South Shore Stories

Blackpool Council has been inviting people to take part in the ‘South Shore Stories’ project. The aim is to capture the history and community spirit of this much-loved part of Blackpool.

Blackpool South Shore Stories

Throughout September 2025, people were asked to share their stories, cherished memories and keepsakes from the area at a series of drop-ins at the Blackpool Enterprise Centre on Lytham Road. All these experiences, photographs, postcards, diaries or artefacts, will be used to build a picture of South Shore through the decades.

Everything collected will culminate in an exhibition in 2026 and a special commemorative book to celebrate the area.

Angela Kershaw is Blackpool Council’s Head of Business Growth and South Shore Stories Project Lead. She said: “I have lots of happy memories of growing up in our family guest house business in South Shore. I now work at the Blackpool Enterprise Centre, which was formerly the Lido swimming pool and where I learned to swim as a child. This project really means something to me, and I’m looking forward to hearing other people’s memories. We’re looking for people who learned to swim at the old Lido pool, rode donkeys on the beach, and worked in the attractions. Maybe they owned a guest house or remember the excitement when the Sandcastle first opened. All these memories are social history and what we’re trying to capture.”

Collecting Moments in Time

Steve Fairclough is one of the ‘South Shore Stories’ organisers. He added “This is about the local community, collecting their memories and special moments in time. And finding out what their hopes and dreams are for the future for South Shore.  There’s a lot of history here, and some wonderful memories. Plus all the archive material from Blackpool’s Showtown History Centre

“It’s inevitable that times change, and change isn’t easy. But whenever people come together to share their memories in like-minded celebration, it can give them a lift. It’s a boost, a smile, and a chance to see things differently.  We hope the ‘South Shore Stories’ project will highlight the history and heritage of this area of town. Let’s help celebrate its profile again for current and future generations.”

Funded by UKSPF

Cllr Mark Smith is Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment. He said: “South Shore has always been a special part of Blackpool.  The additional funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund will offer exciting opportunities for the local residents and businesses in this area. Hopefully other communities in the future will celebrate their history and take pride in looking to the future.”

The project is being supported through monies received from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). An extension of existing funding has seen a further £525,000 awarded to Blackpool Council from the SPF to extend its offer of fully funded business support and advice through its Net Zero Business Academy and the Growth Business Academy. Currently, 10% of the extended funding has been allocated to develop community and local business projects that strengthen the relationship and links between business owners, residents and visitors to enhance civic pride in local areas.

My South Shore Stories

I’m Jane, publisher of Live Blackpool and Visit Fylde Coast. You might already know me from our YouTube channel. This project captured my imagination, so I’ve contributed towards it – hopefully I’ll make the final cut!

But I also thought the theme would make a nice series of local history videos – with a twist! I spent my happy childhood holidays here in Blackpool. That’s me in the pram with mum, dad and grandma. We’re standing next to what’s now the entrance to the Grosvenor Casino, near South Pier.

I’ve got lots of memories of my own, and plenty of funny stories too. So over the coming months I’ll set about making my own videos, with memories from the 70’s and 80’s in Blackpool. Watch this space!