The ideal holiday destination for British holidaymakers dating back to the 1800s, Blackpool in the 70s underwent huge tourist redevelopments.

Nearing the end of the swinging 60s and into the 1970s; the area suffered a major decline in tourism. The British population made use of cheaper flights and package holidays that were more readily available than ever before. However, this destination had been a favourite for centuries; so Blackpool opened a selection of new attractions for the family. This started a whole new love for the British seaside break. Due to these iconic developments within Blackpool in the 70s, the popular resort has since won back the heart of locals and tourists.

So, what were the key events that occurred during the 1970’s in Blackpool?

Blackpool in the 70s – Opening of Blackpool Zoo

Although Blackpool faced troubled times during the 70s, one of the biggest new draws was the now-famous Blackpool Zoo. The attraction opened on 6^th July 1972 and was built on the former site of the Stanley Park Aerodrome. It has since become one of Blackpool’s biggest and best family attractions.

The zoo was officially opened by Mr. Johnny Morris; best-known for his TV presenting role on Animal Magic. Morris officially made the event a roaring success, by riding on one of the elephants to mark the occasion. Around that time, the zoo began talks with British railway engineering company Severn Lamb.  They aimed to determine whether a miniature railway could be built within the zoo itself. Plans were passed and the ‘Blackpool Zoo Miniature Railway’ was constructed.

One of the oldest sections of the attraction houses the zoo’s primate selection. Animals currently residing her include the likes of pileated gibbons, L’Hoest’s monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs, De Brazza’s monkeys and Prevost’s squirrels.

Blackpool in the 70s – Important renovations and the near-closure of some of the town’s best-loved theatres

The Winter Gardens theatre was extremely popular with audiences up until 1979. Over the decades, it was used twice each evening during the summer season. Some of the biggest stars to perform on the stage included the likes of Morecambe and Wise, Bob Monkhouse and Tommy Cooper. Not only were stage shows performed, but television shows were also filmed here. During the 70s, some of the floor space in the Empress Ballroom was used for various events and occasions. The Stardust Garden was built and intended to be used as a nightclub. Up until the end of the decade, the Olympia hall within the theatre was in fact used as a funfair. A few years later however, it underwent a redevelopment and was turned into a contemporary adventure playground.

Our very own theatre faced a hint of trouble during the 70’s. Closure was unfortunately, very much on the cards. Luckily, the theatre was made a Grade II* listed building in 1971 to prevent demolishment. There were nevertheless, discussions held of demolishing the building to make way for a new Littlewoods store. In 1973, a meeting was arranged by Friends of the Grand. Their aim was to prevent the application from going through which turned out to be a success. In 1975, there were further talks of turning the venue into a bingo hall, but nothing came to fruition. The saving grace of the Blackpool Grand Theatre was when a final decision was made by the committee and the EMI. A £250,000 purchase deal was made, and the building was purchased by the Grand Theatre Trust in 1980.

Take a Virtual Tour of Blackpool’s Grand Theatre.

Blackpool in the 70s – Famous bands were formed

The 70’s was the decade in which the band Complex were formed in Blackpool. They released two self-released albums by 1971. The album was originally created as a demo with the intention of attracting the attention of record companies. 99 copies were made and went on to become a major hit with those interested in the ‘psych’ movement. These very small selection of vinyls which were sold have been stated as ‘”one of the “Holy Trinity” items of rare British Psychedelia”.

In 1971, the band released a second album entitled ‘The Way We Feel’; gaining immense popularity with fans. The band continued to play until 1978, but Punk became the up and coming trend in the changing music styles. There no longer seemed to be a market for Complex’ style due to the rise of the punk movement. Yet, many new bands from Blackpool formed at the offset of this new and upcoming trend. These included the likes of Section 25 in 1977 and Skrewdriver.

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Blackpool in the 1960s

Blackpool in the 1970s

Blackpool in the 1980s

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