Entrance to the Blackpool Tower building with signs for 'Pavilion, Concerts, Dancing & Variety Shows.'

Stories from the community

Stories from the community

We are unable to share Blackpool's many untold and fascinating stories without the help and support of our communities. We are grateful to all those people who continue to share their memories with us of this unique town. Many of these stories you will read in this section are based on the person's own research or experiences and what that particular memory of Blackpool means to them.

Gallery Highlights

The Imperial Hotel

A host to Royalty, Prime Ministers and celebrities, this is the history of one of Blackpool's grandest hotels

Blackpool's Belgian Colony

When Belgium was invaded by Germany in 1914, Blackpool offered a home to 2000 refugees, this is their story

‘A delicious walk by the sea’: Charles Dickens in Blackpool, April 1869

Whilst on a book tour of England, Charles Dickens takes a break for some sea air

Blackpool’s 1919 Victory Ball (and the Tommies’ Final Victory)

At the end of the Great War, Blackpool's Tommies' fight for their right to party at the Tower Ballroom

Blackpool's First Remembrance Day

As the Great War came to an end, Blackpool had to come to terms with its loss, and how to honour the dead

Blackpool's "World Champion" Footballers

Blackpool has a long and well documented history in men’s football. Less celebrated, but equally magnificent is the history of the women’s game in the town.

Blackpool Masonic Hall – a history of the building Part One

The history of one of Blackpool's many fascinating historic buildings from 1888-1940.

John Hodgson’s Belle Vue Strawberry Gardens

The story of the man behind Blackpool's first pleasure gardens

The People Behind the Winter Gardens

The story of the businessmen who helped to make one of Blackpool's historic treasures a reality

Blackpool Victoria Hospital 1894 to 1937

In an era before the NHS, this is the early history of Blackpool's first hospital.

Seaside Silver Screens: Blackpool's Cinema Heritage

Take a tour through Blackpool's many historic cinemas, from the golden age of film to the present

The Opening of Stanley Park

The construction and official opening of Blackpool's award winning public park.

My Little Stick of Blackpool Rock

The history of Blackpool's favourite sweet treat

Foudroyant: A Thrilling Spectacle

The story of how one of Blackpool's most famous shipwrecks was exploited for fun and profit

Hangar 42 Lytham St. Annes Spitfire Visitor Centre

The history of Hangar 42, a fascinating addition to Blackpool's long history with aviation

The Man Who Lived in the Tower

A look at the life and tragic death of James Walmsley, Blackpool Tower's first menagerie manager.

The Great Wheel

The 'Big Wheel', the 'Great Wheel' or the 'Jolly Wheel'; whatever name it went by Blackpool's first Ferris Wheel was an amazing feat of engineering.

Reflections on VE Day 75

On the 75th Anniversary of VE we look back on the day Blackpool celebrated the end of the conflict in Europe.

The story of ‘The Sea Serpent'

The story of the extraordinary John Parkinson, Lifeboatman, footballer and Blackpool hero

Blackpool’s War Legacy

A look at the many forms of War Memorial in Blackpool, and the efforts that have gone into recording them for posterity.

The North Pier: 150 Years and Counting

A promenade along the history of Blackpool's first pier

Blackpool Lifeboat: The Ladies and Reverend Gentlemen

The story of how Blackpool's first Lifeboat was funded by the generosity of the community.

The Golden Era of Blackpool Paddle Steamers

A look back at three pleasure steamers who ruled the waves in Blackpool

Christmas Greetings

Seasonal greetings from the trenches of the Western Front

Festive Fun of Bygone Days

Blackpool's theatres put on some seasonal glitz in the days before TV Specials

Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town

Historic sightings of the famous man in the red suit in Blackpool's department stores.

Other things to Discover