Sonia Bidwell Textile Artist/Storyteller Exhibition 12th September 2013 Kincardine, Scotland 10.30am - 5.30pm

Ice Hockey: Blackpool Seagulls 5 - Don Valley Vikings 6

Saturday 31st August 2013

Blackpool Seagulls 5 - Don Valley Vikings 6

Period Scores:  1-2, 0-2, 3-2
Penalties in Minutes: Seagulls 8 - Vikings 6

Seagulls Scoring:  Dave Anthony 2+3, Wayne Whitby 1+2, Danny Jones 1+1, Scott Anthony-Jones 0+1
Seagulls Penalties: Mick Buchanan 4, Danny Jones 2, Bench 2
Seagulls MVP: Dave  Anthony (in photo - from a previous game...)

The next Blackpool Seagulls game is at home to Sheffield Squeelers next Saturday 7th September at the Jubilee Ice Arena on Cleveleys Promenade - 5pm face off.  Admission cost is £3 for adults and free for accompanied children.

Future Seagulls home games are:
14th September 2013 v  Manchester Metros
21st September 2013 v Paisley Panthers
28th September 2013 v Paisley Blackhawks.

In each case, the match faces off at 5pm with doors opening for spectators at 4.30.

Queen Of The Lights! Miss Blackpool At 2013 Illuminations Switch-On.

Back in the "good old days" when the Blackpool Illuminations switch-on event was big free party aimed at families who could all go down together and watch, the reigning Miss Blackpool was invited as a VIP guest.

Previously, there had been a separate "Queen Of The Lights" competition and then, later on, Miss Blackpool was proclaimed Queen of the Lights in a glittering ceremony.

Unfortunately, Miss Blackpool's involvement in the Lights switch on was diminished over the years and then due to "cutbacks", she wasn't even invited at all.

A lot of people may not realise that the Miss Blackpool Bathing Beauty Contest (as it was originally known) was set up by Blackpool Council in the 1950s to help promote the town and to boost tourism.

Now, almost 60 years on, the Miss Blackpool title remains one of the most prestigious and sought-after beauty titles in the country and people still travel from miles around to enter the competition and to watch the heats and the final - bringing their families and supporters to Blackpool in the process.

In this year's Miss Blackpool heats, people travelled from right across the northwest and beyond to have a go at getting to the final. At the final itself, there was huge group that had travelled from Wigan to support one of the girls, another from Blackburn and another from Stockport.

Similarly - at the Armed Forces Gala dinner in June, you only have to look at how excited the groups of war veterans current servicemen are to meet the current titleholder, have their photos taken with her and maybe have a bit of a dance...   to see how much people around the country love the whole idea of Miss Blackpool.

Anyway, because of all this we felt so strongly that Miss Blackpool ought to be present at this year's Illuminations switch on that we invited her as our own VIP to the next best thing - the Switch On evening at the Sands Venue, in the warm - out of the wind  - overlooking the promenade.

Incidentally, this was not some sort of "hospitality freebie" - we paid for it ourselves out of our own hard earned pennies - as we do every year with all our Miss Blackpool tickets and Armed Forces Gala dinner tickets. 

As it turned out, we had a really nice meal and enjoyable long chat with Kendall and Michael and we are very much looking forward to helping Kendall Rae Knight spread the word about Miss Blackpool and Blackpool as a resort during her year of office.

Sorry about the rant - but some things do need saying from time to time....

You can find out more about the historic and prestigious Miss Blackpool competition at www.missblackpool2013.co.uk

Photo:  Miss Blackpool 2013 Kendall Rae Knight at the Illuminations Switch On at the Sands

CD Release: "Happiness" by Glyn Bailey & The Many Splendid Things - available now

Tracklisting:

1: When Love Calls
2: I, Robinson
3: Not Guilty
4: Iamaman
5: Whisky Time
6: John The Revelator
7: Spirit Warning
8: Tempting
9: The Seven Secrets Of Happiness
10: Amsterdam

Available as a digital download or as a proper cd in a box (limited edition signed and numbered) .
Purchase links: http://www.glynbailey.com/music.cfm

Our Bit:

If you haven't come across Glyn before, then you really don't know what you are missing.  The thing about this album is that, when you listen to it - and hear all the high class production work that has obviously gone into it, you'll be wondering why Glyn Bailey and the Many Splendid Things  aren't better known than they are..?  Why aren't they on Jools Holland - why not on at Glastonbury and the other big festivals.... why aren't they on 6 Music...?

Bailey's self penned songs are really clever - and not about the usual pop-py subjects either. But you do need to listen and give a bit of thought to the lyrics to really appreciate them.

Paul's favourite track on here (at the moment... these things often change with more listening...) is The Seven Secrets Of Happiness - probably because it has a clever "commercial radio" theme   while Lucy has always been a big fan of the Jacques Brel song "Amsterdam" which is covered as the last track - a really evocative rendition that almost has you smelling the smells of the old port in question... 

We think Glyn and the guys are really gifted musicians and deserve your support.  Glyn has a solo outing at Lowther Pavilion in Lytham on Friday 6th September and then the full band are playing at the Galleon Bar in Blackpool on Thursday 12th September - so why not go along and check them out?

The Official Bit:

Three years on from their previous album The Disturbance, Glyn Bailey and his band are pleased to present their follow-up HAPPINESS

In addition to his regular band of Many Splendid Things and long term musical collaborator Phil Senior, extra musicians were drafted in to add further spice to the recording sessions. These included percussionist to the stars Brian Costello, Ska trumpeter Dave Booth, Classically trained Violinist Liz Beahan & Jazz-funk Saxophonist John McLafferty.

The new collection may be lightened with flashes of his trademark dark humour, but there remains the underlying theme of an ironic look at the popular view of humanity as fast approaching its endgame, allowing full vent to Bailey’s natural inclination toward misanthropy. Belying the apocalyptic origins, HAPPINESS weaves a musical spell, with seductive melodies and addictive hooks to draw the listener into what seems to be a familiar and pleasant landscape, while the lyrics offer glimpses of menace lurking in the shadows. It’s an album that could be described as the antithesis of all that the X Factor generation has come to expect!

Take the opening triumvirate – commencing with the honesty of the album’s opener When Love Calls, it’s theme of romantic dissolution, each man as an island with the Crusoe inspired I, Robinson, into the cynicism of The Man with the anthemic Not Guilty, each song summarising what Bailey judges to be wrong with humanity, albeit in four minute chunks.

For more information about the band, look here: http://www.glynbailey.com/home.cfm

Peter Pan Pantomime Launch: Exclusive Interview With Tom Lister

At the family fun day and launch for this year's pantomime Peter Pan at the Blackpool Grand Theatre, we had the chance to chat to Tom Lister - who many people may recognise from his long term TV role in Emmerdale.

To hear what he had to say, click on the sound icon below (please note this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac). We apologise for the background noise but, as you can hear, it was a very lively event!



You can find out more about Peter Pan at Blackpool Grand Theatre and BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW by clicking here: http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/shows/performance/peter-pan

In photo: Tom Lister as Captain Hook - photo by Lucy London

Peter Pan Pantomime Launch: Exclusive Interview With Hayley Kirkham

At the family fun day and launch for this year's pantomime Peter Pan at the Blackpool Grand Theatre, we had the chance to chat to Radio Wave's Hayley Kay about her role in the show.

To hear what she had to say, click on the sound icon below (please note this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac). We apologise for the background noise but, as you can hear, it was a very lively event!





You can find out more about Peter Pan at Blackpool Grand Theatre and BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW by clicking here: http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/shows/performance/peter-pan

In photo: Radio Wave's Hayley Kirkham talks to Steve Canavan of the Blackpool Gazette.

Blackpool Grand Theatre Peter Pan Pantomime Launch

The stars from Peter Pan were on hand to help launch this year's Grand Theatre pantomime at a special family fun day in Blackpool's Stanley Park .

It was great afternoon, in fact. Ged Mills was there on the Radio Wave outside broadcast stage playing some great music and explain what was going on.

There was face painting and a cartoon artist for the kids and the Grand Theatre's own Matcham Monkey.

The main stars of the show: Tom Lister, Steve Royle, Radio Wave's Hayley Kirkham and Jordan Lee Davies mixed with the crowds, posing for countless photos and members of the supporting cast also toured the park in costume interacting with the children and helping to promote the pantomime.

There was also a fancy dress competition to win a free family ticket to the pantomime in December and many of the children (and some parents as well...) came dressed as pirates of fairies.

We recorded some great interviews with cast members and will be posting then on here shortly, so please check back.

In the meantime, you can find out more about Peter Pan at Blackpool Grand Theatre by clicking here:
http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/shows/performance/peter-pan

Rebellion Festival 2013: Ren Spits At Magpies

It was nice to catch up with Ren at the Rebellion Festival again this year.  We last saw her in 2010 we heard her play on the Almost Acoustic stage for the first time and also saw some of her art work in the exhibition.

Ren very kindly donated a couple of her acoustic tracks - Duvet Tent and Songs Of Innocence - to our Hero 2010 CD and this was the first time since then that we were able to catch up with her.

Ren's music set is great - lots of heart-felt self penned songs, delivered with great passion and belief.
She also has some great t-shirts for sale which she designed herself, depicting the inner workings of the female reproductive system...

You can find out more about what Ren is doing on her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/renspitsatmagpies

Enter now for Miss England 2014 Regional Heats

Entries are now open for the various local Miss England 2014 qualifying heats in the North West Region.

There are local heats for Miss Blackburn, Miss Bolton, Miss Burnley, Miss Bury, Miss Cheshire, Miss Cumbria, Miss Fylde Coast, Miss Morecambe & Lancaster, Miss Preston, Miss Southport, Miss Wigan and Miss Wirral.

 

In order to enter you need to be aged 7-24 on 1st August 2013 and either have been born and lived, or work or study in that area.

 

These competitions feed into the Miss England competition and ultimately Miss World!

 

More information and full rules can be found on the official website: http://www.missenglandnw.com/enter-now/

 

If you are going to enter, please put "Paul & Lucy" under "Referred by..."  and we can help follow your progress!

 

In photo: Miss Fylde Coast 2013 top 3 - 1st Jenna Howard 2nd Kendal Rae Knight (left in photo) 3rd Sophie Maseyaki (right in photo

NWCFL: AFC Blackpool 1 - Runcorn Linnets 2

Apart from reporting the result, and observing that this match seemed to follow exactly the same script as the same meeting last year, I'd better not say any more.

Elsewhere in the NWCFL Premier Division, Squires Gate lost 4-2 away at Norton United.

AFC Blackpool are away at Bootle on Tuesday evening and then away at Barnoldswick on Saturday.

Squires Gate entertain AFC Liverpool on Tuesday evening at School Road and are at home to Wigan Robin Park on Saturday 31st August - 3pm kick off.

More information: www.afcblackpool.co.uk   www.squiresgatef.co.uk  www.nwcfl.com 

The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival, Colne, Lancashire, August Bank Holiday Weekend 2013

After months of preparation, this year’s Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival has finally arrived!

The directional signs are up, the venues have been decorated and the acts are ready for what promises to be a weekend to remember!

With some top-class, quality headliners, some new, young talent and some Festival favourites, the 24th Great British R&B Festival is ready and raring to go! 

From authentic electric blues, through to rock, jazz and acoustic sets, there really is something for every one of the hundreds of visitors expected this August Bank Holiday weekend.

Nine below Zero kick-off the proceedings on the International Stage at 7.30pm on Friday, with another 600 musicians following suit at the 10 official venues over the four day event.

Some of the names to look out for include Bill Wyman, Ginger Baker, Ian Siegal, Dr Feelgood, Joe Louis Walker, Chris Farlowe and Wilko Johnson.

In fact, there’s something for all Blues music fans at all of the official venues – the British Stage at Pendle Leisure Centre, the Acoustic Stage at the Lesser Muni and the Official Roadhouses - Colne & Nelson Rugby Club, The Admiral Lord Rodney, The Crown Hotel, The Dressers, Colne Legion, The Tacklers – and new for 2013, The Green Chimney.  

Make sure you are at the British Stage on Sunday afternoon for the British Blues Awards with some of those performing at this year’s Festival possibly collecting an accolade, plus a few surprise Life-time Achievement Awards will also be presented.

Festival organiser, Alison Goode, said: “We are really looking forward to this year’s Festival, with some great line-ups across all of the stages, providing something for all musical tastes.  

“With an extra venue, another afternoon of Jazz, a world first on the Saturday evening and playing host to the British Blues Awards, this 24^th annual event should certainly be one to remember!

“Ticket sales to date are exceeding all our expectations and I think it’s down to the amazing line-up we have secured this year, with the likes of Bill Wyman, Ginger Baker, Joe Louis Walker and then, of course, Wilko Johnson, who will be performing probably one of his last ever gigs.

 “We also have something quite unique on the Saturday, with the Colne Harp Explosion, where we will see some of the best harmonica players in the world on the stage at the same time - something that has never been seen before and will probably never to be repeated again!

“Hopefully that’s enough reasons for people to join us for the 24^th Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival this weekend. We look forward to seeing you there!”

For a detailed line-up of all the acts and times they will be performing, visit our website www.bluesfestival.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01282 661234.

Great British R & B Festival Colne, Lancashire over the 2013 August Bank Holiday Weekend

Wilko Johnson will join young Carlisle band, The 45s, on stage at The Great British R & B Festival at Colne in Lancashire this Bank Holiday Monday. As well as performing a classic Dr Feelgood song with The 45s, Wilko will also present one of his Fender Telecaster signature guitars to 45s lead guitarist Tom Hamilton.

Tom and Wilko’s relationship goes back a couple of years when the then 14 year old blagged his way backstage at a gig in Kendal. Wilko thought he was just a fan and after giving him his autograph said that Tom could ask him a question. Tom asked about his playing technique and Wilko handed him his Telecaster saying show me how you do it? This turned into a masterclass in Wilko’s playing style and a jamming session, while fans waited outside. Tom then sent Wilko a 45s demo CD which Wilko liked and when a tour date in Carlisle was announced for November last year, Tom’s hometown of course, Wilko invited the 45s to be his guests for the evening and support him. On the announcement of Wilko’s terminal illness the Carlisle gig was cancelled and Tom and the band thought they had lost their opportunity to play with one of their icons.

However, when Wilko’s farewell tour was announced, the 45s scrambled to get tickets and were delighted to be going to the Glasgow show simply as fans in the audience. Two weeks before the gig in March, Wilko’s management contacted the 45s and invited them to open the show. This they did to a fantastic reception from the Glasgow crowd who had no idea who they were. Tom even got the chance to play Wilko’s guitar when he broke a string. They were taken to Glasgow’s heart and have since played at a major festival there. There is now talk of the 45s playing at the Commonwealth Games to be held in the city next year.

Now, both Wilko and the 45s are playing at the Great British R & B festival on August Bank Holiday Monday. The 45s had to audition for this unlike Wilko, but they blew the judges away. At this festival Wilko will introduce the 45s, play a number with them and hand over a signature issue version of his iconic red Telecaster to Tom. Only 100 were made by Fender and all sold out in pre-orders.

Psychic Evening Wednesday, 4th September 2013 Stanley Ward Conservative Club, Blackpool

News just in from PETER ANTHONY - We've got yet another fabulous fundraiser for your diaries! On Wednesday, 4th September 2013 we will be having a Psychic Evening at Stanley Ward Conservative Club, Common Edge RD, Blackpool.

The wonderful medium Jeanette Greenough will be hosting the evening and sharing her gift with you - who knows what might be in store......

Tickets are £10 and are available on the door. The evening starts at 7.30PM.

We've had a few great fundraisers recently so make sure you get down on the 4th - its sure to be a good night!. Peter.

Exclusive Interview With Outgoing Miss Blackpool Kim Braithwaite

After all the excitement of the 2013 Grand Final and the crowning of the new Miss Blackpool, we had a chat with the previous title holder to hear how her year had gone and her reflections on the evening itself.

You can hear what she had to say by clicking on the sound icon below (please note this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):




For more information about the Miss Blackpool competition - and lots more great photos - check out the official website at: www.missblackpool2013.co.uk

In photo: Kim with Lucy (left) and Georgina Young (right)

Exclusive Interviews With Miss Blackpool 2013 Runners Up Lauren Carr and Joanna Johnson

Following on from the evening's dramatic crowning of Kendall Rae Knight as Miss Blackpool 2013, we had a chat with runners up Lauren Carr - who came 3rd - and Joanna Johnson, who came 2nd.

You can hear what they had to say by clicking on the sound icon below (please note this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):



For more information about the Miss Blackpool competition - and lots more great photos - check out the official website at: www.missblackpool2013.co.uk

Exclusive Interview with Miss Blackpool 2013 Kendall Rae Knight

We were able to grab a few words with Kendall Rae Knight straight after she was crowned Miss Blackpool in a dazzling ceremony at Blackpool's Norbreck Castle Hotel.

You can hear what her immediate reactions were by clicking on the sound icon below (please note this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):





For more information about the Miss Blackpool competition - and lots more great photos - check out the official website at: www.missblackpool2013.co.uk

Miss Blackpool 2013 Grand Final - Results.

1st:  Kendall Rae Knight

2nd: Joanna Johnson
3rd: Lauren Carr

Last 9 ( normally "Last 8" but there was a points tie)
Jessica Bradder,
Shannon Marie Hammill,
Lisa Cox,
Joanna Johnson, 
Joanne Walker,
Kendall Rae Knight,
Olivia Grundy,
Leigh Dale,
Lauren Carr

For more photos from the final, visit the official competition website at: www.missblackpoool2013.co.uk

Please check back as we will be posting interview clips with the top girls and also the outgoing Miss Blackpool 2012 Kim Braithwaite here over the weekend.

In this photo, left to right: Lauren Carr, Kendall Rae Knight, Joanna Johnson

First World War Poetry Exhbition at Nelson ACE CEntre - Until 3rd September

Full story to follow.

In the meantime, for more information, click here: www.femalewarpoets.blogspot.co.uk

CD Release: Keep It Alive! by Monica And The Explosion - Available Now

We have known Monica for several years having met her at previous Rebellion Festivals in Blackpool and it was a great pleasure to see her performing again on the almost acoustic stage at this year's Festival.

Monica has very much her own style - a high powered performance with high energy delivery of her self penned songs about life.

This new album "Keep It Alive" has lots of great songs on it .. A couple I'd heard before at live shows and many I just heard for the first time this weekend at Rebellion. But it would be unfair to pick out any for special mention as I like them all so I'll let you make up your own mind.

Track Listing:
1: 5 Hour Ride
2: Franglehead
3: Secretly In Love
4: Rock n Roll Song About Life
5: I Just Wanna Dance
6: I'm Not A Crying Hound Dog
7: The Glow
8: City Love
9: I Wanna Go Home
10: My Jeans
11; Shitty In The City
12: On The Road

Monica is always touring and gets right around the world so keep an eye to see if she is coming to a venue near you as she is definitely worth going to see!

You can find out more about the new album on Monica's official website - www.monicaandtheexplosion.com.

There are also purchase links to buy her previous releases, some biography, photos, videos and tour dates.

Liverpool Pals Memorial Fund - Boxing Dinner, 4th October 2013 Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool

The Pukes - Punk Ukulele Ensemble at Rebellion

Here's a great band that we urge you to check out at your earliest opportunity.  Not only do the pUKES play great ukulele version of songs you'll know and love but they'll also teach YOU how to play the ukulele as well!

On the Saturday afternoon at the Rebellion Festival they held a couple of workshops where people could go along and learn the basic of playing the ukulele. At the end, everybody together - students and experts all played along to that great Cock Sparrer song "Because You're Young".  Now this workshop session was absolutely packed - fully booked up in advance - and everybody seemed to really enjoy themselves.

Then the group played on stage in the Pavilion Theatre on the Sunday afternoon and, there again, it was packed out. 

The band have just brought out a 4 track EP featuring "Because You're Young", "GLC" "Jet Boy Jet Girl" as well as an original song called " When Will I Learn".

You can find out more about them at www.thepukes.co.uk

and you can buy their EP on 7" vinyl or as a digital download here: http://damagedgoods.greedbag.com/buy/when-will-i-learn-0/

Rebellion Festival 2013 - Sunday Round Up

Monica & The Explosion (photo below right)
Balsall Heathens
Louie "One Song" Raw
Ren Spits At Magpies
Jenny Woo
Mauri Clash City Rocker with special guest Colin McFaull of Cock Sparrer (photo left)
The Pukes
Choking Susan (bottom photo)

More photos and reports to follow so please check back!

REBELLION 2013  Lucy's Take (she is also writing a Rebellion, Blackpool poem)

I love the Literary Stage, Poetry Stage and Art Exhibition and was pleased to see this was again held in The Spanish Hall and that more people were exhibiting than last year.   I always find something I really love and this year was no exception, so it's just as well there is a year in which to save up!

There was a wonderful line-up again this year - too many to see them all and the headliners all have a massive following - Buzzcocks, The Damned, The Vibrators, Cock Sparrer, The Misfits, Cockney Rejects  …

Just a few of the amazing bands we saw on the main stages:

Pink Hearse, Dragster, Texas Terri Bomb, Hazel O'Connor (with fantastic saxophone playing), Peter and the Test Tube Babies, 999, Vice Squad, The A Heads, and Choking Susan.

And at Almost Acoustic - Monica and The Explosion, Balsall Heathens (featuring the most amazing violinist - wow!), Louie Raw, Ren Spits at Magpies, Jenny Woo and Mauri Clash City Rocker.

And no - your eyes don't deceive you Mauri was indeed joined on stage by Colin McFaull of Cock Sparrer who sang along to Mauri's versions of "Because you're young" and "England belongs to me". Mauri's performance was truly sensational and the audience loved him, throwing him a Clash T-shirt when he had to change his own, sweat-drenched T-shirt.

New to me were The Pukes an 18-strong all-singing, all-dancing ukelele band who were absolutely mind-blowing.  The Pukes, who have been going just over two years, put on a really superb show in The Bizrare Bazaar in the Pavilion Theatre, with lots of colour and choreographed movement and the sound was wicked - it drowned out the Red Arrows who were flying above the Winter Gardens for Blackpool's annual airshow.   I am definitely saving up now for a Pukes T-shirt and CD.

And last but not least, I caught sight of a beautiful top hat worn by a very elegant lady in the Almost Acoustic bar (another one for the list!) and an interesting T-shirt on Friday afternoon in the Pavilion (another for the list!) which, thanks to Paul's eye for detail and ability to search things out on the Internet, we identified as being "Anthem for a Fighting Nation" of The London Diehards, an East End of London band formed by Ciaran (Lead Guitar) and Steve (Bass Guitar) who previously played for Retaliator.

Now the interesting thing about that London Diehards T-shirt is that because it advertises the London Diehards' album "Anthem for a Fighting Nation" it is very World War One commemorative, so it will be perfect to wear at my Female Poets of the First World War exhibitions.

Thank you to Mauri's friend Gary Packman for his suggestions of bands we might enjoy - we did indeed Gary!

As always, a huge thank you to all the 'back room boys and girls' who work so hard to make Rebellion the success it is and to all the staff at the Winter Gardens.   Fantastic.

Lucy, Rebellion, 11th August 2013

SOPHIE Charity At Rebellion Festival

This is a very worthy cause. Please check out their website and give them your support.

They say the camera doesn't lie
It has a most unerring eye
It takes the picture how it is
No use getting in a tis.
I say it doesn't look like me,
Says Paul "It's not about you but S.O.P.H.I.E."

Lucy, 10.08.2013

www.sophielancasterfoundation.com

Rebellion Festival 2013: Dragster, Texas Terri Bomb, Pukes Ukulele Workshop, A Heads, 999, Vice Squad

Please check back - a full report will be posted here shortly.

In the meantime, take a look at www.rebellionfestivals.com


In photo: The A Heads at Rebellion Festival 2013 

Rebellion Festival 2013: Mauri, Hazel O'Connor and Peter & The Test Tube Babies

....had a great Friday in and around the Rebellion 2013 Festival in Blackpool's Winter Gardens.

Full report to follow.

In the meantime, look at www.rebellionfestivals.com  for more information about what's on.

Photo: Mauri Clash City Rocker in a Rebellion warm up gig at the Galleon Bar in Blackpool

Last Chance for Tickets for the Miss Blackpool 2013 Grand Final

The Miss Blackpool 2013 Grand Final will take place at Blackpool's Norbreck Castle Hotel on Friday 16th August. This is a dazzling black tie event - one of the big nights in the Blackpool social calendar and tickets are on sale now at £35 each.

Yes, members of the general public may attend the Final of Miss Blackpool.   We didn't know that either and were very surprised when we found out we could purchase tickets five years ago.

We think it is one of the best evening's out you could possibly wish for.    Tickets are selling fast so check out the Miss Blackpool website to find out more.

The finalists - seen here in the photo  with reigning Miss Blackpool Kim Braithwaite - are:
Back row left to right: Jessica Bradder, Jemma Kerr, Joanne Walker, Lisa Cox, Joanna Johnson, Charley Dee, Olivia Grundy
Front row: Kerry Capoverde, Vickie Martin, Kendall Rae Knight, Lauren Carr, Leigh Dale, Shannon Marie Hammil, Rebecca Copsey, Kirstie Luxton. (The 16th finalist missing from the photo is Alexandra Robertson).  Photo by Paul Breeze. 

If you haven't been before and are not sure what to expect, the programme for the evening is roughly as follows:

Drinks upon arrival with live entertainment by vocal duo Candy Blonde

• Table magic by Darren Robinson
• 3 course meal
• Start of the final - introduction of judges and sponsors
• Event compered by Ged Mills and Hayley Kay from Radio Wave
• 1st round - swimsuit round
• 2nd round - club wear provided by Noosa
• 3rd round - evening dresses
• Interval while the judges' marks are gathered together
• Entertainment by guitarist /vocalist Johnny Rox
• Charity raffle draw in aid of Blackpool Polar Bear Multi-Disability Swimming Club
• Announcement of the last 8 - with each being interviewed by the comperes.
• Final judges' deliberations
• Crowning of Miss Blackpool 2013.

All for just £35 a ticket!

For more information about the competition, to see photographs and the judges' marks from the heats, and to buy YOUR tickets for the final, visit the official website: www.missblackpool2013.co.uk

Ice Hockey: Seagulls Strengthened Ahead Of Challenge Matches

PLEASE NOTE: HOME GAME ON 10th AUGUST HAS BEEN CANCELLED - FIRST MATCH NOW 31st AUGUST.
 

Rejoining the Seagulls after spending last season playing National League ice hockey with the Fylde Flyers is Danny Jones. In his previous stint with the Seagulls, Jones was the team’s top points scorer with 10 goals and 16 assist in 9 games.

 

Also joining the Seagulls following the demise of the Flyers during the summer are former Fylde captain Wayne Whitby who made 34 appearances in the National League over two seasons and former player coach Mark Gillingham.

Gillingham is now the non-playing head coach at new team Widnes Wild but wants to keep his hand in playing recreational hockey with his local team as well. Gillingham made 44 National League appearances for Fylde Flyers and previously played for Lancashire Raptors and Blackburn Thunderhawks.

Jason Riley also joins the Seagulls, having previously played for Swindon, and more signings are expected to be announced shortly.
 

The schedule of forthcoming matches is:

Saturday 31st August 2013 v Don Valley Vikings

Saturday 7th September 2013 v Sheffield Squeelers
Saturday 14th September 2013 v  Manchester Metros
Saturday 21st September 2013 v Paisley Panthers
Saturday 28th September 2013 v Paisley Blackhawks.

In each case, the match faces off at 5pm with doors opening for spectators at 4.30.

 

Photo: Danny Jones playing for Fylde Flyers. Photo by James Birtwistle

Miss Blackpool 2013 Video Shoot at Sandcastle Waterworld

The countdown to the 2013 Miss Blackpool Grand Final is now well and truly under way after tonight's photo call and video shoot at Sandcastle Waterworld.

The finalists were introduced to the press for photos and shot were taken for a video montage which will be shown on big screens at the final itself.

The final will take place at Blackpool's Norbreck Castle Hotel on Friday 16th August. This is a dazzling black tie event - one of the big nights in the Blackpool social calendar and tickets are on sale now at £35 each.

Yes, members of the general public may attend the Final of Miss Blackpool.   We didn't know that

either and were very surprised when we found out we could purchase tickets five years ago.

We think it is one of the best evening's out you could possibly wish for.    Tickets are selling fast so check out the Miss Blackpool website to find out more.

 For more information about the competition, to see the judges' marks from the heats, and to buy YOUR tickets for the final, visit the official website: www.missblackpool2013.co.uk

Book Launch: "The Beatles and Me" - 12th August 2013 18.30 at the Merseyside Academy of Arts, Seel Street, Liverpool

Next week sees the Official Launch of the book "The Beatles and Me", described By Billy Butler of BBC Radio Merseyside as “a Beatles book with a difference.”

The book is compiled from hundreds of postings on a specially set up Facebook page. It became an 'internet sensation' (Liverpool Echo), and consists of the best of previously unheard stories of meetings with The Fab Four from fans worldwide.

Illustrated with many unseen photographs, this unique collection has already made the news across the world. Candid memories of the group’s earliest days up to their solo years are recounted with joy and affection by those lucky enough to come face to face with their heroes.

Author Dean Johnson will officially launch the book next Monday 12th August 2013 in the heart of Liverpool. The multimedia presentation will be part of the Music of Merseyside Exhibition at the Academy of Arts, Seel Street, Liverpool, at 6.30pm.

Don't miss it!

Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, Colne, What's on September - December 2013

News just in from Milly Greenwood - Pendle Hippodrome Theatre's What's On Programme for September - December 2013.

The Theatre is closed until 1st September for routine up-keep.  They open again on Sunday, 1st September 2013 from 11 am till 4 pm with an Open Day - free admission, licenced bar, light refreshments, etc.

If you have never been to see this beautiful, restored Edwardian Theatre, now is your chance.

Further details from www.phtheatre.co.uk

Tel.:  01282 863210

Pendle Hippodrome Theatre,
New Market Street,
COLNE,
Lancashire
BB8 9BJ

Family Fun Day and Leisure Fair for children and adults with a learning disability Birkenhead Park Rugby Club, 21st August 2013

Jigsaw Dance, Wirral have just sent us this flyer for a day of Family Fun for children and adults with a learning disability.

This will be held on Wednesday, 21st August 2013 from 11 am - 4 pm at Birkenhead Park Rugby Club, Park Road North, Birkenhead, CH41 8AA.

Jigsaw Dance will be there - they organise special movement classes - so no excuses - if you know anyone who would benefit point them in the direction of Mencap's Family Fun Day and Leisure Fair.

Talent Show at G Casino Blackpool South Shore: G Has Talent Heat 1 Friday, 23rd August 2013 9 pm

The overall winner of G Casino's G Has Talent will receive £1,000 cash.

For further information or to register, please call Lee on 01253 341222.

Grosvenor G Casino Blackpool
The Sandcastle
South Promenade
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY4 1BB

Follow G Casino on Facebook and Twitter

www.grosvenorcasinos.com

Mauri Clash City Rocker At Galleon Bar, Blackpool, Friday 9th August 2013

Straight off the plane from Milan,  Mauri will be playing his highly popular acoustic mix of songs by The Clash, Cock Sparrer and many others on the Almost Acoustic stage at the Rebellion Festival at Blackpool's Winter Gardens on Sunday afternoon.

But there's a chance to hear him before then for both Festival goers and general music fans at the Galleon Bar on Abingdon Street on Friday at 4pm.

Admission is free and you are sure of a warm welcome and great music at Blackpool town centre's leading live music venue.

You can find out more about the Galleon Bar here: http://www.galleonbarblackpool.biz/

Find out more about the Rebellion Festival at Blackpool's Winter Gardens here: www.rebellionfestivals.com

and more about Mauri Clash City Rocker here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mauri-Clash-City-Rocker/140570412647134

Monica & The Explosion - CD Launch at Rebellion 2013

Swedish punk rock artist Monica and the Explosion releases her 3rd album on 7th August at this year's Rebellion Festival in Blackpool.

Called "Keep It Alive", it was recorded at Jigsaw Studios in Peterborough and has been produced  by Tom Savage who also worked on Monica's last album - "Shut Up" in 2010.

The backing musicians for this album are of Rob Bayliss on drums and Ian Stapleford on bass and percussion. Both musicians are also members of The Destructors and Rob also works with Dun 2 Def while Ian also plays bass with the 925s.

You can find out more about the new album on Monica's official website - www.monicaandtheexplosion.com.

There are also purchase links to buy her previous releases, some biography, photos, videos and tour dates.

Monica will be playing at the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool on Sunday 11th August. To find out more about the festival, look here: www.rebellionfestivals.com

Miss Blackpool 2013 Grand Final Line Up Complete

Newly crowned Miss Radio Wave Charley Dee had already secured a place in the Miss Blackpool 2013 Grand Final by virtue of winning a heat. 

But, as she also gets automatic qualification into the final as Miss Radio Wave, the other place in the final has been awarded to the 3rd placed contestant in that heat - Lisa Cox (seen here with official competition photographer Howard Barton).

This means that all 16 places in the Grand Final have now been decided. 

The final will take place at Blackpool's Norbreck Castle Hotel on Friday 16th August. This is a dazzling black tie event - one of the big nights in the Blackpool social calendar and tickets are on sale now at £35 each.

For more information about the competition, to see the judges' marks from the heats, and to buy YOUR tickets for the final, visit the official website: www.missblackpool2013.co.uk

To hear our exclusive interview with reigning Miss Blackpool Kim Braithwaite from last year's final click here: http://www.bestkeptsecrets.biz/2012/08/miss-blackpool-2012-grand-final-result.html

Miss Radio Wave Winners Qualify for Miss Blackpool 2013 Final

The winners of the 2013 Miss Radio Wave photographic competition were presented at the final Miss Blackpool heat at G Casino.

The winner is Charley Dee (left) and the runner up is Jemma Kerr (right).

Both girls now qualify for the grand final of Miss Blackpool that will take place at Blackpool's Norbreck Castle Hotel on Friday 16th August. This is a dazzling black tie event - one of the big nights in the Blackpool social calendar and tickets are on sale now at £35 each.

For more information about the competition, to see the judges' marks from the heats, and to buy YOUR tickets for the final, visit the official website: www.missblackpool2013.co.uk

To hear our exclusive interview with reigning Miss Blackpool Kim Braithwaite from last year's final click here: http://www.bestkeptsecrets.biz/2012/08/miss-blackpool-2012-grand-final-result.html

Miss Blackpool 2013 Competition - Heat 7 Result

Miss Blackpool 2013 Competition - Heat 7 Result

1st:  Leigh Dale (right in photo)
2nd:  Olivia Grundy (left in photo)

Both girls now qualify for the grand final that will take place at Blackpool's Norbreck Castle Hotel on Friday 16th August. This is a dazzling black tie event - one of the big nights in the Blackpool social calendar and tickets are on sale now at £35 each.

For more information about the competition, to see the judges' marks from the heats, and to buy YOUR tickets for the final, visit the official website: www.missblackpool2013.co.uk

To hear our exclusive interview with reigning Miss Blackpool Kim Braithwaite from last year's final click here: http://www.bestkeptsecrets.biz/2012/08/miss-blackpool-2012-grand-final-result.html

There are lots more photos and interview clips from previous year's heats and finals - just scroll down through July and August 2012 and 2011 to find them...