Blackpool Locals: Tell Us Your South Shore Stories

Did you learn to swim at the old Lido Baths, did you shop on Bond Street or Waterloo Road, or ride donkeys on the beach?

Maybe you worked at one of the attractions, owned a guesthouse, or remember the excitement when the Sandcastle first opened. However big or small your memories are of South Shore, we’d love to hear them.

In September, Blackpool Council are inviting people to take part in our South Shore Stories project, to capture the history and community spirit of this much-loved part of Blackpool. By people and businesses sharing experiences, photographs, postcards, diaries or artefacts, we want to be able to build a picture of South Shore through the decades. From swimming lessons to shopping trips, first jobs to family days out, everyone’s memories will play an important role in shaping how people look at our beautiful town.

Leading this project is Angela Kershaw, Blackpool Council’s Head of Business Growth “I have lots of happy memories of growing up in a guest house in South Shore. I now work at the Blackpool Enterprise Centre, which was formerly the Lido Baths 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.”

We are asking anyone with these cherished memories to drop in to the Blackpool Enterprise Centre on Lytham Road in Blackpool on Monday 22nd, Tuesday 23rd or Wednesday 24th September to chat with the team. There’s no need to book, just bring your stories and keepsakes. We’ll be recording memories, taking photographs of keepsakes and running a letter-writing workshop where people can write a message to South Shore itself, remembering the places and moments that mattered most.

Steve Fairclough, one of the South Shore Stories Organisers says “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 from our planned 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.

Blackpool has always had a unique personality, a strong cultural vibe, and there are some longstanding and thriving businesses in the area that are testimony to this. 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.”

Everything collected will culminate in an exhibition in 2026 and a special commemorative book celebrating the area. The stories gathered will not only bring back fond memories but also highlight the sense of community and vibrancy that has always been part of South Shore.

South Shore has always been a place full of energy and character. By sharing your story, you’ll help remind everyone why it was, and still is, such a special part of Blackpool. If you are unable to attend the open days contact us on 01253 477147 to arrange another way to tell us your story.