England’s largest festival of history and culture began this weekend with many opportunities to explore gems from Blackpool’s rich past. Running until 18th September, Heritage Open Days is a nationwide event but by using the postcode search on the website you’ll find over 40 events locally in which you can explore everything from the bright lights of Blackpool Tower to the shadowy recesses of local graveyards. Local historian Anne Charlesworth highlights five of the best.
Built by the Blackpool Land, Building, and Hotel Company (Limited), this beautiful hotel in the privately owned Claremont Park, was opened for the reception of visitors on 1st June 1867. A grand dinner ball in that same month was attended by nobility, clergy and gentry. Since then the iconic Imperial has continued to offer high-quality accommodation and retains many original features in charming surroundings.
The former Turkish Baths (pictures, courtesy of Blackpool Civic Trust) form part of the Imperial’s behind-the-scenes heritage tour and booking is essential.
Event Times
Thursday 15 September: 1100 & 1500
Friday 16 September: 1100 & 1500
Holy Trinity Church, Dean Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 1BP
The jewel in South Shore’s crown and a parish which holds a special place in the heart of many, this Grade II listed church was finally opened on 27th November 1895, seven years after the foundation stone was laid.
A church has stood on this site since 1836 but the population growth and rapid expansion of South Shore meant that much larger accommodation was needed, with various additions being made during the next 60 years. From a modest church nestled in sandhills seating 250 people, the Holy Trinity we see today is a beautiful example of ecclesiastical architecture in Blackpool.
The church has been adapted inside to reflect its changing needs and has a small heritage centre with many archive resources. Burials stopped in 1910 and most of the graves were removed to Layton Cemetery, but to the south side of the church, several graves still remain.
Event Times (no booking required)
Thursday 15 September: 11.30-13.30
Friday 16 September: 10.30-14.00
Saturday 17 September: 10.30-14.00
Sunday 18 September: 12.15-14.00
The Old Electric
Springfield Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1QW
Discover this unique creative community theatre and arts enterprise in the centre of town. Formerly The Princess Electric Theatre which opened in 1922, the Old Electric occupies part of the vast old cinema, later a market, music venue and various nightclubs.
The building celebrates its centenary this year and, for the first time, visitors will be able to take a self-guided tour to explore the rich history of the building and participate in in a range of activities. The Old Electric has developed a family guided tour activity around the building, enabling certification as part of the Arts Award Discover (ask the venue for more details).
Event Times
Friday 16 September: 1300-1900
Saturday 17 September: 1300-1900
Pre-booking: Required
St Cuthbert’s Church Lytham Road Blackpool FY1 6BS
St Cuthbert’s has been at the heart of the South Shore Catholic community since the original chapel and schoolhouse opened on this site on 15th August 1880, in what is now the car park. The growing number of visitors quickly influenced a major fundraising drive for a new, much larger building and the present church opened on 22nd June 1890.
For the first time, St Cuthbert’s is opening its doors during Heritage Open week and visitors can discover more about this beautiful church and parish through displays, artefacts and more. Guided tours will be available and there will be a talk on the history of the church at 11am on Thursday – Saturday. Refreshments are available and a pay & display car park is available to visitors. There is full wheelchair access (ramp) and toilets
NB: Mass will take place at 12 noon on Friday 16th September so there will be no guided tours during this time.
Event times
Thursday 15th September 2022, 9am – 4.30pm
Friday 16th September 2022, 9am – 4.30pm (Mass at 12noon)
Saturday 17th September 2022, 9am – 4.30pm
Blackpool Town Hall, Talbot Square, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1AD
A rare opportunity to tour areas inside our Grade II listed Town Hall, including the Council Chamber (pictured, courtesy of Michael D Beckwith) and Committee Rooms.
Opening in 1900, and standing proudly looking over Talbot Square, this was Blackpool’s new and improved version after the previous one was unfit for purpose and had to be propped up before collapsing.
During the tour, guides will explain the significance of the artefacts and portraits on display and give an insight into some of the leading figures in Blackpool’s history.
Event Times
Saturday 17 September: 0930-1600
No booking required
Access: There is a ramp to access the building and a lift to go to the first floor where the Council Chamber is and the committee rooms. But some very large wheelchairs cannot access some of the spaces.
Main photo: Michael D Beckwith
