heritage Archives - Page 2 of 5 - Blackpool Social Club

16 Jul

Story Trails: An immersive technology tour of Blackpool’s past and present

Beth Barker0 CommentsHeritage, Literature & Spoken WordBlackpool, heritage

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] For those both local and distant, Blackpool is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive locations in the UK. With a rich cultural heritage spanning hundreds of years, our town certainly has plenty of tales to tell. That’s where StoryTrails comes in: an immersive technology-driven experience that puts Blackpool’s unique identity on the map. This weekend, Central Library (located on Queen’s Street) will welcome guests of all ages to explore untold stories of the past and present. The two-day event is completely free to attend and offers residents of Blackpool the chance to experience their locale in ways never seen…

09 Dec

Posters project brings local railway stations’ history to life

David Simper0 CommentsHeritage, Local News37407, art and photography, community rail, heritage, local heritage, local history, poster art, posters, rail services, railway heritage, railway history, railways, south fylde line, trains

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] One might think of railway stations as fairly mundane places that one merely transits through on the way to a final destination. During the British Railways (BR) period, stations ceased to be 'temples of transport' and became utility buildings, one of the reasons that Blackpool North railway station is such a functional design classic. Crossing the brutalist architecture period with the post-Beeching (rail cuts programme) financial squeeze, didn't help. Things like the large logo locomotive livery at one end of the scale and the highly successful High Speed Train at the other, shows that BR could jolly well design…

18 Nov

Exploring Anthony Burgess’ Blackpool: Catch the Virtual Talk

Beth Barker0 CommentsHeritage, Literature & Spoken Wordheritage, history, showtown

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Anthony Burgess was one of the most renowned authors of the 20th century, famed for his exceptional wit, depth of thought and unrivalled writing talent. Born and raised in Manchester, he frequently visited our stretch of coastline and later wrote several novels inspired by it. Showtown and Heritage Blackpool will collaborate on a must-see event this December in celebration of Burgess and his connection to the town. Presented in the form of an online talk, the two organisations have come together to explore Anthony Burgess’ Blackpool for a virtual audience. The session will be delivered by Will Carr, deputy…

31 Oct

BSC Halloween: a grisly tale from Layton Cemetery

Stephanie Cottle0 CommentsColumns & Opinion, HeritageBlackpool, heritage, history, local history, photography, Place

Content warning - this article contains graphic details relating to murder & suicide. Image credit - Stephanie Cottle Halloween 2021 is upon us. I know, you’re probably thinking, how on earth is it the end of October already? It really is scary how fast the months have gone by. For the past 18 months the earth has played host to a new spectre. One that shrouded our globe with a veil of uncertainty and chaos. There is however, no shadow without light. Throughout the pandemic we have seen enormous acts of selflessness. Latest government reports state that 47% of…

26 Oct

Restored vintage Blackpool bus 346 soon to be back on the road

David Simper0 CommentsHeritage, Local NewsBlackpool, Blackpool bus, bus, bus 346, buses, fylde, heritage, public transport, restoration, vehicles, vintage bus

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Everyday things like buses often seem mundane and unimportant, until they've gone taking their history with them. Thankfully enthusiast groups see this coming and save a few examples so that public transport's development can be charted and people can see, touch and ride on the vehicles of yesteryear. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Bus 346, a Metro Cammell model PD2 introduced in 1959 and withdrawn in March 1975, is just such a vehicle. Saved from the scrapyard by being used as a mess room by Blackpool Council Illuminations Department, it's planned to have this fine vehicle back on the road by the end of…

07 Oct

Artists to explore LGBTQIA+ heritage in Blackpool

Catherine Mugonyi0 CommentsHeritage, Local Newsheritage, history, LGBT, LGBTQ, LGBTQIA, local history, Queer

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Abingdon Studios has received funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to create the first permanent collection of LGBTQIA+ heritage in Blackpool. The ‘We’re Still Here’ project, led by Abingdon Studios director Garth Gratrix and producer and artist Harry Clayton-Wright, will capture stories from members of the community, and will kick off with a sound installation at new arts space The Old Electric on Saturday October 23. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] As well as viewing the installation on the day, members of the public will also be invited to share their stories, have them recorded and added to the digital archive which…

15 Sep

A weekend of local History – Explore Heritage Open Days

Catherine Mugonyi0 CommentsHeritage, Local Newsheritage, heritage photography, local history

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of heritage and culture. Across the country, thousands of heritage venues take part, opening their doors and providing a variety of heritage events free of charge. For Blackpool, the event is an opportunity to explore and showcase the town’s extraordinary and eclectic history, uncovering unique local stories and hidden treasures. This year, members of the public have the opportunity to explore a variety of historic buildings and landscapes across the Fylde Coast. This weekend brings the opportunity to take a 'behind the scenes' look at some of our lesser known heritage venues…

07 Aug

In Her Place: Our Electric Princess

Stephanie Cottle0 CommentsColumns & Opinion, HeritageBlackpool, community, community theatre, entertainment, heritage, performance, Place, Theatre

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Electric slide back in time with Stephanie Cottle and take a look at one of Blackpool’s historic buildings. Since the government announced further easing of COVID restrictions you may have noticed some curious creatures emerging from hibernation. No, I’m not talking about the return of the stag and hen parties, but rather a merry band of local thespians. Stretching out their long-rested legs, the colourful cohort have been taking to the streets of Blackpool and providing visitors to the town centre with some much needed fun and theatrics. But where are these captivating characters coming from? If you’ll allow…

31 Jul

Grundy Art Gallery’s Summer Programme

Linda Hampton0 CommentsVisual Arts & ExhibitionsBlackpool, Exhibition, heritage, history, photographer, photography, The Grundy Art Gallery

Blackpool’s Grundy Art Gallery hosts two photography exhibitions which explore our relationship to the seaside. Since Blackpool epitomises everything about a typical English seaside holiday, it’s perfect that the Grundy Art Gallery has scooped Seaside:Photographed an exhibition that’s arrived via Margate’s Turner Contemporary, Southampton, and Newlyn in Cornwall. It’s now settling in for the season, reclining on its virtual deckchair beside the outside exhibition #WorkTownGhostTown. This second exhibition brings together the work of local photographers who have documented Blackpool over the last 16 months. It can be viewed on the glass panels that form part of Grundy’s forecourt. Seaside:Photographed, located…

06 Jul

New Normal Nature: Butterfly Bounty

Stephen Dunstan0 CommentsColumns & Opinion, Environment and Nature, Heritagebutterflies, environment, heritage, nature

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] As we reach the height of Summer, sunny weather will see many butterflies on the wing - even in a dense urban area like Blackpool. They are a very accessible form of nature – some are very distinctive and recogniseable, you don’t need to get up early or stay out late to see them and with a modest amount of effort you can attract them to you. You also don’t need special equipment as most species are quite approachable. There are several ways to summarise the likely suspects you would see locally, I am going to tackle it by…