Showtown Blackpool

27/05/2026

✨ Blackpool, get ready to be tattyfilariously tickled!

We’re beyond excited to announce that Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition is coming exclusively to Showtown this summer, a joyful, laugh‑out‑loud celebration of the life, career and comic genius of Sir Ken Dodd OBE.

Travelling direct from the Museum of Liverpool (part of National Museums Liverpool), this wonderfully wacky exhibition brings an extraordinary collection of Doddy’s treasures to the Fylde Coast, from flamboyant costumes and iconic props to rare notebooks, puppets (yes, including Dicky Mint), archive footage and more.

And because this is Showtown, expect plenty of fun: an interactive giggle map, a life‑size Madame Tussauds waxwork keeping watch with his tickling stick, and surprises around every corner.

🎟 Adults: £3
🧒 Children: FREE
Every ticket helps support nationally significant exhibitions like this one and the work of Blackpool Heritage & Museum Trust (Charity No. 1205103).

📅 Opens 24 June 2026
📍 Showtown, Blackpool
🎫 Tickets onsale NOW! Book now - www.showtownblackpool.co.uk/happiness

Let’s celebrate the Master of Mirth in the town he adored, the one he proudly called “the greatest show town in the world.”

Get ready for a summer filled with laughter, nostalgia and pure happiness as Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition arrives exclusively at Showtown from 24…

25/05/2026

🎤 BLACKPOOL’S NEXT COMEDY STARS ARE TAKING THE STAGE 🎭

Join us for Open Up The Mic - a live showcase at Showtown on 29th May for a night of bold, brilliant comedy and storytelling from the young voices of Blackpool.

After weeks of workshops, these emerging performers are ready to share original stand-up, spoken word and characters. It's funny, honest and completely their own.

✨ Featuring professional performers: Black Liver (BBC Radio Sit-com Award winners)
🎤 Hosted by Anna Phylactic (Coronation Street & Drag SOS)
⭐ Headliner Paul F Taylor

📍 Showtown Museum, Blackpool
📅 Friday 29th May
🕕 6pm - 8pm
🎟 FREE admission (booking essential) - Get your tickets here https://www.showtownblackpool.co.uk/whats-on/events/open-up-the-mic-live-showcase

21/05/2026

🎪✨ Join us to celebrate the legendary Charlie Cairoli with Showtown Blackpool!

Showtown is inviting local people, especially those from the Claremont Community, to become a part of an exciting co-production group exploring Blackpool’s circus history and the life of one of the most beloved clowns.

For 39 incredible years, Charlie Cairoli brought laughter, music, slapstick and unforgettable comedy to generations of families at the iconic Blackpool Tower Circus. Now, you can help bring his story to life for a new audience.

Working with a comedian between July and November 2026, you’ll:

🎭 Explore historic collections and stories
📸 Help select images and memories
🎤 Work alongside a professional comedian
✨ Learn creative storytelling skills
🤝 Meet new people and try something new

No experience needed, just curiosity and a love of Blackpool’s amazing history.

Be part of the story and help unlock the Charlie Cairoli Collection.
🔗 Register your interest: https://www.showtownblackpool.co.uk/be-a-part-of-it/unlock-blackpools-histories

21/05/2026

💩 Get ready for the silliest craft activity in Blackpool this May Half Term! 💩

Join us at on Wednesday 27 May for our wonderfully wacky Fake Poo Factory! Create your very own fake poo masterpiece using clay, then decorate your “little nugget” however you like to take home and proudly display.

This family craft activity definitely doesn’t stink and is completely FREE with your Showtown ticket:

📅 Wednesday 27 May, 12pm - 3pm
📍 Showtown, Blackpool
🎟️ Book your tickets now - www.showtownblackpool.co.uk/

Novelty prank items like fake poo became hugely popular through classic British seaside joke shops and entertainment culture, with Blackpool right at the heart of the fun! 🎭

As a registered charity, suggested donations of £2 per 'poo' help us to continue creating fun, affordable activities for families all year round through the Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust.

Come along for gloriously silly seaside fun! 💩

19/05/2026

Kick off the first day of Blackpool Pride with a journey through the town’s dazzling q***r entertainment history at Showtown 🌈✨

Join our Pride Beside the Seaside tour and discover the drag pioneers, trailblazing trans performers and unforgettable seaside stars who challenged convention and transformed the stage.

📍 Showtown, Blackpool
📅 Friday 5 June, 3pm
🎟️ Book now, tickets only £5: https://www.showtownblackpool.co.uk/whats-on/events/tour-pride-beside-the-seaside

16/05/2026

🎭 Today is 2026! 🎶

First celebrated in 2020, Music Hall & Variety Day honours the birthdate of the much-loved Roy Hudd - President of the British Music Hall Society for 28 years.

The day brings together performers, theatres, archives, researchers, collectors, and fans to celebrate the rich history and continuing legacy of music hall and variety entertainment.

This year’s theme is - a perfect fit for Blackpool’s vibrant entertainment heritage 🌊✨



Find out more via the British Music Hall Society and help celebrate this wonderful world of performance, laughter, song and spectacle.

14/05/2026

🚂✨ ALL ABOARD FOR A WEEKEND OF BLACKPOOL MAGIC ✨🎪

This weekend, Showtown is taking over the Railway 200 Inspiration Train Partner Carriage at Blackpool North Station!

Join us from Friday-Sunday for hands-on fun, circus skills, family activities and a celebration of how the railway helped shape Blackpool into the UK’s favourite seaside destination 🎭🌊

The Blackpool Gazette stopped by to capture some of the action - take a look at their fantastic photos from today 👀

🎟️ Free tickets available here:
https://railway200.co.uk/location/blackpool-north-station-2/

Read the full article here 👇
https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/13-amazing-pictures-of-showtown-blackpool-bringing-a-touch-of-seaside-magic-to-the-railway-200-exhibition-8545570?page=2

12/05/2026

🚂 SHOWTOWN IS TAKING OVER THE RAILWAY 200 INSPIRATION TRAIN PARTNER CARRIAGE THIS WEEKEND! 🎪✨

From Friday at 2pm through to Sunday at 5pm, Showtown, Blackpool’s award-winning museum of fun and entertainment, will be taking over the Inspiration Train’s Partner Carriage at Blackpool North Station for a weekend celebrating the historic link between railways, entertainment and the legendary seaside resort of Blackpool.

🎟️ Tickets are FREE, but they’re going fast!
Book now! https://railway200.co.uk/location/blackpool-north-station-2/

Step aboard to:

🎭 Interact with objects from Blackpool’s entertainment past
🎪 Pick up circus skills
🚂 Discover how the railway helped transform Blackpool
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Enjoy hands-on activities for all ages

The Railway 200 exhibition train, Inspiration, is touring the UK to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway. This weekend Showtown is bringing a little Blackpool magic onboard.

01/05/2026

🎭 Calling all comedians & creative storytellers 🎭
A unique opportunity has landed in Blackpool…

Showtown is seeking a Comedian in Residence to bring the legacy of Charlie Cairoli to life through comedy, co-creation, and community storytelling.

What’s involved?
• Collaborate with a local community group in Blackpool
• Explore Blackpool’s incredible entertainment heritage
• Create a brand-new comedy performance
• Help develop a digital “Story Chest” inspired by the Cairoli collection
📅 Contract: Mid-June - November 2026
💰 Fee: £8,000

This is perfect for someone passionate about heritage, humour and community engagement, whether you're an individual artist or part of a collective.
Application deadline: Noon, Friday 22 May 2026

Ready to make people laugh while celebrating Blackpool’s iconic past?

👉 Apply now: https://www.showtownblackpool.co.uk/join/careers/comedian-in-residence