There are, as I’ve come to see it, only two kinds of people in this world: those…

The End of an Era: Basil Newby MBE Sells Blackpool’s Iconic Funny Girls

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Basil Newby is one of the most influential figures in Blackpool’s modern entertainment history, and in 2025 he marked the end of a remarkable chapter by putting his world-famous show venue, Funny Girls, up for sale after more than three decades at the heart of the resort’s nightlife. Born in Blackpool in 1951, Newby began his career in entertainment entrepreneurship at a time when the town’s nightlife scene was expanding and diversifying. In 1979 he purchased The Flamingo nightclub on Talbot Road, establishing what became Blackpool’s first dedicated venue for LGBTQ+ nightlife. Over the years he built his name and…

Blackpool Councillor Gerard Walsh Shifts to Reform

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Gerard Walsh has become a prominent figure in Blackpool local politics over the past decade, known both for his long service as a councillor and for a high-profile change in party allegiance that has attracted attention locally. Walsh first entered local government as a Conservative councillor, representing the Squires Gate ward on Blackpool Council. He was elected to the council in 2019, winning support from local voters in a contest that emphasised community issues such as housing standards, street safety and investment in neighbourhood services. As a Conservative councillor, Walsh served on a number of council committees and was known…

Andrew Finlayson: Championing Social Mobility from Blackpool

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Andrew “Finny” Finlayson is a senior business leader based on the Fylde Coast who has combined corporate leadership with a strong public commitment to social mobility and inclusive growth. He serves as Managing Director at Accenture UK & Ireland and is the firm’s North West Regional Lead. In this role, he oversees regional operations and helps shape digital innovation strategies across the North West. His work spans both private and public sector transformation, with particular involvement in health and public services programmes that focus on modernising systems while keeping people at the centre of change. In late 2025, Finlayson was…

Aaron Heaney Launches Streets with Aztec

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Blackpool is a town known for its vibrant community spirit, and one local resident making a meaningful contribution is Aaron Heaney, best known for his enthusiastic work behind Streets of Aztec — a project that celebrates everyday life, culture, and connection within the town’s streets. Aaron’s Streets of Aztec initiative grew organically from a desire to highlight the people who give Blackpool its character. Rather than focusing on the typical attractions, this project turns the lens toward local residents, neighbors, artists, small business owners, and everyday scenes that bring the community to life. Through candid photography, storytelling, and engaging street…

£90.4 Million Blackpool Central Housing Regeneration

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Blackpool Council has set out a long-term plan to transform housing and neighbourhoods across Central Blackpool, where some of the poorest housing conditions in the country currently exist. The council’s ambition, set out in its Council Plan and Local Plan, is to make the inner area fit for modern living through significant and lasting change. To support this, the government has awarded up to £90.4 million to improve housing quality and neighbourhood conditions. Investment will focus on tackling poor private landlords, demolishing unsafe or substandard homes and replacing them with high-quality housing, refurbishing properties to improve safety and energy efficiency,…

Blackpool Graces Christmas Markets With Snow

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Snow fell across Blackpool in the early hours of 5 January 2025. By morning, a light covering had settled along the promenade, the beach, and residential streets from North Shore to South Shore. Footage recorded by residents (above) shows snow collecting on attractions, railings and pavements, with the sea remaining active and dark in contrast. Travel continued, though slowly, and most activity was local—people stepping out briefly to document conditions before returning indoors. The timing mattered. Seasonal events, including the Christmas Village and related attractions, had already closed hours earlier. As a result, the snowfall passed without crowds or organised…

Lightpool Festival 2025 Illuminates Blackpool Once More

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Lightpool Festival once again proves why it is one of the UK’s most creative seaside destinations. It filled the town with colour, sound and spectacle. Across October’s half-term week, visitors were treated to a dazzling programme of large-scale light installations, live performances, and 3D projection shows that transformed familiar streets and landmarks into radiant works of art. From the Comedy Carpet to the Winter Gardens, each venue offered a new perspective on how light can inspire and connect communities. Completely free to attend, the festival once again demonstrated Blackpool’s ability to combine innovation with accessibility, drawing families, artists and visitors…

Luke Littler’s Glorious Night in Blackpool

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Under the bright lights of Blackpool, Luke Littler etched his name into darting history. The teenage phenomenon arrived at the Betfred World Matchplay with expectation heavy on his shoulders — and left with the Phil Taylor Trophy in his grasp and the Triple Crown to his name. Across the week he produced a masterclass in resilience and brilliance. In his opening match he dismantled Ryan Searle with a staggering 109 average. In the quarter-finals he went the distance in a 30-leg battle with Andrew Gilding, holding his nerve to advance. The semi-final brought his finest moment yet — a perfect…

First Ever Fleetwood Community Comicon

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Fleetwood Comic Con 2025: A Heroic Success! On Sunday 20th July 2025, Fleetwood’s Marine Hall was transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity, imagination, and community spirit as we hosted our very first-ever Fleetwood Comic Con — and it was nothing short of spectacular. From start to finish, the event was packed with energy, colour, and entertainment for all ages. Cosplayers brought the streets to life with dazzling costumes and infectious enthusiasm. Highlights included the ever-popular Cosplay Conga, a thrilling cosplay competition, group meet-ups, and a dedicated repair station that kept everyone’s creations looking sharp. Visitors took part in scavenger…