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

Download our membership form for 2024/25 renewals or new members, both individual or corporate:

Word format

Our next meeting will be on Monday 20th May at 7pm

Guest Speaker: Dr Colin Penny, Museum Manager - Lancaster Castle Cultural Services, speaking about 'The History of Lancaster Castle'.

at the Stanley Park Visitor Centre
Non-members are welcome for a small donation of £2.

Meeting Speakers for 2024/5

Guest Speaker Report

The Living Heritage of St Stephen's on the Cliffs

Blackpool Civic Trust Meeting, Guest Speaker: Reverand Andrew Teather. Monday 15th April 2024 at Stanley Park Visitor Centre

Reverend Teather's talk was wide-ranging, touching on the development of the Church in the nineteenth century . He also mentioned his own early background in the theatre as a stage manager and some of the parishes of which he had been vicar before coming to Blackpool.

Dealing with the history of St Stephen’s he made particular reference to the famous Actor’s Chapel (1929). This impressive Chapel is unique in England and Europe in being dedicated to actors, musicians and entertainers who funded the building costs. Read more on our news page click here

St Stephen's on the Cliffs Blackpool

Victoria Monks Blue Plaque, Historic England, April 2024

“Won’t you come home, Bill Bailey?” That was the signature song of Victoria Monks, music hall performer, who was born in Blackpool and who has now been honoured with a blue plaque by Historic England.

The plaque is the first to be approved in Blackpool by Historic England under its own national scheme. This is quite separate from Blackpool Civic Trust, which over many years has put up its own blue plaques celebrating the history and heritage of our town.

Victoria Monks (1882-1927) was a very big star of the music hall and was praised for both her musical gifts as a singer and comedic charm. She toured internationally, including the USA, and became known early on as “John Bull’s Girl”.

Towards the end of her life, she made a welcome return to her home town and performed at the Blackpool Palace in 1925.

Victoria Monks, Blue Plaque, Blackpool

Renewed Blue Plaque unveiling on Blackpool's War Memorial

A very special blue plaque was unveiled on Tuesday 12th December to mark the 100th anniversary of Blackpool’s War Memorial, Princess Parade.

The Mayor Cllr Gillian Campbell unveiled the new plaque. Photographed with Mr John Barnett DL MBE

The Mayor Cllr Gillian Campbell unveiled the new plaque. Photographed with Mr John Barnett DL MBE. 12th December 2023

The revised Blackpool War Memorial Blue Plaque, 12th December 2023

The revised Blackpool War Memorial Blue Plaque, 12th December 2023 Blackpool Civic Trust

Blue Plaque unveiled for the Nolan Family

at the Cliffs Hotel Blackpool

16th October 2023

Blackpool Civic Trust were pleased to be involved in placing a plaque at the Cliffs Hotel marking the venue where the famous Nolan Sisters, later the Nolans, were discovered in 1973. Present were sisters Anne, Coleen, Linda, Denise, Maureen and brother Tommy. Photos also of Joan Humble, Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust and the blue plaque. The Deputy Mayor of Blackpool Adrian Hoyle unveiled the plaque. Monday 16th October 2023.

Blue Plaque for the Nolan Family at the Cliffs Hotel Blackpool

The Blue Plaque for the Nolan Family at the Cliffs Hotel in Blackpool, North Shore, where they were first discovered in 1973.

See more on our news page click here

Here are the nomination forms for the 2023 Awards
as of the 23rd October 2023

Every year we present awards for the Best Building Work and Community Activities in Blackpool

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for Achievement in 2023

We invited everyone to nominate a building or organisation for a Blackpool Civic Trust Award for achievement in 2023.

Nominations are now closed

There are 6 categories which must meet the guidelines all listed below. The nominations form and guidelines can be downloaded in Word and pdf format. Work must have been completed in Blackpool in 2023.

Categories:

1. Best New Build

2. Best New Refurbishment

3. Best Open Space

4. Best New Quality Visitor Attraction

5. Transforming Blackpool

6. Best Community Group

Monthly Meeting Speakers for our year 2023/24

To be announced following the AGM in March.

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards and Afternoon Tea for Achievement in 2022

Also including the Blackpool Council Awards for Conservation 2019

Held at the Blackpool Winter Gardens, Baronial Hall on Friday 18th August 2023.

The Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2022

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards and Dinner for Achievement in 2022

The awards ceremony was attended by over 90 guests, members, award-winners and the Mayor and Mayoress, the Chief Executive Officer and senior Council colleagues. It was followed by a splendid afternoon tea.

Joan Humble, Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust, read the citations and winners and the Mayor of Blackpool Councillor Gillian Campbell made the awards.

Thanks to the Winter Gardens Trust and assistance from Carl Carrington of Blackpool Council for hosting the event at the Winter Gardens and to Blackpool Council for their sponsorship this year.

We'd like to thank Claire Griffiths for taking photographs of the event.

We are pleased to be able to reintroduce our annual awards scheme after a two-year break due to the pandemic.

Read more on our 2022 Awards Page

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

Blackpool Civic Trust Seaside Memorabiliia