48 hours in Blackpool by LeftCoast

COVER

INSIDE COVER

48 hours in Blackpool

A big creative welcome to Arts Council England

2 Trainor ÂŠ Michael

LeftCoast is Blackpool and Wyre’s Creative People and Places programme awarded support from Arts Council England until 2019. Its development is steered by an innovative and diverse partnership between the commercial, public and charitable sectors.

You are only here for a very short time and of course we want you to have the best time and experience as many of the big shiny gems and more discrete jewels as you have the time or energy for (in between all the necessary discussions, of course).

enter the tower ballroom, become speechless on tours of the culture palaces of the Grand Theatre and Winter Gardens and erupt into hundreds of thousands of smiles as the illuminations take over when the sun burns to an orange line over the Irish sea.

Blackpool is a multiplex of the mind. It runs the full gamut of high octane entertainment to exciting contemporary art experiences. All places claim to be unique (and they are) but Blackpool is extraordinary.

Here are just a selection of things you may enjoy knowing about or experiencing while you are here. You won’t of course have time to do everything so lucky for you, you will just have to come back.

Blackpool wants to be Europe’s first city of popular culture and here is where its vision sits – somewhere between the art and entertainment worlds, creating and presenting the best of contemporary popular culture in its own special context.

Michael Trainor Artistic Director LeftCoast.

Blackpool is effectively a huge physical stage set on which escapism, individuality and spectacle are played out on a daily basis. I have seen people cry as they 3

VISUAL ARTS

Blackpool is like one big stage set. We dare you to walk out on the streets of Blackpool and not see something extraordinary. Constantly documented and drawn upon by artists across the world for inspiration, Blackpool is a feast for all the senses.

Abingdon Studios Blackpool’s latest contemporary visual arts studio and project space where both Blackpool based and visiting artists can generate new work in a supportive environment that encourages dialogue, new ideas and risk-taking. Abingdon houses six self contained studios, a residency studio and a project space. It also works in partnership wth Blackpool & Fylde College to offer ongoing opportunities for graduates to dip their toes in professional practice.

Abingdon was recently successful with its first Grants for the Arts award to establish an international residency scheme and talent development programme. It works closely with The Grundy Art Gallery and homegrown independent organisations like Supercollider. www.abingdonstudios.co.uk Supported by Blackpool Council’s Economic Development and Arts Services in partnership with LeftCoast with grant funding from Arts Council England.

TUESDAY 1 MARCH PRIVATE VIEW SODLEY ON SEA BY PHOTOGRAPHER MARK PAGE. A SATIRICAL VIEW OF BRITISH SOCIETY, DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY AND GALLERY CULTURE (6PM UNTIL LATE). THE STUDIOS ARE LOCATED ON TOP OF ABINGDON MARKET AND HAVE STEPPED ACCESS ONLY.

Art Bed & Breakfast (AB&B) A B&B is a traditional Blackpool Bed and Breakfast being re-imagined by artists. The recently acquired promenade hotel (formerly the Ocean Hotel just north of North Pier) has kickstarted this exciting opportunity to commission artists to create everything from individual room designs to influencing how daily operations are experienced. A community interest company, the commercial operation will be maintained via nineteen guest bedrooms, a bar and catering operation, function rooms, and flexible workspace. It is a new business model with profits re-invested in public engagement with the arts, talent development for artists and new commissions. The initial refurbishment will be undertaken by Jobs Friends and Houses, a CIC that works with people in abstinence-based recovery from addiction offering them training opportunities and qualifications in building trades. This project was awarded the Clore Duffield 50th Anniversary Prize. It is currently seeking 1000 landladies to support its development. www.abandb.co.uk Supported by LeftCoast, Blackpool Council, Arts Council England, Clore Duffield Foundation.

Grundy Art Gallery

Sensory Systems 11 Sept - 8 Nov 2015

The Grundy Art Gallery was founded in 1911 with an ambition to show the best art of the day to the people of Blackpool. Drawing on the unique context and heritage of Blackpool, The Grundy presents an ambitious contemporary programme that aims to inspire audiences to explore the space between contemporary art, entertainment and popular culture. Exhibitions frequently incorporate pieces from their collection, which was started by the founding Grundy brothers and contains an eclectic range of art, furniture, ceramics, ornaments and other curios. Recent exhibitions have featured artists such as Martin Creed, Brian Griffiths, David Hockney, Pierre Huyghe, Heather Phillipson, Susan Philipsz and Matt Stokes. The gallery has a growing profile and has recently worked with partners such as BALTIC, the British Council and the Hayward Gallery. An Accredited Museum, Grundy is also an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. www.grundyartgallery.com Supported by Blackpool Council, Arts Council England

THE GRUNDY WILL BE EXTENDING ITS OPENING HOURS ON TUE 1 MARCH UNTIL 7PM. DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE CIVIC PHOTOGRAPHY - A COLLECTIVE PORTRAIT OF THE TOWN BY FYLDE COAST PHOTOGRAPHERS.

Gordon Youngâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Comedy Carpet Blackpool has always been the spiritual home of comedians and so when the council planned the multi-million pound regeneration of the promenade and necessary sea defence works, they also commissioned the Comedy Carpet as a public and lasting celebration of laughter. Sited in front of Blackpool Tower, the carpet gives visual form to jokes, songs and catchphrases dating from the early days of Variety to the present. Created by artist Gordon Young, and designed in collaboration with Why Not Associates, the carpet is laid out in a grid pattern and can be read in different directions. It contains over 160,000 granite letters embedded into concrete and pushes the boundaries of public art and typography to the limits. The names of over 1000 comedians and personalities feature on the carpet, over 80% of whom performed in the town and range from global stars such as Mae West, Laurel & Hardy and Charlie Chaplin through Monty Python and Spike Milliganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s era to contemporary performers such as Jo Brand and Johnny Vegas. www.comedycarpet.co.uk

The Great Promenade Art Show A series of outdoor art installations set on the 2km sea defences along the town’s South Shore. The works were commissioned in 2000 to animate the promenade and offer a creative attraction for the town’s residents and visitors. Away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre, this stretch of seafront offers great, undisturbed walking or cycling amongst what feels like an outdoor gallery, each work of art reflecting a different aspect of Blackpool’s diverse character. Artists were chosen via a public vote and include Life is a Circus by Sir Peter Blake (figures of circus entertainers cast in bronze reflect the artist’s predilection for imagery from the world of fairground and circus entertainers – Sir Peter’s first and only public sculpture) and They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? by Michael Trainor : A rotating ball 6m in diameter, covered in almost 47,000 mirrors, has been claimed as the world’s largest mirror ball, and is named after the 1969 film about a ballroom marathon. www.publicartonline.org.uk/casestudies/ regeneration/great_promenade/description.php

The Old Rock Factory Since opening in 2011, this building has become a significant hub for artists and creative networks. Home to a frequently changing set, at its heart are two constants: Robin Ross, DJ turned printmaker and driving force behind the popular urban arts festival Sand Sea and Spray responsible for some of the town’s more interesting urban art displays including those on the passage leading to the factory; here you will find work by some of the world’s most influential and recognised street artists. www.sandseaandspray.co.uk/artists/ Aunty Social is a community interest company whose mission is to create a vibrant, active and diverse community in the Fylde Coast area through positive, sustainable arts, cultural and craft activities and tea and cake. One of their initiatives is AltBlackpool, a magazine website that hosts alternative news, reviews and galleries about local arts activities written and documented by voluntary Blackpool arts and cultural commentators. www.auntysocial.co.uk www.altblackpool.co.uk

PERFORMANCE

There is always someone performing or performance to see in Blackpool as it is a town filled with the circus of life. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a few highlights - latest listings of things to do can be found at www.altblackpool.co.uk

Blackpool Grand Theatre It’s easy to see why when performers come to the Grand they worry about the Theatre stealing the show. Opened in 1894, this 1000 seater theatre was immediately dubbed ‘Matcham’s Masterpiece‘, and remains one of the finest surviving examples of leading Victorian theatre architect Frank Matcham’s work. It is owned by the Grand Theatre Trust, which evolved from the efforts of a small group of committed volunteers who saved the building from demolition in 1981. With around 120 productions a year and an audience of over 132,000, the Grand works with a range of regional and national partners including being a member of The Touring Consortium Theatre Company; a network of seven theatres who produce high-quality touring drama; hosting Sadler’s Wells bi-annual hip-hop theatre show Breakin Convention; and being a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Learning and Performance Network (LPN). Its contemporary dance programme brings an outstanding range of work to the town including Hofesh Shechter, Candoco and Wayne McGregor in recent months. www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

Blackpool Grand Theatre is an Arts Council England NPO for contemporary dance. Blackpool Council supports the Grand Theatre to deliver Blackpool’s Culture Hub programme in partnership with Blackpool Council’s Arts Service.

The Winter Gardens First opened in1878, with a lavish ceremony, the original intention was “to place on the land a concert room, promenades, conservatories and other accessories calculated to convert the estate into a pleasant lounge, especially desirous during inclement days” It remains the earliest, most ambitious and most complete Victorian entertainment complex in the country and was bought by Blackpool Council in 2010. The Winter Gardens actually consists of twelve venues all housed under one roof. These include the spectacular 1930’s Spanish Hall, lavishly designed by Hollywood set designer Andrew Mazzei with a three-dimensional frieze of an Andalucian village; and the extraordinarily ornate Empress Ballroom home to some of the most iconic gigs from The Stone Roses to the White Stripes. One of the most well-known spaces though is the 3,000 seater Art Deco Opera House which has hosted thousands of the worlds’ best-loved entertainers since it opened in 1939 including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Bob Hope, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Bob Dylan, Peter Kay and…One Direction for those that like that sort of thing. Every year, The Winter Gardens is 14

host to a vast range of conferences, events and performers from pigeon fanciers to puppet shows, darts to dance and youth brass bands to the annual largest Punk festival in the world; Rebellion. It hosts five major international ballroom dance championships annually, one of which has just been exported to Shanghai. In the spirit of offering multiple layers of culture and heritage, this complex will also be home to the brand new Blackpool Museum Project (see heritage section). www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

The Blackpool Tower, Ballroom and Circus Inspired by The Eiffel Tower, and built in 1894, the Tower is owned by Blackpool Council and operated by Merlin Entertainments. Blackpool Tower is one of the country’s most audacious village halls. It is home to five different attractions; the Tower Ballroom is the most famous ballroom in the world – renown for its unique sprung dance floor and remains to this day an international mecca for dance fans including BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Family favourite the Tower Circus, home to clown Charlie Cairoli for 39 years, opened the same year and has not missed a season since. The circus ring is one of four left in the world that can transform itself into a water pool - holding 42,000 gallons, it produces spectacular grand finales with dancing fountains. It is the only circus in the world designed by the legendary Victorian theatre designer Frank Matcham. Painting and maintaining the tower is an ongoing process that takes seven years, the current scaffolding ‘skirt’ is due to be removed this Spring! www.theblackpooltower.com

Music, Culture and Arts Hubs Blackpool is leading the way with outstanding provision for young people both with its music provision and arts awards. Formed in 2002, Blackpool Music Service is a nationally respected service which was awarded Music Education hub status in 2011 to provide inspirational events and enjoyable music-making for all Blackpool children. The Blackpool Grand Theatre in partnership with Blackpool Council’s Arts Service are delivering the Culture Hub programme in partnership with Curious Minds. This aims to deliver an innovative place based learning programme and rolled out programme of Arts Awards for young people in Blackpool. Blackpool Council’s Arts Service has recently developed some pioneering arts development programmes including the Arts for Health programme and the Fylde Coast Youth Dance programme both supported by Arts Council England. www.fyldecoastdance.wordpress.com www.blackpoolmusicservice.co.uk

Independent performance in Blackpool Awash with stage and dance schools it is often hard for an independent performance sector to get its voice heard in Blackpool. However quietly for a number of years spoken word events have been popping up in cafes and pubs nights presented by Dead Good Poets and the Blackpool Pub Poets. The latest offfering is the alternative cabaret South Shore Scratch at the Royal Oak - a welcome addition to the scene. A monthly theatre discussion group takes place at the Royal Oak where ideas, resources and experience can be shared. Check out the Made in Blackpool Facebook group for all the latest opportunities and news

ÂŠ CJGriffiths Photography

HERITAGE

Blackpool was built as a place to entertain and has continued to act as a magnet for pleasure seekers throughout the decades. Its extraordinary built heritage builds justifiably fierce civic pride and with two of its key jewels now back in public ownership, the future is promising.

Blackpool Museum Project Blackpool Council, with £1.24 million funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is in the process of developing the Blackpool Museum project. The vision is to create a brand new museum that tells the extraordinary story of UK Popular Culture in the context of the world’s first seaside resort. Celebrating its contribution to popular culture, ’The Blackpool Story’ will be a blend of museum, visitor attraction and theatre, filled with artefacts, film, music and performance; drawing together nationally significant historic collections alongside local heritage stories. It will be immersive, participatory and inclusive remaining true to the spirit of Blackpool. It will be located within the Pavilion Theatre inside the Winter Gardens. The team is currently working towards its Round 2 HLF submission. www.blackpoolmuseum.com

Central Library Central Library was designed in accordance with philanthropist Andrew Carnegie’s principles of universal learning and in 2011 reopened its doors after a £3million redevelopment. As part of this, artist Nick Robertson, in consultation with community and staff members, created eight new stained glass the windows which reflect contemporary themes such as Illumination, Aspiration and Curiosity, inspired by the original stained glass in the entrance dome. Central Library is one of 8 Blackpool libraries with a remit for reading and literacy, health, learning and information, digital facilities and grassroots cultural participation, with around 612,000 visits a year. Central Library is also home to Blackpool Council’s Arts Service who in partnership with the Library, deliver the annual festival - Wordpool. They are also working collaboratively on the innovative mobile reading and creative-writing project Save our Stories – an artist-led ‘Rescue Vehicle’ which is rising to the challenge of addressing literacy in the town. blackpoolwordpool.wordpress.com

TIME AND TIDE IS AN ART WORK CREATED BY LISA WIGHAM AS PART OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF WW1 AS A MEMORIAL TO PEOPLE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES ON THE HOME FRONT. IT FOCUSES ITS STUDY ON EVENTS DOCUMENTED IN LANCASHIRE ARCHIVES IN COLLABORATION WITH WRITER SARAH HYMAS AND SENIOR ARCHIVIST VICCI MCCANN. ON DISPLAY AT BLACKPOOL CENTRAL LIBRARY UNTIL 7TH MARCH 2016

Heritage Tours Blackpool has some of the most amazing spaces and most unbelievable stories incorporating everything from the Starving Brides on display in glass boxes to the dwarf bar hidden inside the Grand Theatre. To share its iconic and unusual heritage, Blackpool Heritage Guided Tours was set up by the Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heritage Service in partnership with the Volunteer Service. A passionate and knowledgeable group of volunteers lead entertaining tours of the Winter Gardens and Lightworks; home to Blackpoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world famous Illuminations Collection which contains over 20,000 pieces including photographs, diagrams and original artwork. www.blackpoolheritagetours.co.uk

INDEPENDENT BLACKPOOL

Blackpool is not like other towns with their identikit highstreets that could be anywhere. It is awash with independent cafes, second hand stores, costume shops, hidden caves full of curios and treats. Just wander round but if you wanted some guaranteed gems check out the following independents leading the way.

Blott Studios

Charabanc

Founded in 1998 by artist Corrine Streetly, Blott was originally set up as a collective of artists studios. The Blott Gallery still showcases current members’ work and invited artists all year round, and members host an annual group exhibition of new works. A key feature of the space and how the collective works is that most of the limited edition artworks can be bought. Corrine’s own range of ceramic and bone china mugs, postcards, postcard sets and cotton art bags are inspired by the people and landscape of Blackpool; a popular range includes prints of punks at the annual Rebellion festival.

This shop is part of the Aunty Social umbrella offer to Blackpudlians and holiday-makers alike. Managed by a small team of volunteers, its opening hours are limited to Saturdays 10.30am-5pm and Sundays 11am-4pm The range of vintage and hand-crafted goods, unique and quirky fashion items, cards, gifts and homewares made by local artists and creatives knows no bounds! Set into the side of the Winter Gardens, Charabanc offers local designers and makers a space to sell their wares on the high street.

www.blott.co.uk/shop.php?s=216

www.auntysocial.co.uk/portfolio/ charabanc/

Regent Antiques Emporium First opened as the Regent Picture House in 1921, The Regent opened as an Antiques Hall in 2014. With a flea-market atmosphere, and a rich vein of local history running through it (not to mention the odd report of paranormal activity) The Regent offers an eclectic mix of antiques, crafts and jewellery. The retail unit covers over 600 square metres, where you are free to browse amongst the curios at leisure and enjoy a drink and cake at the onsite cafe. www.facebook.com/theregentblackpool/

Grundy Art Gallery shop The Grundy’s bijou retail offer has a fine selection of art books, jewellery and the best card selection on the Fylde Coast www.grundyartgallery.com/shop/

EATING AND DRINKING

Bootleg Social Talk to any locals over the age of 25 with even the vaguest of alternative leanings and they will reminisce about this venue being a rich part of their formative years but, depending on which decade they are in, they will offer you a different name, scene and music style. Bootleg Social, as it is now known was set up last year by three local boys who also had a soft spot for this place and wanted to do their bit for Blackpool’s alternative scene. Literally underground, it has been furnished beautifully, comfortably, yet simply and with a great range of drinks on tap plus a fancy burgers and pizza style menu, it makes for a relaxing place to hang out. Bootleg hosts DJs, live bands and a range of other evenings from cult and classic film nights to yoga set to live musical beats - the owners are open to helping local creatives to find their own home from home here. www.bootlegsocial.co.uk

The Beach House An independent family run business that sits on the right side of the tram tracks, Beach House is set in an iconic building on the beach front. Boasting great views of the sea, it offers a stylish interior with a chic 26

and contemporary atmosphere, often including at-table magical entertainment or background live music sets; it has become the go-to place for the cool kids. Offering a range of drinks, including cocktails, a tapas and a la carte menu, all dishes are freshly made in-house. The location of this venue makes it perfect for sizzling summer days in the sun and chilly autumn nights at the fireworks displays and their new outdoor terrace with a Char Grill is set to become a focal point for those seeking an outdoor dining experience. www.beachhouseblackpool.co.uk

Notarianni’s Ice-cream Parlour Luigi Notarianni was born into a large family in a small village in Southern Italy at the start of the 20th century. Like so many others plagued by poverty, he and his wife Messalina decided to emigrate. Around 1928, they had managed to save enough money to open up their very own ice cream parlour. Since then they have been freshly making, freezing and serving ice cream the same way they always have; using whole milk from a local farm, to their own original recipe. However, there’s just one thing they only sell vanilla! Thousands who travel for just one scoop of the white stuff believe

it’s not just vanilla though, it’s a flavour of bygone times, a taste that reminds people of their childhood and of simpler times. Notarianni’s is based in South Shore and is only open during the holiday season. www.notarianniicecreamblackpool.co.uk

Yorkshire Fisheries The oldest chip shop in Blackpool, established since 1905, Yorkshire Fisheries is frequented by locals and tourists alike, many of whom came when they were young and now return with children or grandchildren. It is not simply longevity that has secured their reputation as the best chippy around though. They pride themselves on using fresh, seasonal ingredients as well as responsibly sourced fish; cooking everything to order; and offering a menu with a twist on the traditional. This includes halibut, plaice, tuna, swordfish, salmon and herb fishcakes, scampi and chicken, half-sized as well as larger portions, a children’s menu, plus a range of homemade and branded pies and puddings. Open Monday-Saturday 11.30am-7pm in the heart of Blackpool’s town centre. www.yorkshirefisheries.co.uk

COMING SOON. REASONS TO (RE) VISIT

OtherWorlds Music Festival 7-10 April (various venues) This extraordinary sound art festival delivered by local genius record label Must Die Records has grown exponentially over the last year. An audio visual banquet of unexpected delights, performers this year are coming from everywhere from Korea to Dubai.

“Other Worlds punches well above its weight.”

Chris Bye, Arts Council England. Sponsored by the Skinny and Wired. www.otherworldsfestival.co.uk MUST DIE RECORDS DJ’S WILL BE SPINNING SOME TUNES TO DELIGHT ALL EARS AT BOOTLEG SOCIAL ON THE 1 MARCH FROM 7PM UNTIL LATE. STEPPED ACCESS ONLY TO BOOTLEG BAR.

Absent

by Dreamthinkspeak The Grand Theatre in partnership with LeftCoast was recently awarded the Ambition for Excellence award to create and produce two extraordinary pieces of work in Blackpool. The first will take place this autumn and will see a hotel being recreated in the bowels of the Winter Gardens. This will be the first time the internationally renowned Dreamthinkspeak have been back in the North West since its critically acclaimed production One Step Forward, One Step Back in 2008 as part of Liverpool’s Capital of Culture.

Lightpool Last year Blackpool’s world famous Illuminations was awarded a multi-million grant from the Coastal Community Fund to reimagine the visitor experience. Projection mapping of the Tower was introduced alongside more interactive performative experiences in the town centre.

A newly appointed Creative Team is currently developing an even more ambitious programme for 2016 - full details to be announced later this year. Don’t miss the best keep secret about the illuminations - a car free prom the night before the official switch on where you can bring your bike and Ride The Lights. www.visitblackpool.com

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Blackpool is often used as a location for film and television work. The launch of Tim Burton’s new film featuring the iconic Blackpool Tower (and a Hollywood style recreation of snow on the prom in May!) comes in 2016. A dark fantasy telling the tale of a 16-year-old boy named Jacob Portman who accidentally works himself onto a mysterious island where he helps a group of peculiar orphaned children at Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, protecting them and leading them away from horrible creatures who are out to destroy them. Mr Tim Burton is well known for being one of Blackpool’s biggest fans.

from this year’s event included the jaw droppingly fantastic Generik Vapeur from Marseilles who brought their seminal show Bivouac to the town centre alongside the beautifully poetic and skilful Akoreacro circus also from France. Bivouac

Showzam! You’ve just missed the annual outdoor street arts and circus festival that is the well known and well loved Showzam! Every year 1000’s of people come to Blackpool for the first Festival of the season (in February!). Currently programmed by LeftCoast in partnership with SeaChange Arts and developed in partnership between Visit Blackpool, The Winter Gardens, Blackpool Tower, Blackpool Improvement District, highlights 29

Kong Live! The planning for the second production as part of the Ambition for Excellence award is still tightly under wraps but needless to say this retelling of this epic story across the streets and buildings of Blackpool will be transformative for the town. With a strong creative team at the helm and writer Frank Cottrell Boyce crafting the story, this multi platform, part user generated experience will be a highlight in 2017. Put it in your diary now. www.leftcoast.org.uk

Grundy Art Gallery

BLACKPOOL TOWN CENTRE

Map is a rough guide only and not to exact scale

3 CHURCH ST

L TA

IN AB

S ING

S RD WA ED

OT S

TALB

Blackpool North Pier

MARKET ST

BIRLEY ST

T ST

WES

St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Square

1 Abingdon Studios 2 Art Bed and Breakfast (ocean hotel on the prom) 4 Comedy Carpet

EET

12 Charabanc 14 Bootleg Social

15 Beachhouse 16 Yorkshire Fisheries

Winter Gardens

N STR

11 Blott Studios

NATIO

9 Blackpool Tower 10 Central Library

13 Regent

8 Winter Gardens

CE ST

CAUN

CORO

7 Blackpool Grand Theatre

CHURCH ST

7 CHURCH

N ATIO POR

6 Old Rock Factory

RCH

CHU

COR

5 Great Promenade Show

PROMENADE

VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre

3 Grundy Art Gallery

KING ST

11 CHEAPSIDE

AID

The Blackpool Tower 9

Map

www.leftcoast.org.uk LeftCoastUK /LeftCoastUK 32

Design. www.kevinlloyddesign.co.uk Cover image ÂŠ Dan Martino / Blackpool Gazette