Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 

Do you have any posters advertising Blackpool as an ideal holiday destination for gay sailors?

It might give Tealeaf's thread some local relevance.

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 

In 1937 Prince George, Duke of Kent, flicked the switch.

Can't see that notorious bisexual, and squeeze of Noel Coward, being much of a draw.

Even to the cap dothing royalists down Church.

They should have had Rin Tin Tin Jr.

They'd have filled a fleet of buses, to see that celebrity mutt.

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 

I believe there were some, but they were acquired some years ago by a London collector, with a keen interest in such ephemera.

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 

That's still the case. But my reading of Walter's post is that servicemen (possibly discharged) and/or their families were moving there during the course of WW1. If they are actually serving, then work out the logistics of trying to move house from Accy to Blackpool - it's difficult enough to do today, nevermind 1916 & organising it from a muddy trench on the Western Front is a totally different challenge.

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 

Mght have attracted a few gay sailors.

But don't knock 1937. In 1938 they had to make do with Councillor Mrs Quayle!

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 

People here get excited and giddy enough to stand in the Christmas drizzle, to watch some third rate licky-likey tribute act turn-on Accy's amazing Winter Lights Festival.

The Keith Lemon character will be a big draw in Blackpool.

Oddly, there are similarities.

Like you Teabag, he makes people laugh out loud, and is also a bit of a cult.

;)

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 

Just a guess, perhaps it's down to more affordable rents.

Old man away at the front, not much coming in, as working wages.

Lots of recently built accommodation at the coast, but no one taking holidays, because of the war.

A similar thing happened in the eighties.

Lots of people on the dole moved to Morecambe, and took up residence in cheap accommodation once used by long-gone holiday makers.

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 

That's just it, you idiot. At one time proper celebrities switched on the lights - Formby, Matthews, Mansfield, Red Rum - and not one of these urinal dregs that are now the norm.

In any case, you've still missed the point of my original post - there are eight weeks of the lights and people can go on any night. Is that advert you posted just for the switch-on night? I think not...it's for trips over several weeks. You, no doubt, would turn up on opening night, salivating at the thought of seeing your latest celeb hero but most people are there for them and their kids and the light spectacle.

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 

....not forgetting Councillor Mrs Quayle......

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 

I've never actually seen the Illuminations.

I've only been to Blackpool once, and that was to see Timothy West and Prunella Scales in The Merchant of Venice, when I was at school.

At the peak of Blackpool's popularity, between the wars, my family went to Bournemouth.

Perhaps I should go and see Keith Lemon do the honours.

I'll see if I can find a more up to date bus timetable.

Sounds like a fun sort of a town.

;)

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 

We have our own version of the illuminations in Canada ... and they switch on automatically every year Fall Foliage in Canada - Find the Best Places in Canada to See Autumn Colors in Canada

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 

1938, I believe; the gathering storm of WW2. A sensible decision - use someone local, save money because in the following 6 years there ain't going to be any lights to switch on.

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 

Eric = Bee

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 

Yeh been using jaysays spellcheck?:D:D

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 

Or those other celebrated notables, Cliff Michelmore, Tony Blackburn, and Carol Jean Grant, Miss United Kingdom 1976.