Get Blackpool Reading Connecting Stories Anthology 2021 - Primary

Connecting Stories, Blackpool

BLACKPOOL'S FUTURE

This book belongs to

Blackpool's Future Connecting Stories Anthology Blackpool

Supported by Arts Council England

Cover illustration © Jobe Anderson, 2021

Design and content © National Literacy Trust, 2021

Design by Kireli Studio

All enquiries around this anthology should be directed to: contact@literacytrust.org.uk The National Literacy Trust is a registered charity no. 1116260 and a company limited by guarantee no.

5836486 registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in Scotland no. SC042944.

Registered address: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL.

With Thanks...

The National Literacy Trust is a charity dedicated to improving

We would like to thank Arts Council England for funding and supporting

reading, writing, speaking and listening skills so that everyone has the

the Connecting Stories project. We would also like to thank HarperCollins

best possible chance of success in school, work and life. We support

UK and author Chris Callaghan, who generously supported this anthology,

communities, schools and early years settings and campaign to make

and extend warm thanks to the numerous community champions and

literacy a priority. Delivered by the National Literacy Trust and funded by

corporate volunteers who have kindly donated their time to help bring

Arts Council England, Connecting Stories aims to increase children and

this anthology together:

young people's interest in reading and writing, and to promote diverse voices and stories. Connecting Stories provides a programme of exciting events, such as virtual author visits, creative writing competitions and activities for families to enjoy.

Atlantic Books

Margaret Duff

Emile Tambeh

Faber

Charlotte Kim

Sheena Carman

Pearson

Allison Potter

Gaganpreet Kaur Basra

Cambridge University

Sally Atkinson

Michael Leyland

Press

Tahera Sultana

Jenna Lee

Emerald Press

Jan Papworth

Hannah Fogg

Rhona Drever Felicia Tennant James Kingett Saffron Alexander Dawn Claypole

And finally, thank you to all of the children who took part, it is their stories that make this anthology so special.

A word from children’s author, Chris Callaghan

A word from Hub Manager, Steph Wood

It has been such a thrill reading all your stories and poems that have

I am delighted to have had the pleasure of reading entries from Blackpool.

been sent in for the National Literacy Trust’s writing competition. Your

All entries included in this anthology have really made the local voices

imaginations and playful ways of writing are as delightful and inventive

from Blackpool shine and are a testament to the creativity of children and

as they are impressive.

young people here.

You have taken me into your future visions of Blackpool, by many

Traditionally, anthologies don’t focus on particular area, nor do they

ingenious routes, and what a wonderful place it has been to visit. You

often include the voices of children or young people. Yet these are

have described enchanting scenes of huge roller coasters and flying cars,

the very groups of people with the most creative ideas and the most

helpful robots and mysterious magicians, with beautiful clear seas and the

relevant experiences!

ever-present waft of fish and chips!

Reading, writing and telling stories is a great way of connecting with other

What was unmistakable throughout all the entries was the friendliness,

people and other worlds, helping you to explore your imagination and

pride and love you all have for Blackpool. Humour and hope shine through

express your emotions. The theme of the competition was all about the

these adventures and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them all.

future of Blackpool and it is clear that the future is in safe hands with so

Thank you for sharing your ideas, imaginations and visions. I certainly hope to visit Blackpool in the future.

Keep writing those stories … because they are BRILLIANT!!

many talented children and young people, whose voices and ideas have the power to build a brighter Blackpool.

I wish you as much joy reading this anthology as I had in helping to collate it, and above all I hope it convinces you of how important it is to read the stories of others, and to tell your own story.

Best, Steph Wood Get Blackpool Reading

Contents Winning Entry Jakub P, 8........................................... 17

Second Place Entry Kallie P, 10........................................ 19

All Entries Jenna W, 9................................................ 21

Anna P, 7................................................... 43

Mayzee-Leigh E, 10.............................. 22

Anthony T, 8............................................ 44

Alex L, 10................................................. 24

Christian W, 7.......................................... 44

Alex C........................................................ 25

Clemientine H, 7.................................... 46

Kieron M.................................................. 26

Esme M, 7................................................. 47

Leon B....................................................... 27

Ivan P, 8.................................................... 48

Leon L, 11................................................ 28

Jacob W, 7................................................. 49

Lucas D..................................................... 29

Jacob J, 8................................................... 50

Riley F....................................................... 30

Jasper M, 7............................................... 51

Shaun P, 11.............................................. 30

Alfred G.................................................... 52

Lewis S, 11............................................... 31

Karylle G, 8.............................................. 53

Izzy DF, 11............................................... 32

Lily T.......................................................... 54

George DF, 9........................................... 34

Luisa K, 7.................................................. 55

Leo O, 8..................................................... 36

Niko, 7....................................................... 61

Lottie S, 8................................................. 36

Oscar G, 7................................................. 62

Maia V, 8................................................... 39

Poppy P, 8................................................. 62

Summer R, 8............................................ 39

Reuben D, 7............................................. 63

Alexander K, 8........................................ 42

Rinta J, 8................................................... 64

Sabina M, Yr3.......................................... 66 Yvette H, 7................................................ 68 John B, 7................................................... 69 Abigail S, 8.............................................. 70 Ebony, 8.................................................... 71 Evie W, 8................................................... 72 Gabriella T, 8........................................... 73 Idana C, 8................................................. 75 Isobel I, 9................................................. 76 Lily K, 8..................................................... 78 William S, 7............................................. 78 Maisy W, 8................................................ 79

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Winning Entry

Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Jakub P, 8 It was a nice day in Blackpool, so two people decided to go on a walk. One was called Jakub the other was called Esme. The walk didn’t go so well. Jakub tripped on a twig and hit a tree, but, then he disappeared.

“What happened?” asked Esme. She was confused. “Should I touch the tree?” thought Esme. She touched it and got teleported to the future!

Then Jakub saw Esme. They both realised the Blackpool Tower was flying, cars were hovering and the world had a lot of white.

“Are we in the future?” asked Jakub.

“Probably” replied Esme.

“Let’s explore this place and meet at this tree when we’re finished,” said Jakub.

“Why this tree?” asked Esme.

“I guarantee it will bring us back to the present time,” replied Jakub.

First, Jakub went in the flying Blackpool Tower. He realised there was a daylight control panel. He also realised there was no pollution, books that

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Second Place Entry

Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

you don’t need a pen to write in and that read themselves and the people can change their voices.

Esme just went to relax by the seaside. They went back to the tree, but a lumberjack had chopped it down.

Kallie P, 10

“Wait! Come back!” called Esme.

The lumberjack came to them and asked them what they needed. They explained that they need that tree to be alive. He told them that they could

Blackpool’s future

wish for the tree to grow back and it would. They did and it grew back. They

As I run towards the shore,

went home and they always were more careful from that very moment.

Over my head I hear a roar.

Lots of music in my ears, All the laughs and all the cheers.

Tourists here having fun, Their holiday has just begun.

Watching the waves come crashing in, Rubbish on the beach not in the bin?

Can we change? Can we win?

The future could be bright and not a dark sin.

Standing around on a broken pier, Feeling content while am here, But also with a little fear, Because Blackpool might not be here.

It could be deep underwater, By the time I see my first granddaughter, This is a warning to everyone, That climate change has begun.

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All Entries

Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Jenna W, 9 I was just in Blackpool. I was walking to school but then a big metal box appeared in front of me. It started rotating. I walked away slowly. Then someone walked out.

“How are you?” I said.

“I am you from the future, Lilly” she said calmly.

“Why are you here?” I asked.

“I am here to bring you to the future,” she said with a smile on her face.

“But why?” I asked.

“So you know what will be next. It is your lesson” she said.

I went with her. When I got in it felt when it was spinning. I felt sad.

“Are you ok?” she said politely.

“Yes I am” I said.

“We are here” she shouted.

It was amazing. There were hovering cars and robots. She showed me crowns she told me what the robots did. “The robots clean up, everyone to go now” she said.

“But why?” I asked.

“You can’t stay here for ever.” she said.

“Ok.” I said.

I was back home now and I knew what will come next. I was ready for anything.

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Mayzee-Leigh E, 10 Blackpool’s Future Leaves the rest behind Amazing days out Changes are made everyday Keeping Blackpool modern and new Please all people Old and young Outstanding Tower Ballroom Learn about Blackpool’s past Sharing the love Flags of blue for our famous beach Ultimate fun for everyone Tram rides through the Illuminations Unlimited miles sand and sea Relive your youth and capture memories Enjoy your stay and explore all our attractions.

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Alex L, 10 First, I think Blackpool will become a city and most people will be super excited with brand new subjects. There will be glass buildings, no, better, skyscrapers. For fun, kids will talk to their friends on VR glasses. Adults could get a spa in their home or a bar. Subjects will include fixing phones and making glass. Jobs will be making glass for skyscrapers. Yes, there will be a new VR glasses called VRR glasses and Xbox 7up. It suits you 7up whilst playing. People move by portal they only go up to 10km. I would solve global warming and the virus. I would see hoverboards like in Back to the Future II and extra smart phones too.

Alex C Dear Alex, I’ll like to inform you… Haha only joking, I like to tell you it’s 2035, it’s amazing here. In Blackpool it’s better than Las Vegas. I love being here, there’s so much stuff to do here. There are new rollercoasters, there’s good and new arcades, it’s brilliant. Everyone should come here, I can’t explain how good it is. There’s been so much improvement in Blackpool. The sea is so much bluer. It’s so much better than 2021.

See you soon.

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Kieron M

Leon B

Hello Jaiden, I am on holiday at the beach in the Fylde Coast of Blackpool and I want you to come to the beach. The sandcastles are really big, and it serves food. It gets washed away by the sea and it comes back again in the morning. How cool is that?

Wish you were here!

The beach will be a noisy place and hundreds of thousands of kids and adults.

Your dear friend, Kieron

The kids will dig in under the sand. Some kids and adults will be at home and some will be eating ice cream.

Some of the fish in certain areas like the sea and rivers are dying but some are still alive, but the coral will start to turn black. Sharks will still live in the sea, but the sea and rivers will have a lot of junk and trash in them. That is not good because it will make the fish and baby fish die and whales will start dying too, and that is not good!

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Lucas D Hi Mum, I’m in the future and I am at the zoo in Blackpool. There are lots of iPads and they have animal sounds to make the animals come to you. In the future there are jet packs in the zoo. They are noisy and I didn’t go on them because I’m scared of heights.

Well, bye now. Be back tonight!

Leon L, 11

Love from Lucas

Hello! Mr Litt, how are you? I’m good, today is the year 2503! There is a lot to do in Stanley Park now. There’re robots! There are fake burning trees and trampolines! Ones that bounce you very high that you end up in Mars if you don’t be careful. And the trees you ask? Well, there’s little holes in the ground and it shoots up and lava to burn and get the apples down but the lava is immune to everything else but the card that the apples hang off. That burns for the apple to get down.

See you later!

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Riley F

Lewis S, 11

Hi Mum I’m the future of Blackpool. Today I’m at the beach people are using lots of boats, they are faster. I don’t like the beach in the future because it’s too loud with all the people and the boats. I’ll be back tomorrow.

Love you lots,

Bellowing screams from the rides Lights tinkle across the pier Arcades along the strong run by robots Children’s screams of delight Kaleidoscopes of colour Pollution a thing of the past

From Riley

Oceans pure and clean Off shore the wind farms whirr

Shaun P, 11

Litter is no more Scent of popcorn, donuts fish and chips in the off

Dear Mr H

Flying cars along the Promenade

I'm writing to you to inform you about the future of the amazing Blackpool.

Unicorns on the beach

Since you were my teacher, a lot has changed!

Terrific technology

Did you know, the zoo now has holographic animals instead of real ones?

Ultimate UFO ride at the beach

This means that no animals are trapped in cages and they are safe in the

Robots at the pleasure beach

jungle. They also have real life dinosaurs now – they are enormous.

Eager screams from the water slides from the top of the tower to the see.

The Tower now has a brilliant rollercoaster coming off the top of the tower!

This rollercoaster stretches all the way around Blackpool, and goes all the way to the Pleasure Beach! It makes the Big One look tiny.

However, there are still the same things that made Blackpool famous in the first place. The smell of fish and chips, donuts and popcorn still puncture the summer air! The seagulls are still as nasty as ever! The sea is now a clear blue and the air is clean.

I hope to see you in Blackpool soon!

Yours Sincerely "Sir".

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Izzy DF, 11 Blackpool’s Destiny In 100 years There will be five more piers The sand dunes will go And instead, will be a show The chippies will shut to make a big Pizza Hut! The Tower will turn blue and receive a great big queue from all of the tourists and they’ll rate it the purest!

Adults will buy lots of rock and give it to their kids on the dock You will stroke all the llamas at the zoo – Blackpool just can’t wait to welcome you!

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

George DF, 9

we pressed the food order button on my mum’s built-in hand phone and a robot came seconds later for my humungous, colossal surprise birthday burger. Super good!

Dear Diary,

Actually, that was the second-best part because when I had finished my

Today’s been horrendous! There’s been hoverboards flying everywhere! It feels

massive burger and the day at the Pleasure Beach, it was around 5.45pm. We

so squashed recently. And I’ve got some amazing news! The first ever flying

went up to the Shiny Glitter Ball and took us up to look at the stars. We set a

car has been invented! I wish my mum and dad would buy it. I believe they

half tent up. Guess what happened next. My dad pulled out an EXTREME

wouldn’t say yes as it’s like 90 billion Bitcoins.

remote to control Mighty Rogerson Saturday!

Wait, stay there, Diary, I’ll go and ask right now and see what they say.

Oh, maybe that was a bit too fast. Let me explain why Extreme is written in

Guess what they said? They said no! Well, they didn’t say no they literally

big bold letters. Extreme is my favourite football team in the world.

yelled at me for asking. Oh. How could I forget? Guess what today is. Drum

Next, once we had stopped running around out of excitement, my dad said

roll please. It’s my birthday! They’re letting me invite two of my best friends

tomorrow we will be going on a road trip and we would watch Extreme on

to the Pleasure Beach! I’m going to invite Jack and Tristan. Oh, got to go.

the way. We loaded up the robots with batteries to pack up our bags.

I’ll come back later and tell you what I do. Just can’t wait, I hope I go on the latest rollercoaster that you jump from a track to another track.

That was awesome, cool and the best day ever. Sorry, Diary, let me just explain why I’m so happy and energetic. It all started when we got to the Pleasure Beach. It wasn’t crowded because they had extended it and the

When we got home, me and my sister played on the PS50 until 8.30pm.

And that has led us to right now! Oh sorry, got to go and rest now as we’re going on an amazing, awesome trip tomorrow!

See you soon Diary!

Pleasure Beach has added on loads of awesome new rides and my mum let me go on every single one. I was even brave enough to go on Thunder Bolt.

Let me tell you what Thunder Bolt is. It’s the latest rollercoaster and the speed goes faster than 60 miles per hour. You also have to wear gravity boots and then you can do all the jumps. Soon after, I had to have three whole bottles of cherry and pineapple water. The best part of all was when we when

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Leo O, 8

Her mum was reading a fashion magazine, looking for summer clothes because it was almost summer. "Yes, Chicken?” her mum said in a very polite voice.

Alice pulled a grumpy face.

Blackpool Future The year 2121 in Blackpool. The Tower turned into a new launch pad and NASA Space Center.

“Mum, I said for you to stop calling me that. But anyway – " Her mum looked up from her magazine. "Can I sign up for the future of Blackpool?" said Alice super quickly. Her mum didn't know what she was talking about, so she said…

The Blackpool Tower is now a launch pad and half still remains today. A lot of people have been asking to work there and go to Space. Work and go to

"Ask your father."

Space. The launch was made out of tonnes of metal added to the foundations

Alice didn't know what to do. She heard the TV upstairs saying only five

of the original tower and the thruster is really big and needs lots of oil. The

minutes left until the sign ups were gone. She ran so fast into the basement

people that work there must like a challenge.

and said: "Dad –“ Her dad was fixing this weird looking bike? Alice didn't know what it was

Lottie S, 8

but he said "Yeah" in a grumpy way because he couldn't fix whatever that thing was.

"Can I sign up for the future of Blackpool?" Alice screamed.

The future of Blackpool "Welcome to the future of Blackpool," the man said on the TV. He was a journalist that went through a time machine and took people with him to see Blackpool in 5043.

“Wow" said the girl watching the TV. She's called Alice.

"Sign ups in ten minutes!" shouted the TV. Alice thought this was so cool. She wanted to sign up straight away but would her parents let her? Alice bolted downstairs and asked Mum.

He wasn't really listening to his daughter so he said: "Er, ok."

Alice ran to her room and signed up with only ten seconds left to go. “Yes!” She was so happy. Her mother came up the stairs to see what was wrong.

"Alice!" said her mother. "Are you ok?" and then just left the room.

"The lucky winner is Alice Quinn! See you at tomorrow at two in the morning, no later. You get to see the future of Blackpool," said the man. Alice was too excited, so she turned the TV off, shut her curtains and went to bed.

The next day Alice got dressed and packed her bags. She packed all types of

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Maia V, 8

outfits, summer, winter, autumn and spring. She never knew what the weather would be like. She also packed lots of snacks. Mainly crisps and sandwiches and also water. She walked over to Stanley Park to meet the man with the portal "’Ello, ma name is Michael. Are you ma Alice that I'm takin to the portal?”

Maia the saving of the piers The year is 3020. Humanity has made houses float so that more trees can be

(he couldn't talk normally) "Let’s go through then," Alice said and she walked through the portal. “Oh

planted. Cars also float so there is more space for buses to drive on.

my – Why is the Blackpool Tower gone? And the Illuminations are 4D?” Alice

Unfortunately, not all problems have been solved. The Blackpool Piers are

asked. The man pulled a funny face.

being flooded because of climate change. Luckily, a time traveller Tim has

“What? You not seen it before? It’s all over the news right now," the man said.

"I've not seen it yet, remember we’re in 5043. I've not been here before, I've only been here for like one minute," Alice said. It was £100 for candy pop. "I

got a solution. He is planning to set his time machine on autopilot and send it off to the Arctic to reverse time.

“This will make the ice un-melt,” said Tim proudly.

thought it was candyfloss?" asked Alice.

Summer R, 8

The man said: "Not anymore. Candyfloss doesn't exist. It’s really rare nowadays."

The rides at the pier are made out of clouds. And the Big One was made out of leaves! This was very very strange. The Mirror Ball was now called the Candy Ball! The Promenade was turned into the colour gold. Also, people were eating pens. The zoo had candy animals that could talk.

Blackpool in the future One sunny morning, Summer woke up and excitedly looked at her calendar.

Then she saw it was her water holiday so she went to get her phone to call Abi. “Hi.”

"I don't like 5043," said Alice.

“What? What?”

"Neither do I," said the man.

“Guess what.”

“Take me back to 2021!” yelled Alice, “Blackpool is perfect the way it is.”

“What is it?”

“It’s the day that we are going for our Blackpool holiday.”

“Oh my gosh! I am going to pack right now.”

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

“Ok. Just meet me at my house with your stuff.”

slide when Abi and Summer got off Goldy slid down too and said “wow!”

“Ok, bye Summer.”

When they all got off the Water Tower Summer said: “Is there anywhere we

“Bye Abi.”

can stay?”

So, Summer and Abi started packing. Summer was ready so she waited until

“Well, we can stay at a villa or a hotel.”

she heard a ring ring. She ran to the door and opened it and saw Abi. “Hi

“Hmm, can we have the villa please?”

there! Come on, let’s go.” So, they walked to get a car and drive to Blackpool.

“Ok but before we go there let’s take a trip to the North Pier.”

When they got there, they saw robot in their car.

“Ok, that sounds good.”

“Hi I am Goldy, I am your robot to help you in Blackpool in the future.”

Abi and Summer and Goldy to find the beach at North Pier. When they got

Summer said: “Blackpool in future? We’re going to Blackpool.”

there Abi and Summer said: “It was never this clean!” Abi added: “How did

“Well, it changed and I will help. Get there and I can show you around.”

you get it this clean?”

“Ok, hi Goldy.”

“Blackpool has changed now. There are fifty robots that clean the beach

“Hi, get in.” So, Abi and Summer set off.

every day.”

When they got to Blackpool, they all got out of the car and Goldy said:

“Wow that’s cool, I have some buckets and spades we can use,” said Summer.

“Welcome to Blackpool, but in the future!”

“Are you talking about the castle and the stuffle?” said Goldy.

“Oh my gosh, this is amazing.” said Abi and Summer.

“Well yeah, we used to use buckets and spades.”

“Let’s go and explore! Come on!”

“Oh, ok, well here you go, go and make a sandcastle.”

“Ok Goldy.”

“Ok” said Abi and Summer. So Goldy and Summer and Abi started building.

“Ok let’s go to the Water Tower,” said Goldy.

Summer and Abi both made small castle and Summer said: “I think we have

“Wait. The Water Tower? What’s that?”

done good.” Abi added: “Sure, but let’s check on Goldy.”

“Let me show you.” So, they went to find the Water Tower.

“Ok.”

When they got there, Summer and Abi said: “Oh, my gosh, this looks

So, Summer and Abi went to Goldy and saw a huge sand city but it was so

amazing! But this reminds me of the Blackpool Tower.”

big that we can go in. Summer said: “Wow!” Abi said: “Wow!” and went to

“Remember this is the Blackpool in the future. It is now the Water Tower.”

check it out in it there were sand people and in the sand dunes there were

Abi and Summer said: “Oh my gosh, can we go on?”

three little people. One that looked like Abi.

“Yes, come in the lift to the top.”

Summer said: “It’s getting into the sea; we need to go home”

“Ok.” So, they got to the top and saw a big, big, big telescope and a huge

“Will you can stay in a villa?”

slide. “Can we go on the Water Tower?” So, Summer and Abi went down the

“Ok,” so they set off.

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

When they got there Goldy said: “Ok, so here is where you will sleep.”

Anna P, 7

“Oh my gosh, wow!”

Goldy said: “Wow it’s late, let’s go to bed.”

“Ok, night night.”

One day it was my birthday and I had a huge cake, balloons, party hats, party bags and friends! My friends were called Lily, Ruben, William and Christian.

On my cake I wished I could have a time clock. My mum and dad knew I

Alexander K, 8

wanted one. My mum is a teacher and my dad is a builder. There was a big present it was from dad. It was a timeclock!

Me and my friends loved it. When we went inside something strange

Once there was a boy called Ben. He visited his grandad every day. They

happened. We were going to the future! And it was bigger on the inside too.

always went to the park together.

When we came into the future instead of cars it was flying cars and instead

All the time they would see trees, leaves and mud. But today his grandad wasn’t there so he thought he was at the park so he went.

But Ben didn’t only see his grandad, he saw chocolate. Ben shouted: “Hey! Grandad! Why do you have a chocolate?”

of sand it was ice and snow. They saw their time clock but it was broken.

Then they met a girl called Yenet. She could fix things and she was magic.

While Yenet was fixing the time clock, everybody was walking to the park. It was a lot different because there were a lot of trees. Then they walked to the Blackpool Tower but it was a rocket tower! Then they saw a sparkly thing, it

“Come on, let’s head home and I will tell you about it. So, you know how

was Yenet she came to tell them about the time clock it was fixed when they

we love chocolate? I thought we could bring it back.”

came home, they were so happy.

Ok we can keep it for a week, but no eating chocolate, ok?

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Anthony T, 8

“It is my suitcase.” the man replied. The man brought out a remote. A drone came out of the mechanical suitcase

Welcome to our everyday news. I am on the Blackpool beach and I will report the biggest discovery of the day. I am with Bill and James, two men who found a time machine buried in the sand. They suspect this machine can take them from 2021-5000! They are happy to take a risk and set off to the future.

“Ahhh!”

“Don’t be scared, it won’t hurt you,” Harry said.

The robot was grey, with a cloud under it. It had orange legs, it had red eyes and sharp arms. They couldn’t stop screaming. They hid behind a bench.

“This is Bob.” the man said.

“We never asked you your name,” Christian said.

Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three… two… one!

“My name is Harry.” the man said.

Harry pressed a button. There was a big red light. They were somewhere

WHOOSH!

else. There were hoverboards, freeze rays, teleportation watches, sticky shoes,

Bill, James can you hear me? Where are you going to start your adventure?

“We hear you and we just found a modern, looking food place so we are going to order some food. Algae sandwich and cricket tacos.”

Ew! I would stick with hotdogs! What is the weather like?

“Oh, you don’t want to know,” said Bill. “It is rainy everywhere we go. James let’s get back to our old Blackpool in 2021!”

jet-boots, time watches and giant ice creams. All of them were gasping. If Blackpool Tower wasn’t there, they wouldn’t even know it was Blackpool.

They were speechless for an hour, but finally Henry spoke.

“Where are we?” he said.

“Don’t you know? We’re in the future.” Harry said.

“Future?” Christian asked.

“Yes future,” replied Harry.

“Can we add in ice cream?” Mark asked.

“Yes. Harry replied. “Get the Vimto flavour,” he whispered.

While they walked home, they licked their ice cream.

Christian W, 7

“Why aren’t we teleporting to your house?” Henry asked.

“I don’t want to,” Harry replied, “we’re here.”

Harry’s house was giant. It looked even bigger inside. He had all the watches

After school, Mark, Henry and Christian were playing on the beach. When

there were. He had ice creams and hoverboards.

they set off, they saw a man with a funny machine. They went up to the man.

“Wow!” Mark shouted.

“What is that machine?” Mark asked.

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Clemientine H, 7 Raya is a girl that has a great friend Amy. Well she has a surprise! As Raya ran to Amy’s shed she got some choco bars to eat.

“Hello Amy, do you mind if I test your machine?” Raya asked.

“Sure,” Amy said. “Come in my 20431 machine. It can travel to the future,” Amy whispered.

Esme M, 7 Dear Diary, You won’t believe what happened today to me and my brother Henry and my dad. We all saw this amazing haunted ride called the Regret It Ride. I wasn’t sure but Henry wriggled and jiggled so he went on it and me and my dad saw this magic door. I was going to walk through when Dad yelled “No! don’t go in there.”

“Wow it’s a time machine!” Raya yelled. They hopped in and blasted off.

They found themselves in Blackpool, but Blackpool looked dark, poor and sad. There was no sun, no plants. The girls saw an old shed on the left. Raya headed out to the left side shed.

I ignored him I ran through, and it took us to a robot that said: “Come with me. I have donuts.”

Suddenly another robot popped up and another and another and another.

They all kept popping up. One hour later one hundred were here and a big wave came crashing for them.

“Out quick! Out of the road,” cried Kelly.

“Wow, oh my gosh, yeah!” shouted Amy. Inside they were fixing a machine.

Kelly is ten years old and clever. “We need to save the world,” Raya yelled.

“So let’s go,” Kelly said. They got some birdies but they started attacking.

Raya gave her choco bars so they stopped attacking. When they arrived on the Tower of Blackpool they saw a piece was in the wrong place. Kelly used her fixing machine to fix Blackpool, then plants were growing again and the sun came.

Henry screamed: “I don’t feel very well!”

I ran to Henry and so did my dad. All of them turned from friendly robots to angry and mad robots after the waves touched them.

“Henry!” I screeched. We rushed into to the car. “Wait! I’ve forgotten my backpack!” We went out looking for it we got to the beach.

“Ahh” “Woah” We followed it and it took us to the beach, we went past some people wearing blankets tied up with rope.

There were barrels of bread rolling around dropping bread all around. We

Amy and Raya said bye and went back to their time.

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arrived at the beach and the robot served us some donuts and lemonade.

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Ivan P, 8

Jacob W, 7

One sunny day Ivan and Jelly went for a walk and a phone rang and it was

Once there was a boy called Tom and he really wanted to know what

Ivan’s friend Jack. Jack was a crazy scientist. He can make machines and he

Blackpool looked like in the future. One day Tom was walking down the

said he made a crazy machine. Ivan went fast like a race car on a race track.

street and a scientist walked past. The scientist exclaimed: "Come with me!

He went to Jack’s home. Jack had a little brother called John. He has pets

I will show you my greatest invention!" Tom stood in sheer excitement.

called Jam and Peanut Butter. Jam has one eye and Peanut Butter has three eyes and a blue body.

A few minutes later Tom had arrived. The lab was amazing. It had loads of inventions. The Professor said: "I present to you my latest invention, the time

He said it could go to the future and Ivan and Jelly went in the time machine.

machine! It will take you into the future." said the Professor. "It will be like

John, Jam and Peanut Butter went in too. But Jack did not go in the time

going into a black hole but –“

machine. He built some more layers and he went inside and pressed the button and –

When he arrived, he couldn't believe his eyes! There were bikes flying over his head and houses floating in the sky. He almost fainted when he saw the

Crash, bang, boom! They were going in to the future.

ground shoot up so someone could get to their house.

There were floating cars going up and down and Peanut Butter, Jam and

When Tom got back to the spectacular lab the Professor said rapidly to Tom:

Jelly ran and saw a 12-eyed monster. It was huge like a bus and it had six

"The Tower is tipping, save the Tower by going to the future and getting the

spikes. Jack, Ivan and John all went to see the dogs and there was another

jet pack in the tunnels under the Blackpool Tower!"

12-eyed monster.

When Tom got back he got a bike and rushed to the Tower, luckily they were

Jack went to get a blue laser blaster. It made the monster fly in the sky. Jelly, Peanut Butter and Jam all went to buy a treat and went to Jack, Ivan and John and jumped all over the place. A huge bang made it a firework. It was Blackpool Tower flying happily ever after.

selling shovels so Tom got one of them and started to dig.

After a few hours of digging he found the tunnel. He just saw the colossal jetpack and he got it. He went to the Tower in the present day, he turned the jet pack on and it shot up making the Tower stable again.

A few days later, Tom was awarded a medal by the Queen for saving the Tower. It was a special gold medal.

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Jacob J, 8

Jasper M, 7

It all started in 2021. My name is Nellie I live in Blackpool. My dad is Rich,

One freezing night, there were four girls and one boy. It was three o’clock

soon after I was born my dad died. My dad was famous for inverting the

and the girls were asleep. The boy was too until a creature woke the boy –

Clean-o-matic and the Chore-o-matic. They were robots that helped with

who was me! I was not sure what it was at first glance but soon I noticed he

the chores. I live in a very big home with my mum.

was from my dream! We went to my friend’s house got them and the tea!

On Monday me and Mum went for a walk in the woods. We went with the

Christian, Jacob, Ruben and Willis join the adventure then he said the way

robots. We went to the lake with the robots but the robots were gone.

we go. A time portal was there, we hopped in.

We looked everywhere but we could not find them. We asked everyone but they said no. But one person said: “Yes I have seen them.”

“Where?”

The creature whose name was Dave said here is Blackpool then disappeared.

We look out the window and see a massive fire shoe flyer. Stanley Park a robotic dog. Salty sea there’s now a robot dog and cat, what could go wrong?

“On 777, a road.”

“Great!”

A booming voice rumbling: “Fee fi fo fum, mortals from the past! I see they

One month later the robots were still gone. Nellie said: “I cannot do this. I

are no match for me!”

will try and find my robots.”

Then a child named John came to help us on our quest with magic, two tests

“That’s my girl”

before the big boss. Here we go, the first test was dogobot and robo-dragon

“Come on, Mum,” said Nellie.

but William had an idea.

“I’m coming.”

“We can make friends!” we agreed. We got to the next one in seconds then we spun a web, it was such hard work but we won a massive spider!

Giant the Spider killed Dreo the Dragon in three seconds and, no matter how hard we tried, we always said until a golden sword appeared in my hand.

Ow! Ouch! Oh! He was defeated. We all went through the portal, we all appeared at home at the same time we left soon asleep and never told anyone.

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Alfred G

Karylle G, 8 Blackpool will have more buildings in the town. Stuff could change

The year 2070 First the beach got an upgrade with a water turbine making an appearance in the water. The water turbine is powering the whole of Blackpool, making

into electronics and be more unbelievable. The Blackpool will enhance the illuminations.

it one of the cities in England which has a 100% clean energy source. The amusement park has expanded and a new ride was formed. “The Golden Mile.” It goes from one end of the Promenade to the other. Ah, yes finally, the Blackpool Tower. It has extended greatly in height and it has a better view of the whole town.

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Lily T Once it was Lily’s friend’s birthday. Lily and Anna had a time machine that goes one trillion times ahead into the future. William brought Anna a time machine so it goes one million times in the future. Christian bought a time machine that goes one thousand times to the future. Ruben bought a time machine that goes one hundred times to the future.

Luisa K, 7 Luisa's time traveling adventure story It was a cold winter's afternoon and my mum and dad had dragged me and my brother, Matthew, out for a walk again! Supposedly to get some “fresh air” but I was happy with the air I was breathing at home thanks! And didn't want to go out in the cold.

First they went in Ruben’s time machine and Anna said: “Are we tiny or is

This time we had been taken down to the beach. I should probably mention

this place big?”

that I live in Blackpool, a seaside town, so the beach was very close. Fortunately the beach is one of my preferred places to walk as you never know what you

Lily said: “I don’t know.”

might find. On this particular afternoon as we were walking along the beach I

Ruben said: “Let’s go on the fastest rollercoaster on Earth.”

William said: “Oh grab these buckets if you get sick.” They saw Yvette and Jasmine, they felt sick straight away. They used their buckets and then the ride stopped they took their seatbelts off and they said to Yvette and Jasmine “come with us into this time machine”.

saw something glistening in the sand, I looked up and saw no one else seemed to have noticed it so I walked over for a closer look. It looked like a large shiny rock so I dug around with my hands a little in the sand and tried to pull it up but it was buried. So, for some assistance and because my hands were getting cold, I shouted over to my brother Matthew to help.

"Mathew come over here, I need your help."

Yvette and Jasmine said, "Ok". They went into the time machine and Ruben

As Matthew ran towards me he shouted back: "This better not be another

said: “That was fun.”

boring sea shell."

Then they went in Christian’s time machine it was better than Ruben’s time machine. Blackpool wasn’t on Earth, it was in Space. Everyone who lived in Blackpool lived in Space.

When he reached me I pointed down to the shiny rock and asked him to dig it out for me. As he yanked at the stone I could see it was attached to a chain and was some sort of necklace. A very fancy looking necklace at that. When it got colder and Mum and Dad had had enough of us moaning we finally went home.

"What do you have there?" Mum and Dad asked.

"Oh this? it's nothing, I just found it at the beach," I said. After Mum and

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Dad saw the necklace, Dad started to make a roast dinner because it was

necklace on and something strange happened. Suddenly a light emerged and

a Sunday. When it was time for dinner Dad asked me to get the knife and

I felt warm like I was standing in the sun. Also something was around me like

fork and asked Matthew to do the drinks. After dinner we went to bed it

a bubble, then Matthew came up and said: "What’s going on here? It's like an

was getting late and it was a school night. Also Mum went to bed as well

earthquake in here!"

but Dad stayed up and played video games until midnight. When Dad was

"Matthew!" I shouted, then Matthew tried to pull me out but it just pulled

going to bed he went to give Matthew a kiss and a cuddle, then Daddy went

him in too. After the earthquake we fell on a beach it looked like the beach

to give me a kiss and a cuddle. When Dad was going in my room he saw the

from Blackpool but it had slides then we saw Blackpool tower and I said: "I

necklace glow, Matthew heard Dad moving around and came to see what was

think we’re in Blackpool but in the future."

going on. Dad picked up the necklace to have a closer look and it stopped

Matthew said: "I agree." The only thing we could recognise was Blackpool

glowing so, thinking nothing of it, placed it back down and put Matthew

Tower as we started to look around.

back to bed and then went to bed himself.

Some people looked exactly like us then Matthew said: "Remember we’re in

The next day we went to school and did all the usual things you do during

the future, that is our future selves."

the school day but this day I couldn't wait to get home and play with the

"Oh yeah," I said to Matthew.

necklace I found. After school it started to snow, we were lucky that the car

Then we found a note the note said: "Hello Matthew and Luisa, welcome to

didn't freeze otherwise we would have to walk home. When we got home

your future. The year is 2029. You have been brought here because your future

it had stopped snowing but it was still very cold. I ran up to my bedroom

is in danger, if you wish leave you must first save your future then shout out the

to see the necklace, I started to play dress up and tried on the necklace with

words ‘Take me Home!’ Then you will be taken back to your time in 2021".

different outfits I loved how shiny and pretty the necklace looked it was even

The message continued: "To save your future you must find the three magical

quite entrancing to look at.

gems which have been stolen, then go to the sacred temple of St. Kentigern’s

When it was bed time something was keeping me awake, it was very bright.

and return them to their rightful place. If the stones are not returned to the

But then I heard Dad coming up the stairs. Whatever it was had stopped

temple before midnight all of time will be erased and everyone in it."

glowing. It seemed to be the necklace I found at the beach.

Then I said, “This sounds rather scary." Then we started to look for the three

In the morning I got up and got changed and when I got dressed the necklace

gems. After we got off the beach and onto Blackpool's prom we saw a crowd

started to glow again. "Can it be, is that the glow that I saw last night? It

gathered around something or someone. As we got closer we sneaked through

can't be."

the crowd to the front to get a good look and what we saw was a magician

After a warm dinner I went upstairs to play dress up I had lot of dresses to pick

"Oooh I love magic," Matthew said. "Let's stay and watch for a while".

but my favourite dress of all was my pink sparkly sequin one, when l put the

“Ok," I said, "But only for a little while as we need to find these gems.”

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

However, the more we watched the more we saw the magician pull off

idea to check out to us. When we finally arrived at Stanley Park there weren't

incredible tricks, tricks which cannot be done. I edged even closer and

many people about. As we were looking for the gem both me and Matthew

noticed my necklace began to glow dimly like a slow heart beat and I

saw that the necklace stared to glow again and looked around to see what

looked over catching a glimpse of something else glowing in the back of

was nearby. In the distance we both saw a young girl’s hand had a little glow

the magician's cloak.

so we slowly walked over and asked if we could have a look at what she had.

“It's one of the gems Matthew," I said quietly but excitedly. “We need to

She told us her name was Ella and she had found this fancy gem in the pond.

get it from him.”

Then she said, "Why do you want it then?”

"Let's wait till the show finishes," said Matthew. "Then we can sneak into his

I said, "Well I found this necklace which takes people into the future and we

tent and find it as we can't get to him with this crowd around.”

found a note and it said that your world is in danger and we need to return

“Good idea let's hope it finishes soon," I said.

all three gems back to their proper place."

Fortunately, we only had to wait about ten minutes till his show finished and

I pulled out the gem we had already got and said, “Look we've already found

the crowd began to disperse. "Now's our chance,” I said to Matthew. Then

this one earlier, a magician had it but we managed to get hold of it.

Matthew whispered to me and said, "I've got an Idea to get the gem! You

Then Ella said, "If it's really important then sure you can have it."

distract the magician and I will grab the gem.”

Then me and Matthew said thank you. We also said, "Do you want to come

"Great plan," I said. So when I distracted the magician Matthew sneaked

and join us Ella?”

round the back and pinched the gem right from under the nose of the

“Sure," said Ella.

magician. Once Matthew nodded to me to confirm he had the gem, I made

Then Ella said, “I think I saw a glow on the clock tower, that might be the gem.”

my excuses and walked off round the corner where me and Matthew met

Then Matthew said, "You're a genius and have a good memory."

back up.

We started to walk to the clock tower. When we got to the tower someone

"Phew that was scary," I said. "But we did it and that's the main thing, one

was already there. It looked like she was after the gem too. Then we snatched

gem down two to go!" I said excitedly. After all that excitement we were both

the gem of the stand and started to run. Matthew managed to escape but

a little hungry and as we were in town we decided to get some McDonald's

me and Ella didn't and got caught by the lady who also wanted the gems.

with our birthday money we had stashed away in our pockets, luckily. After

Matthew saw us and quickly came over to help us get out then the evil lady

we had lunch we started to look for the second gem, we started making our

came after us on a futuristic hover board. It's lucky that we got away then we

way around town but had no luck so we decided to start walking out of

rushed to the church which we knew was similar to the temple mentioned

town towards Stanley Park. We knew this was heading towards St Kentigern’s

in the letter. Inside by the alter we found three holes that looked to be the

which was going to be our final destination and the park seemed like a good

same size as the gems, so we said good bye to Ella and placed the gems inside

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Niko, 7

the holes then me and Matthew shouted out the words, "Take me home."

With the bright shine of light just like the sun earlier and the bubble surrounding us we were whisked back home.

"Wow that was crazy," I said to Matthew.

"Yeah it was and I'm shattered from all the walking and running so I'm going to bed."

A boy named Ben lived in a small village with his parents. He was very curious about everything. He liked adventures but he never got to do one.

His friend named Fred lived next door. They had a nice house and they met every Friday to talk about what will be in the future. They made their own

"Me too,” I replied.

In the morning we woke in our bedrooms like nothing had happened and when we got up mum and dad never asked where we had been or anything. I don't even think they knew we were out and they probably wouldn't believe me or Matthew anyway. All I had left was the necklace still sat on my desk, was the whole thing even real or was it a dream??

stories. They imagined the future in different ways. Ben thought there will be robo-dogs. The houses will be big and hard to break, and no human life just, robo-people. Ben loved the idea of flying cats. The Tower will be like a giant rocket ship and fly all around Blackpool.

Fred asked Ben what about the food? What about attractions?

“The food will be crunchy and will shoot electricity in your mouth. The Ferris wheel will float to Mars,” replied Ben. “There will be secret passages hiding in walls and under beds which you can get to other places.” Ben was so excited about telling his story.

“What about treats and toys for children?” whispered Fred.

“Well about that, there might not even be toys or sweets,” Ben mentioned.

Fred was speechless.

“Ok, if you say so,” said Fred sadly.

Ben continued the story. “There will be awesome new gadgets like eye and hand scanners if you want to get to your home.”

“Cool,” Fred shouted.

“I will keep some stories for next time Fred. I have to go home because my parents will be waiting.”

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Oscar G, 7

“I am trying as hard as I can.”

“You need to hurry up, Luke, we are running out of time.”

Oscar and Tom found a time machine under a rock. When Oscar came out of the time machine there were flying cars. Blackpool Tower had the Ferris well on it. Oscar and John tried the Ferris wheel, it was amazing.

“Let’s go to a restaurant.” It was different because robots were serving them.

Oscar and John were going back to the time machine and went back.

They opened the time machine and the magic was beautiful. Luke and Bella loved it.

Bella and Luke went to bed and they heard a sound so they went downstairs and it was a nice sunny day. In the lovely bright sun they all sat together and then something showed up. It was Mum and Dad! They were all happy they went to the future every day.

“I think we’re never going back.”

Poppy P, 8

Reuben D, 7

One sunny morning two children were playing outside. We got the bike all

Oscar and Reuben and William found a time machine next to this rock. They

over the place and it was all up to the children and found the time machine and

went in and pressed the future button.

they got in it. Bella and Luke were worried that they couldn’t drive the time machine. Bella and Luke went up so high up they were as tall as the Tower.

The time machine was so high up, woah. The children had got to get back to the house in time.

They looked out of the time machine. Everyone was dizzy.

Reuben and Oscar and William were surprised by the hover cars.

Reuben and Oscar and William landed on Blackpool Tower.

“Come on Luke, we need to get home in time because the time machine goes.”

Bella and Luke were going home but then it went past 11 o’clock at night. The

Reuben was shocked and Oscar and William were amazed. They were shocked to death and we got home sweet home.

children were nearly home, flying everywhere.

“I am back,” said Bella. “Come on Luke, let’s get back to bed. Luke. hurry up!”

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Rinta J, 8

made for emergencies. On the other hand, their dad at home looked at the back of the time machine and it said that once a person goes to the future their future selves would come to the past. He hadn't even noticed it before. They

It was a normal day, just like any other. Vanellope was playing with her sister, Emily. They were going to play with their dad, who was a scientist. He was too busy because he was trying to make a machine that takes you into the future.

Both sisters were playing in his lab when all of a sudden they accidentally set off the time machine. They felt very dizzy but they didn't know why but then they realised they were not taken one or two years into the future but 50 years.

The first thing that they noticed was how technology had changed. It was everywhere. There were cars all over the place but there was something different about it. No one was driving them. It was magical, Vanellope and Emily couldn't believe their eyes.

immediately called their father on the bracelets.

Once their father picked up he told them not to worry and to stay calm. He told them what it said on the back of the time machine and said they were going to have a mission. They were confused. But they then realised what he meant. They were going to start It. After getting all the supplies they could they set off. Even though it was not going to be easy they would do It for their dad.

But their real mission was they had to recreate the time machine. It seemed very hard. Then their dad said: "I will tell you guys how to make it step by step.” The equipment they used were tools. Finally after a lot of work they finished and called it a success. However, It was a lot harder and sadder to go

Before they had time travelled, they had always dreamed of what their houses

than expected. At least they were able to take pictures and show it to their dad

would look like in the future. But now that they really were in the future, they

later. The worst part was that they never got to actually see their future selves

couldn't wait to see what had changed including themselves.

and see what they looked like and did.

At home their dad woke up from last night's hard work. When he was going

When they reached back home, the first thing their dad said to them was "I

to wake up Vanellope and Emily he found out that they were not in bed

missed you guys!" whilst hugging them. They replied "We missed you too"

anymore. Suddenly, two panicking women appeared out of nowhere. He

after hugging him back. Their future selves bid farewell to them and thanked

became confused when he caught a glance at their wrists only to find the

them for everything. When Vanellope and Emily were re-making the time

bracelets that his children promised not to take off. “Are you burglars?” he

machine they became dirty. But mysteriously when they went back to the

asked shocked. “No we are not,” replied the two women who were checking

present it all disappeared. At that moment, their mum came back and they all

their surroundings.

lived a happy life from then on.

Meanwhile, in the future, Vanellope and Emily were scared for themselves.

The End.

They were too young to live on their own. But then they remembered the bracelets that their dad had made and given to them. Those bracelets were 64

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Connecting Stories Anthology from Blackpool

Sabina M, Yr3

“Yes we do! Yes we do!” Lissy and Jack answered excitedly.

Grandpa Tom opened the door and as they stepped in they saw the town filled with different luminous lights, the town surrounded with tall buildings

Blackpool future adventure It was a bright sunny morning and it was the first day of school summer holiday. Lissy and Jack were heading for a very exciting vacation. Lissy and Jack was very excited because, aside from visiting the town of Blackpool for

that were made of shiny metals. Some of the buildings had big screens that looked like a giant cinema. Lissy and Jack very amazed to see egg-shaped cars that are flying around.

the first time, it had been three years since Grandpa Tom has visited them

“Wow, it looks like we are at the movies,” said Jack. As they walked down

in Devon. It was a very long drive from Devon to Blackpool. It was almost

the promenade, they smelled a delicious smell of fish and chips. They went

five hours driving.

in the restaurant and were surprised when they were greeted by a robot in

“Dad, can we go on the top of the Blackpool Tower?” Jack wondered.

“Can we collect sea shells on the beach,” Lissy asked excitedly.

“We can do lots of different things once we get there,” said Dad. After a long drive they arrived. Lissy and Jack were very surprised of how unique and unusual Grandpa Tom’s house was. The house was as colourful as a

the doorway. The robots were very clever because they cooked and served the meal on each table like humans do. After a lovely meal they needed to go back home. Grandpa Tom clapped his hands three times and a magical door appears. Lissy and Jack had wide smiles on their faces when they got back home.

“That was the best holiday ever! Thank you Grandpa!” said Lissy and Jack.

rainbow. The door was round like an apricot. The roof was full of different coloured flowers like a flower shop. Grandpa Tom welcomed everyone with a very tight hug.

“You’ve both grown!” said Grandpa Tom. Lissy gasped. “Your house is amazing Grandpa.”

“It is an amazing house and magical too.” Grandpa Tom whispered. Grandpa Tom took them to a stained glass door. “Do you want to see Blackpool in the future?”

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Yvette H, 7

John B, 7

One snowy day Yvette and Anna went to go to the park, there appeared a

OMG. I feel like a bottle of pop that has been shaken up and going to burst

time machine so they went into the future.

and explode like a million fireworks. Tocia, Rueben, Harley and William

When she stepped out of the time machine she was amazed! Stanley Park

came round to play, and I know we shouldn't have but we snuck into Dad's

looked very different! There were pink robots with flying scooters and grey

shed. You will never guess what we found? It was a time machine! Yes, really!

robots with flying cars. They went to the lake and it was very clean.

A time machine. It looked mystical and magical and it shone like a diamond.

“Wow! It’s beautiful” said Anna as she caught up with Yvette.

We couldn't help it, we had to have a closer look. We were just sitting in

“I know it is,” said Yvette.

it and playing around when Harley pushed a button and sent us to 2041.

“Woah! Hello Lily” said Anna.

“Hola,” said Lily. “You’re tricking us aren’t you?”

“Haha, of course I am” laughed Lily.

“You’re good at French” said Anna.

So many things had changed in my town of Blackpool, but the most amazing thing had happened, someone had built a rollercoaster on the outside of Blackpool Tower. It was mahoosive, a big monstrous skyscraper. We had to have a go. After speeding up the tower in a superfast lift we got on the

“Thank you” said Anna

rollercoaster, it was so scary and as fast as a cheetah, but it was the best ride ever.

“Now come on,” Yvette said.

“Ok,” said Lily.

After we rode the tower ride five times, we played on the beach eating warm

“Wee!” They all said

popcorn that tasted like gooey caramel and sweet sticky candy floss. William

Then after that they went to the beach. The beach water was also clean and

and Rueben wanted to stay longer but Harley and I thought we would get in

they brought swimming costumes too.

trouble so we said: “Let's head back and this can be our secret.” We headed

“I built a sand castle,” said Anna.

back to 2021 and hid the time machine back in the shed. Today was the

“Well done.”

best day ever!

Yvette and Lilly and they never got a chance to go swimming but a blue portal showed up and it took them home.

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Abigail S, 8

Ebony, 8 I woke up one day. I went downstairs and saw there was a box. I didn’t

Blackpool’s future Blackpool is my favourite place in all the world. My name is Abi and I live in Blackpool. My home is at the top of Blackpool Tower. Being at the very

know what was in it so I opened the box and found a wand. I did not think anything of it until I saw a note. It showed this Image:

top is good because you can see the amazing views from the top window.

I had better explain that the whole of Blackpool is a Pleasure Beach. The Tower is a giant Helter Skelter, it’s the only way down to the bottom. It’s so fast and scary but I love it.

In Blackpool we don’t use cars we travel by rollercoasters. You can go in a fast one or slow one. I look after the tigers and lions at Blackpool Zoo. To get to work I ride the fast rollercoaster which stops outside the zoo. Firstly I see sea creatures. It’s like the Sea Life Centre but it's connected to the zoo I go through a tunnel of sharks to get to my office. The lions and tigers live

I didn’t know what this meant, so I put them in the wand and waved it around then boom! I was in a mysterious place. It looked like Blackpool but in the future? I went to the water park and went on an outside slide and wow!

outside in a hot grassy desert. I love working with lions and tigers because

Wait this slide is going up the Blackpool Tower. It has stopped but now I

I love throwing meat in the desert and watch them pound for it. The zoo is

was on the biggest rollercoaster ever, wow! It has stopped. Wait. Where am

so exciting to walk around as it has every animal in the world like pandas,

going? Ahh! Oh I am back in bed.

polar bears and whales. There is also a huge pet shop where you can buy any type of dog you fancy. Blackpool is the most exciting place to live and work.

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What an adventure.

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Evie W, 8

Gabriella T, 8 As I woke up I was angry. I didn’t want to go to school. Anyway I had to, so I

Blackpool in the future Without warning the girls followed a beaming light leading to a mysterious door. Thankfully it didn’t lead to anything… Or did it? Suddenly the door opened and bang! They got sucked into the portal. Fortunately they had each other and other supplies for the journey they were going on.

Unexpectedly they got taken to the future of Blackpool. Where there were no delivery people. There were drones delivering parcels. So Evie said: “Where is the bus?”

“What do you mean? We only have hovertrains.”

So the girls went on a journey to find out what year it was.

“Excuse me, what year is it?” puzzled Maisy asked again. “Excuse me! What year is it?”

“Oh, hi, my name is ... it doesn’t matter the year is 5016!”

When they walked past where Blackpool Tower was supposed to be, they only saw a big sky scraper that went up so high if someone fell...

What was I saying? Never mind.

So, on they went to a house that had two doors that opened and slammed shut. Everything was full of computers, laptops, phones and toys because in Blackpool’s future everyone had trillions of pounds, every house had Lamborghinis a Porsche 911 GT3 parked outside of their house.

But as they walked in the creaky house they saw a portal leading to Blackpool in 2021.

“Finally we’re home,” said Livia.

quickly went downstairs. “I am so hungry what is for breakfast?” I said. In no doubt, but there was no reply and then there was.

“Golden syrup with you, okay?” said my sisters. Well what do you expect on school days were you expecting golden pancakes with amazing freshly made syrup! So any way I went to go and have my breakfast.

So I was having breakfast when I released a flying car.

“Livia! Did you see that flying car?” I said astonished.

“Are you stupid Gabriella? We see that all the time. Why anyway?”

Wait. What? Have I travelled or something? Yesterday was normal and now we have flying cars! Let me just ask something… “What year is it?” I shouted so loudly I probably woke up the whole world!

“Sis, are you stupid? It is 3010. Like, how did you not know it?” 3010, that is exactly… wait one minute! Wait, wait! 81 years in the future but if you don’t want to be exactly 100 years or so but yeah.

So I finished my breakfast and I went upstairs to brush my teeth, but when I picked up my toothbrush I put it in my mouth but then it controlled it self and it brushed for two minutes then it, put itself down by itself!

So I went to the wardrobe but I couldn’t open it. I kept on trying to open it but it just wouldn’t open it. Then the twins went past and they shouted in shock.

“What are you doing? You know we have only 56 minutes left until school!”

“Wait! We’re going to school? But it’s a Saturday. We only go to school on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday! I felt like I’d lost my

“Phew,” said Sophie.

“Yes!” said Evie. “We’re home,” they all said.

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mind even though its 100 or 81 years in the future, I am not going to school on Saturday!”

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Idana C, 8

“I think you need to see a doctor. Anyway, just put your hand on that screen and say ‘school uniform’.” So I did what she said and got dressed.

I went in the car to go to school I did not know what to expect but I quickly realised when the car started that no one was driving, Mum did turn the steering wheel! Because I think I’ve never been to the Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Tower. I hoped to see it. So, first I did see the Pleasure Beach. Just some new rides and things like the old one but I couldn’t see the Blackpool Tower so I asked: “Hey, do you know what happened to the Blackpool Tower?” I whispered to the twins. By the way they are seven and I am nine.

Let’s get back to the story. “It got rusted and pieces started to fall off so it

Once, I was playing football with my dog when I got knocked unconscious by the ball and fell to the ground.

Ouch!

I soon awaken, dizzy to the sound of an unfamiliar voice that said the letter R multiple times and seemed to care about me a lot and I know that because it kept on saying stuff like “Are you ok?” and “Are you hurt?”

got dangerous and they had to destroy it.”

I then saw that it was my dog talking because of something on her collar that

We got to school it looked normal but I know it wasn’t and I was correct. A

kind of looked like a chip.

robot met us and had a little chat then guided us to the line that are in are years I gave my coat to a robot that had my name on it. When I was in class there was a teacher and a load of computers is not your normal computer and there is robot. We did Maths and English which was normal but no break but then we got a break we got a choice go outside or go on the computer.

Most of them went on the computer only like five people went outside.

When it was history we learnt about the coronavirus but I already knew about it because I live - or lived - in it so I raised my hand all the time. Then we left school to and we went home.

When I took it off her collar and she stopped talking and barked but when I put it on her collar she started talking again, I was really confused until I remembered I was late for a meeting at Stanley Park. I jumped to my feet and ran inside to find my dog’s lead, but when I found it, it now had loads of buttons on it which said “harness, “muzzle” “treats” and stuff like that. I soon decided to attach the lead to my dogs collar and press the harness button which then made a vrrrrmmmm sound and suddenly a harness extended out from the lead and clipped expertly onto my dog without tangling her up.

But when we went home it was back to normal, I went crazy! Because I was

Then I grabbed my summer jacket and realised that it also had buttons on

so happy to be back.

it saying “hat”, “cap”, “pockets” and all that jazz. I made the decision of put

The End.

on on my jacket and pressing the cap button, which then my jacket made a vrrrrmmmm sound and out came a robot arm with my cap in its clutches.

The robot arm tightened my cap around me head and off I went with my dog by my side.

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Isobel I, 9

Honk! Honk! We looked up and saw a flying car.

"This place is amazing!” said ldana. We started to walk forward then "Oof!"

Zuzzuzzl Beep! Beep Beep!

we hit the ground, realising we were still on skates, oh dear. It took a while but we managed to get on the hover-tram. We flew over Stanley Park and

"Alright, I'm awake!"

saw a glowing wishing fountain with moonlit silver water and golden fish in

I'm Izzy, I am nine years old and I live In Blackpool in a house with my

it and if you pressed a button the whole lake turned to ice so you could ice

sisters, parents and pets. Today, I am going to go roller skating with my best

skate —even in summertime. Later, we went past the shoe shop. We got off

friend Idana. She has brown hair and eyes and is wearing a puppy T-shirt

there and bought some glow-in-the-dark rocket boots.

and blue leggings. We had planned to go to Stanley Park, and were skating towards the park when we saw a man standing in our way. He was tall and slim with dirty blonde hair and a lab coat with white jeans.

He said: "I need you to go to the future and bring me back information."

Finally, we went back to the time machine and returned to the scientist.

We told him about the hover-trams, floating car parks, skyscrapers, purple Blackpool Tower and everything else we saw.

“That is amazing, thank you for checking out the future for me,” said the

“Ok,” we both said because we've always wanted an adventure.

scientist. “I can put this in my research.”

"Good, good, come with me and I'll get you into my time machine." We

“You're welcome," we said. What a fun day!

followed him to his lab. "In here, please," said the scientist.

Bang!

What we saw behind those doors was incredible. There were rocket trains, hover trams, a skyway, skyscrapers, floating car parks and flying cars. We looked at the date on the time machine - 30211 We had travelled 1,000 years into the future! Blackpool Tower, which was usually red was now purple with shining blue lights on it. Robots and animals roamed free on the street with different people like they were pets. There was no Blackpool Zoo or pavements. Stanley Park was much, much bigger, almost twice the size, with a monorail all around so you could view from up high.

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Lily K, 8 Blackpool’s Future

Maisy W, 8 Blackpool in the future

Welcome to Blackpool! Year 3021.

1. I was delighted to go on a hoverboard train I was going with my friends

The beach is crystal clear blue water and a white sandy flooring. Because

Gabriella, Evie Livia, Sophie and me (Maisy). We are going to see

of the fresh clean sea water, we have lots of magnificent creatures such as

Blackpool Sky Tower.

dolphins, sea turtles, and beware of some sharks. Flocks of people visit Blackpool in the summer since we have our floating pier where you can dive into the sea on a hoverboard. Did I mention our beautiful sunset that flashes every ten minutes with a variety colours? We have our famous Helter Skelter that spins around our Blackpool Tower. We also have a water slide as tall as Mount Everest, and to get there you must teleport.

2. We got on and we set off on the hoverboard train we went past the new 3D Pleasure Beach and VR sandcastle, then something dangerous happened. Sophie screamed.

3. The hoverboard train set on fire. Livia said: “Get out! We’re going to die!”

The doors were automatic so, “we had to jump and put it was scary,” said Gabriella.

4. The firefighters come to put it out but they see the hoverboard train

William S, 7 William and Oscar and Ruben were playing at the beach and then they saw a

driver with burns on him. We called the ambulance but the driver sadly died the next day. We were all sad especially Evie. She was sobbing.

The end.

time machine. In the time machine they were so, so dizzy then they came out and saw the Pleasure Beach and went on the best ride ever and then they went to bed.

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Participating Schools With thanks to the following schools, whose students’ wonderful work is included in this anthology:

The End

Mereside Primary Academy Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary School Roseacre Primary Academy St Kentigern's Catholic Primary School Unity Academy

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Blackpool's Future

By Blackpool Connecting Stories, funded by Arts Council England, aims to increase children and young people's interest in reading and writing, and to promote diverse voices and stories. Children and young people were invited to take part in a creative writing competition which has been judged by publishers, authors and community champions. This anthology celebrates their creativity and hard work. We hope all entrants feel extremely proud to see their story published and that this gives them the confidence and passion to continue writing.

' Congratulations to all the young writers featured in this anthology. I am so impressed by their imaginative and creative stories – a must-read!'

Jonathan Douglas CBE Chief Executive, National Literacy Trust