Welcome!
Blackpool Civic Trust promoting excellence since 1975
Founded in 1975, Blackpool Civic Trust seeks to promote excellence and community spirit in Blackpool for people of all ages. We are interested in all things Blackpool, particularly its heritage and future for people. We have monthly meetings, visits to places of interest, and community activities such as Civic Week. We'd love you to join us.
Join Blackpool Civic Trust
Click here to become a member
Become a Corporate Member find out more, click here
Monthly Meetings
Monthly Meetings on the third Monday of the month at 7pm
The next Monthly Meeting will be held at St Stephen’s Church, Holmfield Road on Monday 16th May 2022 at 7pm.
The Guest Speaker is: Colin Johnson, acting CEO of the Grand Theatre
Presentation of a Bequest to Blackpool Civic Trust 21st March 2022
David Owen is seen handing over a generous bequest to Joan, our Chair, at the end of the AGM, March 2022. The Executive Committee shall consider carefully how this charitable contribution should be spent on promoting excellence in Blackpool.
Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for Achievement in 2019
St Stephens on the Cliffs Church 21st March 2022
Due to Covid restrictions the awards ceremony in 2020 at the Carousel Hotel was deferred and a smaller awards presentation was made at the AGM at St Stephens on the Cliffs Church.
The awards were presented by John Barnett MBE, DL and Danielle Barnett. Joan Humble was master of ceremonies. Below are details of the Awards and photographs of winners being presented with the their awards.
For a full set of photographs please see our 2019 Awards page, click here.
John and Danielle Barnett present the Community Award to The Windmill Trust at Stephen's on the Cliffs Church
The Committee Visit to Showtown 20th March 2022
The committee recently visited Showtown, Blackpool, to inspect progress on the construction of the museum’s impressive interior. It is hoped to have the opening in March 2023.
Left to right: Joan Humble and Judi Brown of Blackpool Civic Trust, Rachel Sykes, Showtown and, Heather Morrow of Blackpool Council.
Talbot Square
In 2015 The Civic Trust carried out a condition survey of all Grade 2 listed buildings on behalf of the Council. Our planning officer raised concerns about the general condition of the former Clifton Hotel (Grade 2). Of particular concern were cracks in the west elevation and the dangerous state of several exterior lights that looked as if they might fall down. Our Chair, Joan, contacted the Gazette, which published an article on the building’s condition. We alerted the Council also whose Enforcement Officers got the hotel to dismantle the offending light fixtures.
Since then the Civic Trust has been keeping a close eye on the building and recording the external repairs that have slowly been taking place. These observations were regularly passed on to the Council’s Conservation Officer. It is very pleasing to report that Forshaw’s hotel, as it’s now called - reverting to its historic name - is looking altogether more spruce, though it’s a work in progress.
Read more on our planning page
Unveiling of Blue Plaque for Marton Parish Church Hall and Marton Amateur Operatic Society, Blackpool
14th January 2022
A blue plaque sponsored by the former Marton Operatic Society was unveiled by the Mayor of Blackpool Cllr Amy Cross on 14th January, 2022. The plaque records the varied history of an important historical site in Marton.
Read and see more photos on our news page, click here
Ghost Tram Tour 25th November 2021
'It was a dark and stormy night. The wind howled outside candle-lit windows……’ In other words, perfect weather for Blackpool Civic Trust’s special Ghost Train excursion. Stephen Mercer told his tales of the supernatural lurking behind Blackpool’s bright lights with his customary flair and showmanship. As benefited the occasion, the tram was one of Blackpool’s unique and much-cherished Heritage Tram fleet.
Thanks to Stephen of 'Supernatural |Events’, who is one of our corporate members, for his support of the Civic Trust. Thanks also to Gill, our social secretary, for organising this and other activities for our members in recent months.
Actors' Chapel at St Stephens on the Cliffs Church 22nd November 2021
At St Stephen's on the Cliffs Church on North Shore there is an Actors' Chapel built by donations from performers at Blackpool's theatres in 1928 and containing many famous names. After our meeting on the 22nd November 2021 our guest speaker, Ruth Eastwood - CEO of the Grand Theatre, was shown around by Canon Andrew Sage, with Joan Humble Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust, centre.
Blackpool Civic Trust Wreath 2021
Our wreath laid at the Blackpool Cenotaph, 14th November 2021
Grundy Art Gallery Anniversary celebrations and unveiling of Blue Plaque
26th October 2021
Grundy Art Gallery celebrated its 110th anniversary in style with Blackpool Civic Trust and Council representatives, among others, in attendance.
A blue plaque has been mounted near the entrance to mark 110yrs and the Grundy Brothers, John and Cuthbert.
see more on our News Page click here
The group photo,
Unveiling the Blue Plaque in Blackpool Winter Gardens - Hungarian Concert 1957
22nd October 2021
A Blue Plaque commemorating a concert given by Hungarian refugees in 1957 was unveiled today in the Blackpool Winter Gardens. The Hungarian Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade, His Excellency Mr Csaba Balogh, travelled from Hungary to attend the event and give the keynote speech. The unveiling of the plaque was attended by over 60 people, including members of the Hungarian community in Blackpool.
Photo of the Blue Plaque:
Photo: The Hungarian Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade, His Excellency Mr Csaba Balogh:
Blackpool Civic Trust Art and Photographic Competition 2021 - 23rd September to 26th October 2021 10.30am to 2.30pm Tuesday to Sunday
This year Blackpool Civic Trust is holding an art and photographic competition with prizes and awards in the Stanley Park Visitor Centre..
The theme is 'Celebrating our Seaside Heritage'.
Painting the Norkeed Road Promenade Shelter, Little Bispham, September 2021
The Civic Trust has won national recognition for Blackpool’s seaside heritage in North Shore.
Historic England has awarded Grade 2 status to Middle and Lower Walk colonnades. The 5 Middle Walk colonnades and retaining wall , which is included in the listing, start at Cocker Square and finish at Gynn slipway. The national listing for the single Lower Walk colonnade includes 2 massive pillars at Gynn Square, which are the only surviving parts of what was formerly a very grand entrance to the colonnades.
Read more on our Listed Buildings Page click here
Joan Humble presents The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours, 15th July 2021
Joan Humble, who is a member of the Lancashire Queen's Awards for Voluntary Service Panel, presented volunteers and representatives of Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours with their award for 2020.
To see more photographs click here
Photo of the volunteers at Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours:
Princess Parade Crazy Golf Course Re-Opens, near North Pier
Friday 28th May 2021
A derelict crazy golf course has been given a new lease of life by local charities, and volunteers from the community experiencing multiple disadvantage in Blackpool.
Blackpool Civic Trust participated in the voluntary work.
Read more on our news page click here
Please check opening days and opening hours on the Princess Parade crazy golf course Facebook page.
Richard Gottfried, a champion of Crazy Golf, on Blackpool's re-opened crazy golf course near North Pier:
Blackpool Civic Trust Seaside Memorabilia Collection
Over the years Blackpool Civic Trust has collected a large amount of Blackpool related Seaside Memorabia. We have photographed the items and created an on-line catalogue. Please click on this link to view it.
Item 5
Direct Links to what we do and other items of interest:
AwardsMembershipCorporate MembersPlanning
BuildingsBlue PlaquesHeritage Open DaysFavourites
LostWar MemorialsBlackpool Heritage TramsBlackpool Air Show
Blackpool contains many buildings and areas of importance:
Over 30 listed buildings
Over 50 blue plaques
One listed park
Four Conservation Areas
Local list of important buildings
Assets of Community Value
Blackpool Heritage Open Days click here
Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours click here
Blackpool Illuminations
See our news page for information of what we've done and what we're doing.
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If you wish to speak at one of our meetings please contact our speakers secretary listed on the About Us page.
Contact us: Click here
Charity Reg. No. 504075 R
Become a Corporate Member, see our list, click here