The Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust
Showtown is operated and managed by the Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust and aims to deliver engagement programmes that foster knowledge, understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the history and heritage of Blackpool and the maintenance and reservation of the Blackpool heritage collections.
Showtown, the museum of fun and entertainment is due to open its doors in March 2024 and is a vital regeneration project for Blackpool. It is set to attract 290,000 visitors each year, offering a significant boost to tourist numbers and economic growth.
The charity also cares for the Blackpool heritage collections and archives for the town and operates the Showtown History Centre.
Meet the Trustees
Spencer Phillips
Chair of Trustees
Spencer Phillips' career has seen him hold senior leadership positions in the entertainment industry with, amongst others, Ticketmaster, LW Theatres, TCAT and the Path Entertainment Group.
Spencer has equally been dedicated to the charitable sector and currently holds roles that include:
• Executive Committee Member – Royal Variety Charity (Founding Chair, Mental Health Subcommittee)
• Chairman – Fundraising & Development Board, Shadow to Shine
• Chairman – Boughton & Eastwell Parish Council
• Chairman – Cheetah Conservation Fund UK
• Trustee – The Gorilla Organization
• Ambassador – Everybody Belongs Here; Music Feeds
• Founding Advisory Board Member – HighRise Entertainment
• Advisory Board Member – Marlowe Theatre; Poor Priests Hospital Project
• Judge – UCA Enterprise Challenge
Councillor Kathryn Benson
Councillor Benson was the mayor of Blackpool for 2022 - 2023. Kath has worked for Blackpool NHS for over 33 years as a Home Support Worker and is a season ticket holder at Blackpool FC.
Nigel Patterson
Nigel is the former General Manager of the Winter Gardens. He has a wealth of experience in customer facing businesses at Director level. His knowledge includes business development, cost reduction, change management amongst other things.
Nigel lives locally in Blackpool and is a keen advocate for the town. He is a member of the Civic Trust and the Friends of Stanley Park.
Mark Towers
Mark is Director of Governance and Partnerships at Blackpool Council, with responsibility for ensuring lawfulness and fairness in corporate decision making.