Blackpool Museum Project is looking to speak with people who have worked at the Winter Gardens and Blackpool Tower at an open day on Sunday 29 January.
Did you or your family work the lights on musicals? Was it your job to sell the tickets? The team behind the proposed museum project are keen to record a variety of personal experiences and build an archive of real-life stories from the past.
Everyone is welcome to share their memories of working for the Tower Company at both the Winter Gardens and Blackpool Tower over the last 150 years including circus staff, stickmen, backstage, in the offices and ticket sales.
Blackpool Council, the Winter Gardens Trust and Blackpool Entertainment Company Limited will again throw open the world famous Winter Garden’s doors on Sunday 29 January, from 11am to 3pm, to an exclusive access all areas event.
Members of the public will have a rare opportunity to explore the Grade II listed building free of charge and visit backstage of the Opera House including the dressing rooms, tread the boards that so many famous faces have previously walked on, and get up-close to the historic Wurlitzer theatre organ.
The open day will give the general public the chance to explore and learn of the extensive history of the building after more than a century. The grandeur of the Empress Ballroom will be free to explore whilst the often overlooked Spanish Suites will offer a unique insight into Blackpool’s largest entertainment venue.
The team behind the proposed Blackpool Museum and several of their volunteers will be present at the open day, located in the Horseshoe and Pavilion Theatre to record your memories of working in the two venues.
Blackpool Council, thanks to Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) investment, is currently developing a Museum which will celebrate Britain’s love affair with the seaside holiday and Blackpool’s role in shaping popular entertainment in Britain for over 150 years.
The Museum will be located within the Winter Garden’s Horseshoe and Pavilion theatre.
It will be a dynamic and celebratory space – a blend of museum, visitor attraction and theatre, filled with artefacts, film, music and performance. The interactive Museum will have a strong personality with a memorable and distinctive take which is true to the lively spirit of Blackpool.
