Photograph of a range of bright, colourful posters from Blackpool Tower Circus

Things to discover

The Greatest Showtown

People love Blackpool because Blackpool loves fun and entertainment. They come here to relax on the beach, watch a show or dance the night away. Blackpool is famous for its influence and importance in magic, circus, shows and dance. Not forgetting the famous Illuminations and the Tower!

Showtown will showcase all of this and more. Celebrating the performers that have entertained Blackpool crowds for hundreds of years. So have a look around and explore.

Beside the Seaside

Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside! When we open, Showtown’s seaside gallery will show you Blackpool beach like you have never seen it before.

Seaside curiosities

Join Rebecca our Assistant Curator on an adventure into the past to discover some disgusting facts about Blackpool's seaside history.

An old photo of a girl on the beach beside an horse lead ice cream cart

Head and shoulders shot of Sharon Heppell

In Conversation with Sharon Heppell

Earlier in the year, Showtown's Assistant Curator, Rebecca spoke to historian, Sharon Heppell, about her Romany Gypsy ancestry in Blackpool. Hear more about her story and the important role that this community have played in the town's success as a holiday destination.

How's Tricks?

Do you believe in magic? When we open Showtown’s magic gallery, you’ll find conjurers, escapologists, illusionists and tricksters.

It's a wonderful life

Blackpool based magician and entertainer, Leslie Melville, shares highlights from his magical life.

Murray - Blackpool’s famous Australian Escapologist

On Escapology Day we are remembering one of Blackpool’s most famous characters, a retired Australian magician and escapologist called Murray.

Cyril Critchlow

The Lancashire magician who inspired Blackpool’s new museum, Showtown!

Mark Raffles: World famous pickpocket magician

Mark Raffles; the most famous pickpocket magician in the world turns 100 years old this year. Learn more about the oldest magician in the business.

Roll Up! Roll Up!

Jugglers and tumblers and clowns, oh my! When we open our circus gallery you’ll find out why Blackpool and circus go hand in hand.

Make a face!

Join Jill, our Exhibition Coordinator, to find out more about different types of clowns and even become one yourself!

Black and white photograph of Charlie Cairoli leaning into the circus audience

It's Showtime!

Lights down, curtain up! Blackpool has is all. When we open, meet the comedians, ventriloquists, musicians and more in the It’s Showtime! gallery.

What a pair!

Join Showtown's Curator Emma Heslewood as she discusses legendary comedy duo, Morecambe and Wise.

A black and white photo of Morecombe and Wise doing a silly pose

It's Better with the Lights on

Who turned on The Lights? When we open Showtown’s Lights gallery, you’ll find out what it takes to turn on the greatest free light show on Earth.

Glow up

Blackpool Illuminations are legendary and if you haven't seen them already, it's one for your bucket list. Here's a little taster of what to expect.

A photograph of the illuminations tram which is brightly lit up to look like a train

Everybody Dance Now

Let’s dance! When we open, Showtown’s dance gallery will celebrate ballroom and social dancing, big bands and Northern Soul.

Spiritual home of ballroom

Join Rebecca, our Assistant Curator, on a whistle stop tour of ballroom dancing, to understand how the world's most famous dancing competition came to be right here in Blackpool!

Ballroom dancers performing in front of a crowd

Heritage Blackpool

Showtown's sister service, Heritage Blackpool, care for the town's historic collections.

They look after the:

- Blackpool Council archive
- Blackpool Illuminations archive
- Cyril Critchlow Collection
- historic electoral registers
- local newspaper archive
- Tower Company Archive

Are you looking to learn more about Blackpool’s history? Maybe you want to look into your family tree? You can visit the History Centre to find the space, support and information to help you.

You can find the History Centre on the first floor of Blackpool Central Library.

Want to get in touch? Call them on 01253 478090 or email historycentre@blackpool.gov.uk

For more information on Heritage Blackpool and the collections, take a look at their website.

Contact Heritage Blackpool