Blackpool north west film fair 2020.

[Joe Caruso]

Bully for you! - Shorty

[David Skillern]

My wife and I have booked the Imperial again for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday - so looking forward to catching up with everyone on the Friday night and the Saturday film show and the great convention on the Sunday.

[Lee Mannering]

Just returned from sunny Blackpool for a job but did have a walk round the Britannia Hotels chain of which they own 4 including the Grand Hotel formerly owned by Hilton. Some of the chain are being used for nursing staff and homeless at the moment with the Coronavirus outbreak but I hear Britannia are to open some of its hotels nationally but with no access to facilities following guide lines issued to them as and when.
You can find more details on the Britannia hotels.com site direct.
I'm only posting this to help particularly our international friends on others with local info coming thru as it's been a little quiet re Blackpool.

Blackpool transport is in regular operation for trains and buses but you must wear a face mask or covering.

A good Blackpool taxi business is Ccabs on 01253292929
Most cabs are equipped with protective screens behind the drivers. Nice people.

Many smaller hotels have been taking the opportunity to renovate in close down and the front is also looking more colourful.

Some really quite wonderful news for visitors in Nov is that the Council have extended the time the Illuminations will be on so they will be lit that weekend.

Take care all and God bless

[Brian Fretwell]

And and nearly if not actually up to Christmas, I think I heard on the TV news. they need to attract later visitors, which was the reason for the illuminations in the first place - to extend the normal holiday season.

[Lee Mannering]

Indeed Brian I've also been filming the illuminations going up as you do on S8.

Its encouraging to learn many events cancelled early this year are now being rescheduled for sept thru to christmas this year no less. Being a entertainment hot spot some theatres are planning to fill the gaps with film presentations. I only know this as I do some work for a few of them from time to time.
Blackpool council are pretty good at supporting events particularly if you need guidance.
That's a tip for the organisers for a safe event 🥳

[Lee Mannering]

Bumped into a staff member of the Grand Hotel. It will be reopening on the 24th July for bookings so does sound more encouraging news film friends.

[Dominique De Bast]

Eurostar tickets booked.

[Lee Mannering]

Great news Dom
Note Grand are accepting card bookings only as requested by the majority of businesses for safety at the moment over here although some will take cash. We have keep apart distance rule underway which seems to be working ok and hand sanitisers are very visible.
I'm confident the leisure dept at the local authority are monitoring things closely.

I expect the cinema will employ the what is now usual bus seating approach north west and if the want to loan my s8 trailer to Force Awakens they will be welcome. New prints available later.

[Lee Mannering]

Working in Blackpool this week and the resort has pretty much reopend back to normal keeping in mind the realistic restrictions that are in operation. Most of the accomodation is open along with the piers. Trams are back in operation buses and even horses if you fancy a ride.
Blackpool council has just elected its first lady head and she sounds very pro let's get Blackpool moving. The town was quite busy and trade brisk with plenty of holiday makers enjoying the sun.

The tram lines are being extended to the main train station at the moment so some inner roads are still closed due to the road work

Just a little seaside update

[Brian Fretwell]

It's a real pity there was that recent fire on Central Pier, I hope that isn't hindering getting the town moving.