I try to be nice, I really do; but Blackpool you are just too much…

The ‘front’ or promenade area is a terrible place: windswept, desolate, treeless (in fact devoid of almost any vegetation) and ugly as anything I have seen in the UK. The pier entrances are just trashed mash ups of vile plastic signage, when they could be lovely and Victorian/ Edwardian and celebrate the ridiculous pleasure that a pier should be…

The council seem to be trying; there are wide paved areas that are well maintained and good for crowds, there are ‘disco’ streets with fancy lighting – but they really need to put some effort into planning and more importantly restrictions on frontages and signage… I know and understand that it’s a party town – but it really doesn’t need to be this ugly.

Blackpool Tower

Blackpool Pier

If you get the chance to wander further back from the front you will find some pleasant residential streets and lovely parks; and I would imagine that the people who live here have little, if anything to do with ‘the front’…

A small square near the Winter Gardens also gets a mention; just at the back of the Church is Cedar Square – nice place with cafes with terraces. Special mention to ‘Cedars’ which has just opened this season and offers a welcome respite from the ubiquitous fish and chip offerings.
And… I know it’s a cliche; but everyone really is lovely and kind – always striking up a conversation or happy to help.

So, if its so grim why did we go? Because of this…

Blackpool Dance – British Championship, Winter Garden

Blackpool Dance – British Championship, Winter Garden