A vintage promotional sign for the 1967 Blackpool Illuminations, running from 8th September to 29th October. The painted board features Blackpool Tower adorned with strings of coloured lights cascading downwards, set against a teal background with a searchlight beam. The text appears in green, white, and orange lettering. The sign is displayed at the Showtown Blackpool museum.

Vintage 1967 Blackpool Illuminations poster, on show at Showtown.

These days, Blackpool isn’t quite the same as it was during the golden age of seaside entertainment, when comedians, singers, and variety acts filled theatres all summer. At least, that’s my assumption. I wasn’t around for the so-called heyday.

Back then, I imagine, the promenade was full of laughter, music, and the smell of chips and vinegar, with neon lights promising fun everywhere you looked. Most of that world has faded as holidays changed and entertainment moved on, but the Showtown museum, which we found almost by accident today, does a great job of showing why Blackpool was once one of Britain’s top holiday spots.

The museum is just off the promenade, tucked away (almost) behind the Tower. I don’t think many people find it by chance, which is a pity. The exhibition celebrates Blackpool as a place built on entertainment, escape, magic, bright lights, performance, and the belief that everyone deserves to have fun.

I really enjoyed visiting and would recommend it to anyone.

After you pass the entrance and gift shop and head upstairs past the handy lockers, the museum tells Blackpool’s story with a good mix of objects, films, photos, and interactive displays. It’s easy to get around, well laid out, and really helps you see everything Blackpool has offered over the years. One of the first things I did was look through a beachside telescope to see old photos from Wakes Weeks, which were especially interesting. There were lots of black-and-white pictures of people on the beach, all dressed in their best clothes instead of swimsuits. Those photos showed a time when whole towns would head to the seaside together, looking for the fun that Blackpool was made for: factories closed, bags packed, trains full, and everyone was off for a week by the sea with friends and neighbours.

That history meant a lot to me because Blackpool was part of my childhood too. My grandparents spent many holidays there during the Wigan holiday weeks, so we often visited as kids. One of our family traditions was driving through the Illuminations with Dad, watching the lights go by from the back seat. I was always excited to spot the illuminated trams travelling along the Prom. Seeing that story in the museum, with many of the famous Illuminations designs on display, made the experience feel personal.

The Illuminations section was one of my favourite parts. It treated something that might seem like a cheesy seaside show with respect. Of course, it is a contrived spectacle, but when I was eight, it was an exciting one. Blackpool has always known how to put on a show, whether that’s lighting up the promenade, filling a (Strictly) ballroom, hosting variety acts, or giving people stories to share on the way home while eating fish and chips.

I also enjoyed the displays about dance. Blackpool’s links to ballroom dancing, social dancing, and nightclubs (sometimes that early-90s late-night student favourite, The Hitman and Her, was filmed here) give the town a history that’s both glamorous and down-to-earth. You can even stick your head through a slot and try all the dances without moving a muscle. It’s not just about TV shows; it’s about people dressing up, going out, and having fun, especially when this was their one week off from factory work.

Showtown isn’t a large museum, so it’s easy to visit in about an hour. It wasn’t crowded when we went, which made it simple to get around and try out the interactive displays. There’s plenty to think about, lots to make you smile, and many things to try, all helping you appreciate a town that has spent generations entertaining people.

Visiting left me feeling even more fond of Blackpool. For all its jokes, kiss-me-quick hats, and neon lights, Blackpool has brought a lot of happiness to many people, including my family. Showtown shares that story with warmth and just the right amount of showmanship.