Adelaide Street West, which runs alongside Showtown from Bank Hey Street towards Blackpool Promenade, has officially been renamed Sir Ken Dodd Avenue, creating a lasting tribute to one of Blackpool’s most treasured entertainers.
The new street name was officially unveiled by Ken’s wife, Anne, Lady Dodd, on Monday 21 September, following a request from Showtown to Blackpool Council to recognise Ken’s extraordinary connection with the town.
For more than six decades, Ken entertained Blackpool audiences with his legendary live shows. His relationship with the resort stretched far beyond the stage too – from switching on the Blackpool Illuminations in 1966 and helping to save Blackpool Grand Theatre in the 1970s, to opening the Comedy Carpet in 2011.
A very special tribute
Lady Dodd said:
“I was so delighted and thrilled when I first heard that there would be a street called Sir Ken Dodd Avenue after my wonderful husband.
“I know he would say he was immensely discomknockerated at this tattyfilarious and plumpshus honour! He always said Blackpool was the 'Showtown' of Britain - so it is especially appropriate that the street on which it stands should be renamed after him!
“And of course it's just around the corner from his particularly beloved theatres The Opera House and The Grand! This is all a very thoughtful act of 'Happiness' to me. Thank you so much!”
Even more Happiness! at Showtown
To celebrate the unveiling of Sir Ken Dodd Avenue, Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition is now included with general admission to Showtown.
That means one Showtown ticket now gives you access to our six galleries celebrating Blackpool’s incredible entertainment history and our special exhibition exploring the life, career and comedy of Sir Ken Dodd.
And there’s even better news for local residents - Blackpool residents can now visit Happiness! completely FREE, as part of their free admission to Showtown.
Created in partnership with National Museums Liverpool and The Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation and adapted by Showtown, Happiness! brings together colourful costumes, iconic props, original puppets including Dicky Mint, archive photographs, footage and excerpts from Ken’s private notebooks.
So now you can quite literally walk down Sir Ken Dodd Avenue and into an exhibition celebrating the man himself!
Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition is open at Showtown until Sunday 3 January 2027.
Plan your visit and book your Showtown tickets today.