Search for entertainers who graced seaside resort

THE search is on for comedians, singers, musicians, dancers, circus performers and variety artists who have trodden the boards in North West entertainment mecca that is Blackpool.

Blackpool Museum Project is appealing for help to celebrate the Lancashire seaside resort’s central role in popular British entertainment.

They are looking entertainers who live in the area to contribute their stories and artefacts to the museum.

Is is organising a special drop-in event at St John’s Parish Church in Blackpool on Thursday September 29 and inviting people along and find out how to get involved. The event is from 11am until 4pm.

The free event is open to everyone and will display the newest plans for the proposed museum to be built in the Winter Gardens Pavilion Theatre.

Blackpool Museum Project was set up in 2015 to develop plans for a brand new museum and visitor attraction based inside the Winter Gardens Pavilion in Blackpool. It is looking to submit its final plans to the Heritage Lottery Fund in April 2017 with an opening date in 2020.

The day will also include free talks, film shows and refreshments throughout the day including an hour-long presentation by Blackpool based entertainment producer Duggie Chapman on The Golden Age of Variety starting at 2pm.

The museum team wants to build a network of retired and current performers living in Blackpool and the Fylde who will support its development and attend future events celebrating Blackpool’s entertainment heritage.
 
They are also keen to hear from the relatives of past performers who may have artefacts and stories that could be showcased in the new Museum.

Belinda Betts, project director of Blackpool Museum Project, said: “The museum will celebrate Blackpool’s pivotal role in shaping popular entertainment in Britain over the last 150 years.

“The venues and shows are obviously central to this story but it was the performers who were the real stars. Their stories and experiences are vital if we are to create a display that reflects the rich diversity of talent that made Blackpool the northern home of variety.”
 
Mark Raffles, professional magician based in Blackpool, who is supporting the museum said: “I can’t think of a better place to celebrate the glorious and glamorous world of show business than the Winter Gardens where the new museum is to be based.

 “I have pledged my portrait to the museum and produced a digital story film about my career which will be screened on September 29.”  #

The museum is looking to build on Blackpool’s existing heritage collections and is looking to collect costumes, props, and other items to display. It is also creating a digital story collection of short films produced with entertainers telling an aspect of their life story.