library Archives - Blackpool Social Club

01 May

Linda Hampton shares debut novel Sailing to the Moon

Linda Hampton0 CommentsGuide, Literature & Spoken Wordauthor, books, creative writing, library, literature, local author, novel, tea amantes

Blackpool author, Linda Hampton muses on the hurdles and bumps in the road that must be navigated to write and publish a book, and invites you to find out more about Sailing to the Moon, her debut novel that took her five years to finish. After five long years of swinging between getting on with it and sheer procrastination, and many, many life events that made it difficult for me to just write, I finished my debut novel, Sailing to the Moon. Sailing to the Moon is a story about the invisible ties that connect two people over a lifetime,…

24 Jul

Story Trails Made us See Blackpool Differently

Linda Hampton0 CommentsFilm, Heritage, Visual Arts & Exhibitionsart exhibition, artist, Augmented Reality, Blackpool, community, entertainment, Exhibition, Film, heritage, history, library, local history, photography, Place, Virtual Reality

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] When you visit Central Library in Blackpool you expect to step into different worlds through the medium of books. Last weekend it was more ‘if you go into the library today, you’re sure of a big surprise!’ as audiences entered the worlds of Virtual Reality (VR) and interactive Augmented Reality (AR). Story Trails is the UK’s largest immersive storytelling project and brings together the past, present and future using the latest technology. Through immersive cinema experience, 3D maps of Blackpool or a VR headset bringing to life BFI & BBC archives, there was much to choose from. Throughout the…

25 May

Author interview: Katie Clapham

Linda Hampton0 CommentsLiterature & Spoken Wordbook, books, bookshop, children, fiction, library, local author, teenage fiction, teens, young adult fiction

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]St Anne’s bookseller and author Katie Clapham chatted to Linda Hampton about her latest YA book, Three Girls. As I walk into Storytellers Inc., the delightful independent bookshop on The Crescent in St Annes, co-owner and author Katie Clapham is happily sorting new books to display. The bookshop, opened with her mother in 2010, was named Vintage Independent Bookshop of the Year in 2013 amongst other industry awards, while Katie has won several awards for her own bookselling achievements. But Katie is also a writer. I’m here to interview her about her latest novel for young adults entitled Three Girls.…

22 Apr

Penelope Isles set to shake up Blackpool Central Library this weekend.

Catherine Mugonyi0 CommentsMusic & Gigslibraries, library, live music, Music, Music Venues, musicians, what's on

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] In collaboration with Get It Loud In Libraries, Penelope Isles are bringing their unique sounds to Blackpool Library for an extra special, all ages, matinee performance. Performing tracks from their well-received album, 'Until The Tide Creeps in', the Brighton quartet bring melodic genius, dreamy guitar riffs and bright harmonies to the indie pop scene. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Taking recognisable influence from bands like The Thrills, Penelope Isles portray 'an impressive mix of talents and a mesmerising delivery of each song.' (New Noise) Get It Loud’s distinct matinee format brings emerging class acts to local libraries on Sunday afternoons for gigs that are accessible and a delight to all ages.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html…

20 Oct

Shhhh – Blackpool library makes some noise

Buzz Bury0 CommentsMusic & Gigslibraries, library, live music, Music, punk, rock

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Friday night seemed to be back to its busy busy usual. I fought my way through the bright lights, crowds of people, lines of cars to arrive at Blackpool Central Library to find out what happens when a band regularly referred to as ‘post-punk’ comes to a town that’s hosts the annual Rebellion Punk Festival and a place where punk seems to have never left. MUSH Leeds based out-fit were Blackpool Libraries first collaboration with Get it Loud in Libraries to bring live music to a place where you are traditionally encouraged to keep the noise down. Get it…

06 Oct

Beats amongst the Bookshelves

Catherine Mugonyi0 CommentsMusic & Gigslibraries, library, live music, Music, rock

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Get it Loud in Libraries is coming to Blackpool, hosting Mush's debut appearance on the library scene and bringing a touch of punk to the bookshelves of Blackpool. Performing tracks from their well-received album, 'Lines Redacted', the leeds-based art-rock trio Mush brings tongue-in-cheek lyrics, memorable guitar riffs and a fresh 2021 perspective to the music scene. Described as “rallying against aggravating, absurd political realities with passion and humour” (Pitchfork), it's no surprise that Mush has chosen to play such an unexpected venue as Blackpool Library. Get it Loud in Libraries are beyond excited to bring the band's post-punk sounds to…

01 Feb

New treats for young readers from Purple Parrot Publishing

Blackpool Social Club0 CommentsLiterature & Spoken Word, Local Newsbooks, children, library

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Fylde coast-based Purple Parrot Publishing has some new titles for children and young people that are sure to brighten up winter lockdown. Take a look below to discover the latest books from Purple Parrot, these great titles are all out now.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text] Charlie and Mrs Wigglebottoms’s Leg Mike Taylor, with illustrations by Tony Holland Charlie and Mrs Wigglebottom’s Leg is a children’s book for ages 4-8 years (although it is perfect for Cocker Spaniel lovers everywhere). Charlie is a typical, young Cocker Spaniel. He leaves the kennels to live with his new owners, Walter and Heather, and their boys.…

10 Aug

Twitter Book Club: Book of the Month

Catherine Mugonyi0 CommentsLiterature & Spoken Word, Local Newsauthor, book, fiction, library

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Blackpool Libraries have been having fun with their weekly online book club, but now they're trying something a little bit different. Later this month, they will be hosting a ‘Book of the Month’ event. This monthly Twitter Book Club will be based on a single book, and it'll be accompanied with a live online author event. Now you’ll be able to read the book, discuss it with other readers, and then hear the author’s perspective and ask them your questions.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Online book club Blackpool Libraries' Twitter Book Club was born on World Book Night in 2014, inspired by a fervent desire…

12 Sep

Heritage Open Days – Starting Tomorrow

Claire Griffiths0 CommentsHeritageBlackpool, blackpool families, community, entertainment, Exhibition, heritage, library, local history, show, Theatre

Blackpool's hidden heritage is impressive, and often uncommented on as many articles throughout the UK discuss Blackpool's shortcomings. AltBlackpool wants to uncover instead the most interesting and unique happenings across the Fylde Coast, and you would be hard pushed to find more interesting happenings than the Heritage Events and drop-in sessions. From the 13th of September, there are a number of free drop-in sessions, and some with a minimal charge. The joy of getting an access all areas pass to places such as Blackpool Town Hall, a place I had never visited until last year, is encouraged whilst the doors are…

10 Jul

Blackpool Museum On Track with Extra Funding

David Simper0 CommentsHeritage, Local NewsBlackpool, funding, heritage, library, local history, museum

A long held ambition, Blackpool's museum attraction project has now gained the funding that will make it happen. Congratulations to the team that has worked so hard for this. Now a state of the art facility will bring the resort's distinguished history to life for both valued visitors and local people. It seems almost strange that when so much has happened here and Blackpool has meant so much to so many people, there has been no museum before. This development will be a welcome boost to the resort's regeneration programme, complementing the new conference centre, tramway extension, rejuvenated public realm, new…