Joe Longthorne At Blackpool Grand Theatre On Thursday Evenings Until 1st November - Exclusive Interview

THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE - with JOE LONGTHORNE and ROY WALKER
Showing Thursday 2 August 2012 to Thursday 1 November 2012

The one and only Joe Longthorne returns to The Grand along with comedian and Catchphrase star, Roy Walker.

After a fantastic season in 2011, Joe Longthorne returns in this brand new summer show that will be sure to entertain audiences old and new alike!

Longthorne’s stunning repertoire of voices is endless and includes hundreds of the world’s top singers.

Best known for his turn presenting the cult gameshow Catchphrase Roy Walker joins Joe for a night of laughter and anecdotes from his varied career.

Act One: 55/60 mins
Act Two: 60/75 mins
There will be a 20 minute interval during each perfomance.

To book your tickets, call the box office on 01253 290190 or visit the website at: www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

You can hear our great exclusive interview with Joe Longthorne talking about the show by clicking on the sound icon below (please note this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):

Review: The Comedians at Blackpool Grand Theatre - Sundays until 2nd September

If you like comedy in the old style, ie people telling jokes that are funny, no swearing - no F words anyway.... - and good all round entertainment, then this show is definitely for you.

The Comedians was a popular TV show in the 1970s and the story of how it all came to be is told by original producer Johnny Hamp, and he also introduces video clips of some of the original TV comedians who are no longer with us - such as Bernard Manning, Colin Crompton and Frank Carson.

On stage we have a great laugh-a minute stand up routines from Mick Miller (of recent Royal Variety Show fame...) and Roy Walker (remember him from Catchphrase...?) in the first half and then Duggie Brown and Stan Boardman (don't mention the Fokkers...!) in the second half.

It actually takes quite a lot to make me laugh out loud but I was constantly checking round last night to make sure I wasn't annoying anyone with my mirthful outbursts.

If you remember The Comedians from the TV, then you'll find this show enchanting in a nostalgic sort of way.  If you never saw it, here's a great opportunity to catch up on what you have missed.

To book your tickets, call the box office on 01253 290190 or go to the website at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

You can hear our great preview interviews with Mick Miller and Stan Boardman by clicking here: http://www.bestkeptsecrets.biz/2012/07/the-original-comedians-at-blackpool.html

Frank Flynn Trio To PLay At North Shore Methodist Church In Blackpool - 1st August

Fresh from an impromptu New York appearance on stage on Broadway, Frank Flynn and his trio will be performing an evening of great music at the North Shore Methodist Church on Dickson Road in Blackpool on Wednesday evening 1st August from 7.30 to 9.30pm.

If you've seen Frank and Co. in action before, you'll know what to expect and, if you haven't, you're really in for a treat! 

Admission is £5 on the door and proceeds go to the church.

Mick Miller's Comedy Bonanza at Blackpool Grand Theatre - Wednesday Evenings 1st Aug to 31st Oct 2012

Every Wednesday through the summer see Mick Miller’s Comedy Bonanza!

Star of the Royal Variety Show, Mick Miller along with special guests BBC Lancashire and Grand Favourite Steve Royle, Clare Brady, Billy Hunter and the Scream Theatre School’s Bonanza Dancers guarantees you a night of side splitting laughter and fantastic entertainment.

Often referred to as 'The bald guy with the long hair.' Mick Miller is probably best known for his appearances on the legendary TV show The Comedians also at the Grand this summer.

Act One: 60/65 mins
 Act Two: 60/65 mins (There will be a 20 minute interval during each perfomance.

To book your seats, call the Box Office on 01253 290190 or go top the website at: http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/shows/performance/combo-2012

You can hear our previews with Mick Miller, Claire Brady and Billy Hunter by clicking on the relevant sound icon below (please note this may take longer if you are using a Mac...):

Football Friendly: AFC Blackpool 1 - FC St Rochs (Glasgow) 0

AFC Blackpool picked up an impressive 1-0 home win in this friendly match against Scottish visitors St Rochs FC from Glasgow.

The game was played with spirit throughout and decided by a Ben Waddington goal midway through the first half.  St Roch - playing in a nice green colour - pressed hard throughout and had the upper hand for much of the second half.  The "Mechanics" held on, however, for a well deserved victory.

AFC Blackpool kick off their NWCFL Premier Division league campaign next Saturday - 4th August - with a trip to newly promoted Norton United.

They then play Padiham at home in the league on Tuesday evening 7th August -7.45 kick off.

For all the latest news, check out the website at: www.afcblackpool.co.uk

For North West Counties League information, go to: www.nwcfl.com

You can see more of our photos from the game here on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.392974970752919.99882.100001212595763&type=1

Rebellion Special Show on 103.2 Preston FM - Friday 3rd Aug 7pm

The Rebellion festival comes to Blackpool next weekend and as usual we'll be bringing you our own annual Rebellion special in our "Best Kept Secrets" show on 103.2 Preston FM.

In this special 1 hour music programme, we'll be bringing you some great music from artists who are appearing at the festival this year, with the emphasis on bands and singers who we have featured in our previous shows and there'll be some fascinating interview clips from previous festivals.

So, included in our Rebellion 2012 Special on Friday 3rd August from 7pm, we will have music from:

Choking Susan
Rust
Monica & The Explosion
Outl4w
TV Smith
Vice Squad
Los Fastidios
Dirt Box Disco
Viv Albertine
Dragster
Loaded 44
Ren Spits At Magpies
The Duel
Louise Distras

You can tune in to Preston FM on 103.2 FM in the broadcast area or "listen live" worldwide via the internet at www.preston.fm

Photo: Lucy with Paul Rooney from Vice Squad

Wilfred Owen Was Here - Autumn 2012 Tour Dates

An exciting series of Autumn tour dates have been announced for "Bullets & Daffodils - The Wilfred Owen Story" for 2012, based around places where the World War 1 poet Wilfred Owen stayed or visited during his lifetime.

The tour kicks off on Sunday 29th September at the Cedar Tavern in Blackpool as part of the international "100 Thousand Poets For Change Day" festival.

The full list of dates is as follows:

Sunday 29^thSeptember – The Cedar Tavern, Blackpool -     www.thecedartavern.net 

 

Tuesday 2nd October – The Falstaff Experience Theatre, Stratford Upon Avon

Box Office: 01789 298070  www.falstaffexperience.co.uk

Wednesday 3rd October – Eye & Dunsden Village Hall, Dunsden Green

Tel: 0118 947 0339

Tuesday 9th October – Oswestry Cricket Club, Oswestry

Tel: 01691 653006  www.oswestrycricketclub.co.uk

Wednesday 17th October –  Heswall Arts Festival, Heswall Hall

www.heswallfestival.com

Thursday 18th October – The Ace Centre, Nelson

Box Office: 01282 661080   www.acecentre.co.uk

Monday 22nd October – The Old Deanery Hotel, Ripon, North Yorkshire

Tel: 01765 600003  www.theolddeanery.co.uk

Sunday 28th October – The Ironworks, Oswestry

Tel: 01691 679123  www.the-ironworks.co.uk  

More dates are being added all the time – check the website and Facebook page for the most up to date news and tour dates.

www.wilfredowenstory.com   www.facebook.com/bulletsanddaffodils

Glamorous Final of Miss Blackpool 2012 - Friday, 17th August 2012

This really is a Best Kept Secret!  The Final of Miss Blackpool is open to the public and you can get tickets - but hurry!  Tickets cost £35 per person and tables are in 10s or 12s.

This prestigious, black tie event, held at the Norbreck Castle Hotel on Friday, 17th August 2012 starts at 7.00 p.m. with a 4-course meal served at 7.30 p.m.

There will be a Raffle in aid of Blackpool Polar Bears Multi-Disability Swimming Club.

After dinner the final of Miss Blackpool 2012 will begin and it is always a wonderful evening - so why
miss out?  Come and see Miss Blackpool 2012 crowned.  

To book your tickets, please call Angels Elite Model and Promotions Agency on 01253 820226.

Miss Blackpool 2012 - Heat 6 Result and Interviews

Miss Blackpool 2012 - Heat 6 Result
1st: Eden-Paige Kippax (right in photo)
2nd: Leanne Carroll (left in photo)

Both girls have now qualified for the Miss Blackpool 2012 Grand Final, which will be held on Friday 17th August at the Norbreck Castle Hotel.

This is a fabulous black tie occasion - 4 course meal, live entertainment, plus the dramatic finale of the 2012 competition. Tickets £35 each available now - call Karen on 01253 820226

Heat 7 will be at Uncle Tom's Cabin in Blackpool next THURSDAY 2nd August - free to enter - new contestants always welcome!

Also: there's the Miss Radio Wave photo competition which gives the winner and runner up direct entry into the Miss Blackpool 2012 final.

The final 12 have now been selected and you can vote online now for your favourite. More details of Miss Radio Wave 2012 can be found here: http://www.wave965.com/local/miss-radio-wave-vote/
The closing date for voting is midnight on Monday 30th July!

 

 

You can hear our great interview with Eden-Paige and Leanne right now by clicking on the sound icon below  (please note this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):

The Original Comedians at Blackpool Grand Theatre - Exclusive Interviews with Mick Miller & Stan Boardman

Showing Sunday 29 July 2012 to Sunday 2 September 2012
A Night of Laughter with...The ‘original’ Comedians returns to the Blackpool Grand Theatre every Sunday evening, throughout the summer.

This trip down memory lane includes live performances from Roy Walker, Stan Boardman, Mick Miller (pictured left) and Duggie Brown.

Hosted by legendary producer Johnnie Hamp and featuring archive clips and rare footage of Bernard Manning, Frank Carson and many more this show really does merge the past and the present.

To book your tickets, call the Blackpool Grand Theatre box office on 01253 290190, or go to the website at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

To hear our exclusive previews with  Mick Miller and Stan Boardman (pictured right), simply click on the relevant sound icon below (this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):



To read our review of last summer's Comedians show, click here: http://www.bestkeptsecrets.biz/2011/08/theatre-revfiew-comedians-40th.html

Rathbone Studio, Argyle Street, Birkenhead, Wirral - Tony Kenwright Exhibition

The Rathbone Studio are proud to announce their latest exhitition - "Out of my Head" - paintings by Birkenhead-born artist Tony Kenwright.  Starting on 11th August and running until 6th October this is a chance to see some of this amazing artist's work.

Further information from:

Rathbone Studio

28 Argyle Street,

Birkenhead,

CH41 6AE

E-mail:  rathbonestudio.com

Tel.:  07903 337 995

www.rathbonestudio.com

Also on Visit Wirral: 

http://www.visitwirral.com/whats-on/out-of-my-head-exhibition-p321421

The Horseboating Society invite you to a special event at the "Boat Museum" Ellesmere Port, Wirral on Sunday, 5th August 2012

Why not go along and have a look at Canal boats as they used to be – horse drawn – at the “Horses at Work” event at the National Waterways Museum (“The Boat Museum”) at Ellesmere Port on Sunday 5 August 2012, from 10am to 5pm.

This is going to be a fantastic event. The day celebrates how important horses were in the history of transport in Britain. For 200 years canal boats were pulled by horses, and for much longer than that all road travel for goods and people depended entirely on horses.

 The Horseboating Society will be represented by Sue Day with Bonny the boathorse (or possibly Bilbo) - see photo - towing the historic horseboat Giffordalong the canal. Also local working horse enthusiasts will be there with their horses, two goods flat waggons, a baker’s van, as well as horse and cart rides, rescued ponies with pony rides, and a complete shoeing demonstration by a farrier.

There will be canal craftspeople demonstrating their traditional skills, and the Boaty Youth Theatre re-enacting canalside scenes. As well as the Museum’s permanent displays of historic boats and artefacts, and the café and shop, in the unique setting of the historic canal docks.

Easy to find –  just off the M53, junction 9.   Sat-Nav: CH65 4FW.    

The Boat Museum,

South Pier Road,

Ellesmere Port.

Tel: 0151 355 5017.

Summer Season Launch At Blackpool Grand Theatre

There's a whole host of great shows on during the summer at the Blackpool Grand Theatre.

The Original Comedians - Sundays from 29th July to 2nd September
The Chuckle Brothers - Mondays from 30th July to 3rd September
Dancing Queen (Abba Tribute Show) - Tuesdays from 31st July to 30th October
Mick Miller's Comedy Bonanza - Wednesdays from 1st August to 31st October
Thursday Night Live with Joe Longthorne and Roy Walker - Thursdays from 2nd August to 1st November
Cannon and Ball show feat. Stu Francis - Fridays from 3rd August to 2nd November
Roy Chubby Brown - Saturdays from 4th August to 3rd November.

For more information on any of these shows, or to book your tickets, visit the official website at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

We will be posting exclusive interviews with ther stars of some these shows here in the next day or so - do please check back!

In the photo (left to right): Mick Miller, Stu Francis, Clare Brady, Stan Boardman, Billy Hunter, Bobby Ball, Joe Longthorne, Tony Jo, Roy Walker.

Preparing for the Ricoh Women's British Open in September on The Wirral

PAULA CREAMER STARTS PREPARATIONS EARLY FOR THE RICOH WOMEN’S BRITISH OPEN

The 2010 and 2012 US Open Champions set their sights on the final Major of the year
24th July 2012

Paula Creamer (in photo) was in North West England this weekend but, while the rest of the golfing world’s focus was on events at Royal Lytham & St Annes, the 2010 US Open winner spent her weekend playing at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake. Creamer’s early preparations for the 2012 Ricoh Women’s British Open show her clear intent to challenge for the final major of the year, taking place from the 13th to 16th September.

Creamer resisted the temptation to head to the nearby Lytham to watch the exciting finale of the Open Championship where she herself had finished a credible T3rd in 2009. Instead, she spent the weekend familiarising herself with the famous Hoylake course which will play host to the Ricoh Women’s British Open for the first time this year.

She explained, "I really enjoy the test of links golf and I loved every minute of my weekend playing this historic links course for the first time. It is in great condition, the sun shone and everyone I met at the Club was so welcoming and seemed as excited as I am about the upcoming Championship.”

South Korea’s Na Yeon Choi, who won her first Major at the 2012 US Open earlier this month after finishing four shots clear of the field and catapulting to a career high second on the Rolex World Ranking, has also confirmed her entry for the 2012 Championship.

Choi commented, “I watched Se Ri Pak winning majors when I was growing up and I dreamt that one day I would follow in her footsteps. It was amazing to see her there to greet me on the 18th on Sunday and it made it even more special. I am very thankful for all that she has done for Korean golf. I have finished top ten in the last three Ricoh Women’s British Open’s and so I think I have a great chance this year, especially with the added confidence that winning my first major has given me.”

Other players already confirmed at the Ricoh Women’s British Open include World number one, Yani Tseng, American’s Paula Creamer, Cristie Kerr, Stacy Lewis and Michelle Wie, Korean stars, Ji Yai Shin and Na Yeon Choi, Japan’s Ai Miyazato, Sweden’s Suzann Pettersen and Australia’s Karrie Webb, herself a three time winner of the Ricoh Women’s British Open. Catriona Matthew, winner of the 2009 Ricoh Women’s British Open headlines the home challenge along with 1986 winner, Laura Davies and England’s rising star, Melissa Reid.

Shona Malcolm, the LGU’s CEO added, “The field is really shaping up for the final Major of the year and after the conclusion of the Open Championship on Sunday, we hope the North West of England will now look to the Ricoh Women’s British Open for their next fix of world class golf. Paula’s early foray to Hoylake this weekend shows her determination to win this great Championship and we have been delighted to hear her positive feedback on the course. We also look forward to welcoming Na Yeon Choi who has featured on the leaderboard the past three Championships and we were delighted to see her claim her maiden victory at the 2012 US Open. I think she will be a serious contender at this year’s tournament.”

This year fans will again be able to watch the BBC’s extensive coverage of the Ricoh Women’s British Open in HD (high definition) underlining the significance of the Championship in the BBC’s sports portfolio.

The Ricoh Women’s British Open was founded by the LGU in 1976 and is staged in conjunction with IMG, the world’s largest sports marketing company. The event has been co-sanctioned by the LPGA and LET since 1994 and gained Major status in 2001.

Ricoh, the leading technology provider of Managed Document Services and Production Printing, has been the title sponsor of the Ricoh Women’s British Open since 2007.

For further information please visit www.ricohwomensbritishopen.com

CD Release: Treading Water EP by Halfway To New York - Exclusive Interview

Treading Water EP - the debut EP release by Halfway To New York.

Tracklisting:
 1. Treading Water
2. We Were Wrong
3. What A Way To Go
4. Out Of Time
5. Going Home

You can buy the new EP "Treading Water" and find out all about the band on the official website here: http://halfwaytonewyork.bigcartel.com/

You can listen again to our great interview with Sam from the band by clicking on the sound icon below (this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):

CD Release: "Oi Oi Aussie Rock n Roll Live" by Rust

Out now on STP Records - STP 012
Recorded live at the Excelsior Hotel Sydney 25/09/2010

Track Listing:
1: Bang Bang Bang
2: You Ain't Lived
3: Black Rats
4: Anita
5: Urban Legends
6: Spirit Of The Anzacs
7: Oi Oi Aussie Rock n Roll
8: Rock n Roll Gunslinger
9: Chaos - (great 4 Skins cover...!)
10: Skinhead From The Burbs
11: Memory Lane
12: A.C.A.B (another great 4 Skins cover)

Order Link: http://www.stprecords.co.uk/page4.htm

Rust will be playing on the Olympia 2 stage at 10.55pm on Friday 3rd August at the Rebellion festival in Blackpool.  To find out who else is on, check out the official festival website at: www.rebellionfestivals.com

We will be playing tracks from this great new album in our Rebellion Festival special radio show on 103.2 Preston FM from 7pm on Friday 3rd August. Check back for more details nearer the time.

Listen Again: Magic Trees Interview

If you missed our "Best Kept Secrets...In Conversation" show on 103.2 Preston FM on Friday evening, you can hear the whole of our great exclusive interview with the Magic Trees right here.

All you have to do is click on the relevant sound icon below (please note this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):



To buy the new Magic Trees album "Another Way To Exist", follow this link: http://magictrees.bandcamp.com/

To find out more about the band, find them on Facebook or visit their website at: www.magictreesband.com

CD Release: "I Was A Teenage Tranny" by Choking Susan

Available now from STP Records STP 016

Track Listing:
1: I Was A Teenage Tranny
2: You
3: Dementia
4: Thimble Tits
5: I Wanna Blow You Up
6: Aqua Queen
7: Oprah's Sweet Tampon
8: Touch Me
9: Tempt The Ending
10: Victim Energy
11: I Can't Let Go

Order link: http://www.stprecords.co.uk/page4.htm

We will be playing tracks from this great new album in our Rebellion Festival special radio show on 103.2 Preston FM from 7pm on Friday 3rd August.  Check back for more details nearer the time.

Catch Choking Susan on their UK tour - starts next week.

Wednesday July 25th-Birmingham-The Roadhouse
Thursday July 26th - Nottingham - The Maze.
Friday July 27th - Stoke On Trent - The Green Star.
Saturday July 28th - Ashton Under Lyne - The Witchwood.
Sunday July 29th - Manchester - The Star and Garter.
Monday July 30th - Carlisle - Club Victoria.
Tuesday July 31st-Gateshead-The Black Bull
Thursday August 2nd...Blackpool-The Tavern,Blackpool Rebellion aftershow (on at 2am)
Saturday August 4th - Blackpool - Rebellion Festival  (The Arena stage 4.10pm)

Ice Hockey: Blackpool Seagulls 6 - Wyre Seagulls 4

Saturday 21st July 2012
Blackpool Seagulls 6 - Wyre Seagulls 4
Period Scores 1-0, 4-3, 1-1

PIMS: Blackpool 16 - Wyre 10

Blackpool Scorers:  Dave Anthony 4+0, Mark Singer 2+0, Duncan Wrigley 0+4

Wyre Scorers: Mark Jefferies, Ben Quarmby, Mark Gibson, Dan Coxon all 1+0

Blackpool Penalties: Buchanan 4, Wrigley 4, Anthony, C Shaughnessy, L Shaughnessy all 2, Bench Penalty 2

Wyre Penalties: Linton, Maddocks, Wilson, Jefferies, T Coxon all 2

MVPs: Blackpool - Dean Chatterton, Wyre - Mark Jeffries

For more Blackpool Seagulls news and player stats, visit the official website at: www.blackpoolseagulls.co.uk

Miss Blackpool 2012 - Heat 5 Result

Heat 5 Result

1st: Kendal Rae Knight
2nd: Alexandra Robertson

Both girls have now qualified for the Miss Blackpool 2012 Grand Final, which will be held on Friday 17th August at the Norbreck Castle Hotel.

This is a fabulous black tie occasion - 4 course meal, live entertainment, plus the dramatic finale of the 2012 competition. Tickets £35 each available now - call Karen on 01253 820226
Heat 6 will be at Uncle Tom's Cabin in Blackpool next THURSDAY 26th July - free to enter - new contestants always welcome!

 

Also: there's the Miss Radio Wave photo competition which gives the winner and runner up direct entry into the Miss Blackpool 2012 final.

 

More details of Miss Radio Wave 2012 can be found here: http://www.wave965.com/local/miss-radio-wave1/ . The deadline for entries is this Sunday 22nd July!

 

Official competition photography by Howard Barton - www.preciousimagephotography.co.uk

Ice Hockey: Clash Of The Seagulls - 21st July

Saturday 21st July 2012 Subzero Ice Arena, Cleveleys

Doors open at 4.30pm - Fun starts at 4.45pm
Admission £2.00 Adults, £1.00 children.

Yes - it's a veritable "clash of the seagulls" on Saturday evening as the Blackpool Seagulls take on their namesakes the Wyre Seagulls in this fascinating recreational ice hockey encounter. 

The feathers might fly but the fists certainly won't as this is a friendly match between the two groups of rink buddies who share the same ice at the Sub Zero rink in Cleveleys.

However, expect a competitive encounter all the same as the fledgling Wyre Seagulls - many of whom only took up the sport after the rink opened last year - hope to notch up their first ever victory against the Blackpool Seagulls team which is stuffed with veterans from the glory years of the original British League period.

If you haven't been to an ice hockey match before - or haven't been for a long time - this will be great introduction to the world's fastest team sport and above all, it's great family entertainment.

Just remember to bring a jumper or something warm to put on as, even if it is warm outside, it can still be pretty chilly in the ice rink....

Magic Trees Special in Our Best Kept Secrets Show - Friday 7pm

That's right - as promised it's an in-depth interview special with Canadian rock band Magic Trees in our "Best Kept Secrets ...In Conversation" show on 103.2 Preston FM next Friday 20th July.

The band will be talking about their experiences of decamping to St Annes on Sea for the summer and the album that they wrote while they were here last year.  Colleen, Jaime, Ian and Jason (left to right in photo- with Lucy in the middle) will be picking theit favourite tracks from "Another Way To Exist", telling the stories behind the songs, talking about their local bass player Craig, saving the Victoria pub and a lot more besides.

Also on the show:
we will be talking to Dean Johnson ahead of the London West End premiere of Bullets and Daffodils - The Wilfred Owen Story
Anton Lorien tells us about "We Are The Brits" - a patriotic song he wrote for the Afghan Heroes charity
Neil Arthur from 80s electronic pop band Blancmange talks about a new "Best Of..." compilation
and there's also the pick of the rest of the new releases.

So join us on Friday 20th July from 7pm for lots of great music and chat.

You can tune in to Preston FM on 103.2 in the local area and "listen live" worldwide via the internet at www.preston.fm 

82nd Thames Sailing Barge Match, Gravesend - North Oaze Buoy - Gravesend, Saturday, 28th July 2012

A recent documentary featuring a beautiful Thames Sailing Barge must surely have meant a surge in the number of people who will go and watch the 82nd Thames Sailing Barge Match.  The Match - a race - will see a dozen or so Thames Sailing Barges compete for the Championship of the London River.  This is a tradition dating back 149 years.

For further information on how to follow the Match on public passenger boat Princess Pocahontas, please call 01732 353448 or go to www.princess-pocahontas.com

For further information on The Match itself, please call 01227 265568 or e-mail mark@celnos.plus.com

New dates for Dining with Music at the Pavilion Restaurant St. Annes

For a really wonderful evening out why not book a table at the lovely Pavilion Restaurant in St. Annes' Ashton Gardens.  Forthcoming events with talented artists are:

July
Friday, 13th July - Stuart Mayor Piano (in photo)
Saturday, 14th July - Peter Ritmo - Swing Singer
Wednesday, 18th July - Stuart Mayor
Thursday, 19th July - Stuart Mayor
Friday, 20th July - Stuart Mayor
Saturday, 21st July - Peter Ritmo
Friday, 27th July - Stuart Mayor
Saturday, 28th July - Peter Ritmo

August
Friday, 3rd August - Stuart Mayor
Saturday, 4th August - Peter Ritmo
Friday, 11th August - Stuart Mayor
Saturday, 12th August - Peter Ritmo.

Booking is essential - please call 01253 724440 for menu details and to reserve a table.

The Pavilion Restaurant and Tea Room, Ashton Gardens, St. Annes on the Sea, Lancashire

Miss Blackpool 2012 - Heat 4 Result and Interviews

Heat 4 Result:
1st Sophie Heald (left in photo)
2nd Lauren Chadwick (right in photo)

Both girls have now qualified for the Miss Blackpool 2012 Grand Final, which will be held on Friday 17th August at the Norbreck Castle Hotel. This is a fabulous black tie occasion - 4 course meal, live entertainment, plus the dramatic finale of the 2012 competition. Tickets £35 each available now - call Karen on 01253 820226

You can hear our great interviews from last night's heat right now by clicking on the relevant sound icon below (please note this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):



Heat 5 will be at Uncle Tom's Cabin in Blackpool next THURSDAY 19th July - free to enter - new contestants always welcome!

CD Release: "The Very Best Of Blancmange" - Exclusive Interview

Release date:16TH JULY 2012
THE VERY BEST OF BLANCMANGE
Label: Music Club Deluxe
Cat No.: MCDLX539
Barcode: 5014797675391

CD 1.
1. Living On The Ceiling 2. Don’t Tell Me 3. I Can’t Explain 4. Feel Me 5. Blind Vision 6. Waves 7. The Day Before You Came 8. I’ve Seen The Word 9. God’s Kitchen 10. That’s Love, That It Is 11. Wasted (Extended Version) 12. Lose Your Love (Album Version) 13. What’s Your Problem 14. Kind 15. All Things Are Nice 16. Murder 17. Running Thin (Peel Session) 18. I Would (Peel Session) 19. Making Aeroplanes (Without Victoria) (New Track)

CD2
1. Blind Vision (12” Mix) 2. Don’t Tell Me (12” Mix) 3. Feel Me (12”John Luongo Mix) 4. Game Above My Head (Long Version) 5. That’s Love, That It Is (Remix Extended Version) 6. Vishnu (Short Version) 7. God’s Kitchen (12” Mix) 8. Sad Day (Original Version) 9. Waves (Original Version) 10. Why Don’t They Leave Things Alone? 11. Lorraine’s My Nurse 12. See The Train 13. Don’t You Love It All 14. Living On The Ceiling (Long Version) 15. Hello Darling (Blue World)

Order link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Very-Best-Blancmange/dp/B008BENEJQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1342002464&sr=1-1

To find out more about what the band are up to, visit the official website at: www.blancmange.co.uk

We have a special exclusive interview with Neil Arthur from Blancmange talking about the CD, Darwen and all other things Blancmange in our "Best Kept Secrets In Conversation" show on 103.2 Preston FM next Friday evening (20th July) from 7pm, where we'll also be playing his pick from the new release. 

You can hear a short preview clip from the interview right now by clicking on the sound icon below (please note this will take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):

Ice Hockey - Be A Fylde Flyer! Open Trials During July

Fylde Flyers senior ice hcokey team are looking for new players to bolster their squad ahead of the 2012/13 league campaign in ENL Div 2 N.

Open trials are taking place on Thursday evenings at the Sub Zero arena in Cleveleys, with the final team selection to be announced by the 1st August.

Trials are 9pm meet for 9.45 to 11.15pm ice time and everybody is welcome, although to have a chance of being selected for the team, you would need a high level of fitness and ability (ENL or EPL experience or top level full contact rec hockey) and be available to fulfill training and match night commitments for the forthcoming league season.

Anybody interested in attending the trials can call team manager Mick Caunce on 07595 393277.

The Fylde Flyers are also for looking for team and individual player sponsors as well as advertisers to go in the new colour programme covers that will be used for the season.

Once again, anybody interested should call Mick Caunce on 07595 393277.

PS: Yours truly dug his hockey gear out of the loft last week - just 22 years since it last saw the light of day - and discovered that everything appears to have shrunk since he last wore it... the ice hockey world can rest easy - no dramatic return is on the cards...

Wet Wet Wet's Graeme Clark To Make West End Debut - 29th July

Graeme Clark - bass player with Wet Wet Wet is set to make his west end theatre debut on Sunday 29th July as he appears in "Bullets & Daffodils" the new musical drama about the life and works of World War 1 poet Wilfred Owen.

Graeme said: "My songwriting mate, Dean Johnson, asked me if I would consider playing the part of a Scottish soldier signing up to go to war.

Interestingly enough my grandpa did sign up as a 14 year old in 1914, coincidentally, as a musician.
Old Grandad was pretty instrumental (excuse the pun) in my formative years and I thought if I could do any acting it would be great to do it in the context of my grandfather.  Here's to him and all the others who signed up for us!

I hope I can do him and the play justice - It's a fascinating story and a great piece of work."

The show - which also features All Creatures Great And Small actor Christopher Timothy on stage as the narrator - will be at the Jermyn Street Theatre in Jermyn Street on Sunday 29th July for one night only.

Tickets for the show can be booked here:  http://www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk/whatson.html#sundaysandmondaysatjermynstreet

Free To Enter Poetry Competition - closes 10th September

Fancy yourself as a bit of a poet? Why not send one of your compositions in for the free to enter Pendle War Poetry Competition 2012.

There are 3 judging categories: Adult, Under 18 and Overseas and the winning entries will be read out on stage at the East Lancs Premiere performance of "Bullets & Daffodils"  - the new show about the life and works of WW1 poet Wilfred Owen - at the ACE Centre in Nelson on 18th October.

There are some great prizes to be won and the top 20 entries overall will be published in the 2012 competition booklet.

For full competition rules and details of prizes, check out the official website at: www.pendlewarpoetry.com 

St Annes Music Festival 2012 - 18th to 22nd July

Current event listing is as follows:

Wednesday 18th July:
The Remainders - Wild Berry 6pm
Charlese & Matt - The Fairhaven 8pm

Thursday 19th July:
Patricia & Huey Singalong - The Sandhills 12 noon
Jilly Riley & The Spiral Scouts - Silantro 8pm
Mikey T's Rockin Boogie Band - The Fairhaven 8.30pm
Cartoon Food - Wild Berry 9pm

Friday 20th July:
Owain Jones - Silantro 5pm
Alan & Janet - Wild Berry 7.30pm
Moebius Loop - Tom Metcalfe - Katy Ryan - Silantro 8pm
Matt & Charlese - The Fairhaven 8.30pm
Magic Trees - The Townhouse 9pm
The Coustics - The Lord Derby 9pm
Drearer Knight - The Sandhills 9.30pm

Saturday 21st July:
Open Air Open Mic - Nom Nom 1pm
Charlese & Matt / Mikey T / Vineyard/ Happy Days and more - The Fairhaven from 2pm
Charlese & Tom Vernon Band - Nom Nom 4.30pm
Raven Traitor - Nom Nom 6.30pm
Open Mic - Wild Berry 7.30pm
The Remainders - Silantro 8.00pm
Cancer Research Open Mic - The Townhouse 8pm
George Spittal Open Mic - The Townhouse midnight to 3am

Sunday 22nd July:
Spiral Scouts - Wild Berry 2.30pm
Midnight Johnny - The Townhouse 3.30pm
TBC - The Olive Tree 3.30pm

More acts still to be announced - check the Facebook page for latest information: www.facebook.com/stannesmusicfestival

Seagulls Complete 60 Mile Bike Ride for Brian House Hospice

Big hearted sportsmen from the Blackpool Seagulls ice hockey team completed to 60 mile Manchester to Blackpool cycle ride yesterday to help raise awareness and funds for Brian House childrens' hospice. 

The Seagulls have a just giving page and there's still time to give them your support by clicking here: www.justgiving.com/blackpool-seagulls 

The Blackpool Seagulls will be back on more familiar territory - the ice - on Saturday 21st July when they play their Wyre counterparts in a friendly match at the Subzero arena in Cleveleys - 5pm face off.

For more information about Blackpool Seagulls ice hockey team, check out their website at www.blackpoolseagulls.co.uk

Photo: Seagulls about to leave Old Trafford (by Lisa Jones)

Eastham Rocks and Respects 2012: 4th August 2012

Eastham Rocks and Respects is back!   Please go and support this wonderful event on Saturday, 4th August 2012.

Choking Susan 2012 UK Tour Dates

American punk band Choking Susan are playing dates across the UK leading up to their appearance at the Rebellion Punk Festival. Date are as follows:

Wednesday July 25th-Birmingham-The Roadhouse
Thursday July 26th - Nottingham - The Maze.
Friday July 27th - Stoke On Trent - The Green Star.
Saturday July 28th - Ashton Under Lyne - The Witchwood.
Sunday July 29th - Manchester - The Star and Garter.
Monday July 30th - Carlisle - Club Victoria.
Tuesday July 31st-Gateshead-The Black Bull
Wednesday August 1st...Blackpool-Talbot Rock -Pre Rebellion warm up
Saturday August 4th - Blackpool - Rebellion Festival


More info: http://myspace.com/chokingsusan

Miss Blackpool 2012 Heat 3 Result and Interviews

Heat 3 Result:
1st Kim Braithwaite (left)
2nd Joanna Johnson (right)

You can hear our great post-heat interview with Kim and Joanna by clicking on the sound icon below (please note this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):



Both girls have now qualified for the Miss Blackpool 2012 Grand Final, which will be held on Friday 17th August at the Norbreck Castle Hotel. This is a fabulous black tie occasion - 4 course meal, live entertainment, plus the dramatic finale of the 2012 competition. Tickets £35 each available now - call Karen on 01253 820226

Heat 4 will be at Uncle Tom's Cabin in Blackpool next THURSDAY 12th July - free to enter - new contestants always welcome!

Anne Frank Exhibition At Palatine School, Blackpool

We saw this fascinating and thought-provoking exhibition about the story of Anne Frank at Palatine High School in Blackpool today. Listen to interview clips here:



Persecution of the Jewish Race began long before the birth of Jesus and has continued down the centuries.  For those of us who live in a liberal, Democratic Country, this is hard to comprehend.   Visiting the Mobile Anne Frank Exhibition, which is currently touring schools in the North West, was an amazing experience. 

We attended the Open Afternoon held on 4^th July 2012 at The Palatine Sports and Humanities College in Blackpool.  We were welcomed at the school entrance by two of the very efficient and smart, specially trained peer ambassadors – trained to show people around the Exhibition – and taken into the room where the exhibition was set up. As we walked down the corridor we saw some of the amazing posters designed by the pupils to advertise the exhibition, as well as a display of questions that have arisen following study of the Anne Frank story.

We were very kindly provided with refreshments and had a chance to look round the exhibition before an air raid warning sounded and we were advised, for our own safety, to sit down and listen to the presentation prepared by year 9 pupils.   The presentation explained the purpose of the exhibition and included an excerpt from Anne Frank’s Diary, most impressively recited from memory by one of the pupils.

Julian Mineur of the Support our Brave shop in Bank Hey Street, explained the role of our Armed Forces in safeguarding democracy for us.

After the presentation, we were again able to have an in-depth look at the exhibition panels, each of which was manned by a very knowledgeable Year 9 pupil, on hand to explain and answer questions.

Anne Frank was a young, Jewish, German girl who kept a diary about her experiences from her family’s flight to Holland from persecution in Germany in the 1930s, through a period in hiding to the family’s betrayal.   Anne’s Father was the only member of the family to survive the concentration camps and when his daughter’s dairy came to light, he had it published.

And so Anne Frank’s story lives on and, as Marian McQueen of the Anne Frank Trust says, the message of the Exhibition is definitely one of Hope – as it travels round the country and more and more people become aware that is the way to genuine unity and to ensure that nothing like the Holocaust ever happens again.

As we stand on the threshold of a vote about Britain’s membership of the European Union, it seems appropriate to remember that the original concept of the Union (or the Common Market as it was formerly known) as it was drawn up by a German/Luxembourgish man called Robert Schuman.  

As the Anne Frank Exhibition explains, Anne Frank’s father and uncle both fought for the Germans during the First World War, as did Robert Schuman.   As a German citizen, Schuman also witnessed first hand not only the terrible carnage of the First World War but also the terrible social problems brought about by the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles following the German defeat in the First World War and the destruction to both France and German during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 - 1871, which ended in a French defeat. 

Ironically, the original German plan of the 1930s was to move the Jews away to another country (I believe Madagascar was suggested) in order to make room for Germans – and this is exactly what happened to Palestine when Israel was formed after the Second World War.

Robert Schuman hoped that ‘European integration would avoid the errors of national democracies and an excess of bureaucracy and technocracy’.   He was also anxious to ensure that a united Europe would ensure that nothing like the two World Wars and the Holocaust ever happened again.

And talking to the pupils and teachers of Palatine and to Marian McQueen of The Anne Frank Trust, the best way to ensure that such persecution does not happen again to anyone, is to inform and educate people.

There was a huge amount of energy generated in the exhibition room and a great deal of hard work had obviously gone into the preparation of the presentation and of all elements of the exhibition.   It was a very moving experience and very educational.  We had not read Anne Frank’s diary but it is now high on our reading list.

Thanks must go to Miss Cheston and her year 9 pupils, to Mr Powell, the Head Teacher and to the staff of other subjects who also contributed and to Marian McQueen and her helpers at the Anne Frank Trust.

If you missed this wonderful experience, don’t worry the Anne Frank Exhibition “Anne Frank and You” will be coming to Blackpool to Grange Park to the City Learning Centre from 5^th to 30^th November 2012.

For further information about Palatine School see www.palatinesportscollege.co.uk

For further information about the Anne Frank Exhibitions, see www.annefrank.org.uk

Team Parks Art Deco Cafe to take part in Blackpool's Race for Life for CancerResearch UK

On Wednesday, 4th July 2012 from 7.30 p.m. Blackpool's Race for Life will depart from the newly created headland (where Sir Elton John's concert was held) on the Promenade, opposite The Sands Venue.

Lynne, Francesca, Sinead and Mary from the Parks Art Deco Cafe will be taking part and need our sponsorship.  Lynne tells us that she will be cartwheeling - so come on, let's support Team Parks Art Deco Cafe - it's in a good cause!

To donate:  Just go along to the Parks Art Deco Cafe, in Stanley Park, Blackpool and Barbara will be happy to help you.

We will let you know how much they raise as time goes on.  And we will be interviewing Mary on Sunday next, so keep your eye on Best Kept Secrets!

The Original Comedians at Blackpool Grand Theatre - Exclusive Interview

This show was a sell out every night last year when it came o the Grand Theatre and it's back again this summer for a run of Sunday evenings.

Showing Sunday 29 July 2012 to Sunday 2 September 2012

A Night of Laughter with...The ‘original’ Comedians returns every Sunday, throughout the summer.
This trip down memory lane includes live performances from Roy Walker, Stan Boardman, Mick Miller and Duggie Brown.

Hosted by legendary producer Johnnie Hamp and featuring archive clips and rare footage of Bernard Manning, Frank Carson and many more this show really does merge the past and the present!

Booking link: http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/shows/performance/comedians

To read our review of last year's show click here: http://www.bestkeptsecrets.biz/2011/08/theatre-revfiew-comedians-40th.html

You can hear our exclusive interview clip with Stan Boardman looking ahead to this year's show by clicking on the sound icon below (this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):



more info: http://www.stanboardmantv.co.uk/