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Editor’s Note: Blackpool has plenty to be happy about

Duncan Hodgson introduces altblackpool and tells us why he thinks that although Blackpool is “officially” the country’s saddest town, it has plenty to be happy about.

Last week we were somewhat surprised to learn that Blackpool had been named as the unhappiest place in the country in the government’s new happiness index. The Mirror reported that “Despite the Pleasure Beach, the Golden Mile and kiss- me-quick hats, the party town has been named saddest place in Britain” – but actually we think that Blackpool has much more to offer than the usual tourist gimmicks which so often stereotype our town.

What has become apparent to me over the past 12 months is that Blackpool has a thriving creative community which doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves. With the recent announcement that Blackpool will host One Of These Days Festival on the 8th and 9th of December, plus fantastic existing events like the Rebellion Punk Festival (happening this weekend!) and Sand, Sea & Spray Urban Art Festival, it seems that things can only get better.

However while it’s really important that we have these bigger events, it is vital that we celebrate and make the most of the vibrant and varied things which happen 52 weeks of the year – and that’s where altblackpool comes in. Our aim is to find out about what is happening in the creative community and to write about it, to enable locals and visitors alike to take advantage of this thriving creative scene which is right on our doorstep.

Over the coming months we’re committed to bringing you features, interviews and reviews with local artists, musicians and other creatives, as well as keeping you up to date with what’s on throughout Blackpool and the surrounding areas. As well as this we’re also going to be teaming up with local businesses to offer you exclusive reader offers and competition prizes!

Already this week we’ve had 60 Seconds With Goonies Never Say Diespoken to the organisers of Under The Town Festival and heard from Olivia Rose Hulme, an art student from Blackpool, about her course and the inspiration behind her work – and we’re only just scratching the surface. Still to come during August we’ve got an interview Robin Ross, local artist and organiser of Sand, Sea & Spray Urban Art Festival; plus artBURST, a brand new pop-up gallery and the Me&FYC pop-up shop – plus much more!

So in essence – Blackpool might not be the happiest place in the country, but it’s got a wealth of creative people doing amazing things and that is something to be happy about.

Image courtesy of CJGriffiths Photography.

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