Newsroom

11 September 2025

Call for Blackpool South Shore stories and memories

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

Lido baths on Lytham Road in 1938
Lido baths Lytham Rd (1938)

People are being asked to share their stories and cherished memories of the area by bringing stories or keepsakes in to the Blackpool Enterprise Centre on Lytham Road, Blackpool on Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 September 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Through people and businesses sharing experiences, photographs, postcards, diaries or artefacts, the goal is to build a picture of South Shore through the decades.

There’s no need to book, just drop in and have a chat with the team at the centre who will be recording memories, taking photographs of keepsakes and running a letter writing workshop where people can write a message about South Shore, remembering the places and moments that mattered most to them.

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

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.

South Shore Stories project lead, Angela Kershaw, Blackpool Council’s head of business growth, 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 is where I learned to swim as a child. This project really means something to me, and I am looking forward to hearing other people’s memories. If someone learned to swim at the old Lido pool, rode donkeys on the beach, worked at one of the attractions, owned a guest house or remember the excitement when the Sandcastle first opened we would love to hear from them – no matter how big or small the memory.”

Steve Fairclough, one of the ‘South Shore Stories’ organisers added:

“This is about the local community, collecting their memories, special moments in time, and hopes and dreams of the future for South Shore. There's a lot of history here, and I'm already gathering some wonderful memories. I'm very much looking forward to seeing archive material from Blackpool’s Showtown History Centre, and the September drop-in sessions with residents. 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, 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 and help celebrate its profile again for current and future generations.”

Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, 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 and other communities in the future to celebrate their history and take pride in looking to the future.”

Anyone who would like to share their story but cannot attend the September drop in sessions can contact the team on 01253 477147 to arrange another way to tell their story.

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