THE THEATRE ORGAN

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INTRODUCTION TO BLACKPOOL

Blackpool first rose to prominence as a resort for visitors in the middle of the 18th century.  At that time,  sea bathing had become both popular and fashionable as a cure for diseases among the wealthier classes.

This habit continued throughout the 19th century, but it was the coming of the railway in the 1840s that cemented the town’s position as a major centre of tourism.  The railway offered a cheap and easy way for the large population of the now-industrialised regions of Northern England to visit the resort and enjoy some time by the sea.

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The number of visitors to Blackpool was also increased by the practice of the Cotton Mill owners of Lancashire of closing their factories for a week every year to service and repair the machinery.  These became known as Wakes Weeks. Here, the mills of the northern towns would close for a different week, thereby allowing Blackpool to manage a steady and reliable stream of visitors over a prolonged period in the summer.

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Much of Blackpool’s growth, character and popularity from the 1870s also evolved due to its pioneering use of electrical power.  In 1879, Blackpool became the first municipality in the world to have electric street lighting.  Large parts of the Promenade with its lighting and accompanying pageants helped reinforce Blackpool’s status as the North of England’s most prominent holiday resort and was the forerunner of the present-day Blackpool Illuminations.

In addition, in 1885, one of the world’s first Electric Tramways was laid down as a Conduit line running along the Promenade.

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In 1881, Blackpool had become a booming seaside resort with a population of 14,000 and by 1951, this had reached 147,000.  However, these numbers swelled each year with the increasing number of visitors that came to enjoy the delights of the town.

Between 1900 and 1950, Blackpool was Britain’s premier seaside resort and the numbers visiting the town reached their peak.  Most of the visitors each year came from the highly populated towns and cities of the industrial north and also from Glasgow.

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However, times were about to change.  With the increase in wealth experienced by industrial workers during the 1960s, tastes began to change.  Opportunities to travel overseas for their holidays where the weather was more predictable began to be on offer and this greatly affected Blackpool’s status as a leading resort in the late 20th century.

Nevertheless, today, Blackpool’s economy remains very much rooted in tourism with little diversity having been introduced.  The things that were part of Blackpool’s heyday have been revamped over the years with the seafront and the illuminations still being able to attract millions of visitors every year.  However, the visitors may no longer spend a week in the town, but rather, come to enjoy a day or two sampling the town’s delights.

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Blackpool has always catered to the tastes of members of the British working class.  This has resulted in the middle and upper classes shying away from the town.

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In the summer of 1960, I went on my last holiday in the company of my parents.  I had been allowed to remain at home for several years prior to this, but this time, I was eager to go, as they were going to Blackpool despite my now being somewhat sophisticated and hip having recently discovered The Beat.

This photograph appears with permission of Mr. Paul Bland

I remember that we traveled overnight by train from London and arrived somewhat the worse for ware and in need of sleep.  However, I could not wait to see some of the highlights of the place.

The Blackpool Tram, H.M.S. Blackpool, during the day

By 1960, the town was in some decline, but one could not help being impressed with the Tower, the Illuminated Trams, the Piers, of which there are three, North, Central and South,  and the Promenade.

Another Blackpool Tram by day

We went to many of the theatres and saw some of the top liners of the time, but the highlight of the trip took place one evening when a number of cast members of the television programme, Coronation Street, had been invited to turn on the lights.  This was a remarkable sight to see.  The street was dark with only the dim street lamps to allow one to see.  And then suddenly, and with much fanfare and shouts, the illuminations were turned on and Blackpool became a magic land!  Although the illuminations were very impressive, I think Elsie Tanner, Patrica Pat Phoenix (1923-1986) who looked wonderful wrapped in her mink stole, outshone them!

Elsie Tanner (Left) & Pat Phoenix (Right)

It was obvious that despite my young age, I was smitten, very smitten, with Elsie Tanner/Pat Phoenix ……. just like most of the men in the U.K. at that time!

With so many visitors spending their annual holiday in Blackpool during its heyday, a number of theatres were built to offer entertainment to the holiday makers.  In addition, a number of Theatre Organs were installed in these venues, and I am happy to say that today, some are still present in their original sites.