Showtown is a museum that provides an insight into Blackpool’s rich history of entertainment and leisure. Located in the heart of Blackpool, the museum is dedicated to celebrating the unique cultural heritage that has made the town a popular destination for holidaymakers and performers alike. The museum highlights Blackpool’s iconic role in British entertainment, from its theatres and piers to its vibrant nightlife.
Blackpool has long been associated with fun, entertainment and spectacle. As one of the UK’s most famous seaside resorts, the town became a major destination for working-class holidaymakers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The opening of attractions such as the Blackpool Tower, Pleasure Beach and the Winter Gardens solidified Blackpool’s reputation as a hub of amusement.
The Showtown Museum was created to preserve and showcase this legacy. It aims to tell the story of Blackpool’s entertainment industry, focusing on the town’s rich tradition of variety shows, circus acts, ballroom dancing and more. By exploring the museum, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of how Blackpool became synonymous with British entertainment and how it has influenced popular culture throughout the decades.
What to see at Showtown
Showtown is divided into six themed galleries, each designed to highlight a different aspect of Blackpool’s entertainment history. These include displays on seaside holidays, magic, the world of variety shows, circus performers, the town’s rich dance scene and Blackpool’s famous illuminations.
One of the museum’s highlights is the Seaside gallery, which explores how Blackpool became a key destination for British holidaymakers. Visitors can see artefacts from the heyday of the British seaside holiday, including vintage posters, beachwear and souvenirs that reflect the fun and escapism associated with Blackpool’s golden years as a holiday resort.
The dance gallery lets you learn about the ballroom’s role as a centre for dance competitions and social gatherings, as well as its enduring place in British popular culture, thanks in part to its appearance on the television show Strictly Come Dancing.
The museum also delves into the world of variety shows and circus acts that have been a staple of Blackpool’s entertainment scene for over a century. This gallery features memorabilia and stories from some of the biggest names to have graced Blackpool’s stages, including comedians, singers, and entertainers who have made their mark on the town’s theatres.
For those interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of performance, the Circus gallery offers a closer look at the performers who have entertained crowds in Blackpool’s historic circus venues. Visitors can learn about the lives of circus performers, see costumes and props used in famous acts and explore the history of Blackpool’s circuses.
Temporary exhibitions at Showtown
In addition to the museum’s permanent exhibits, Showtown also has a programme of temporary exhibitions. Current and planned exhibitions include:
Andy Hollingworth
British photographer Andy Hollingworth has built a career photographing comedians, capturing some of the UK’s most well-known figures. His images feature in Showtown’s first major exhibition, showcasing legends like Rowan Atkinson and Victoria Wood, alongside contemporary names such as Rosie Jones and Romesh Ranganathan. This exhibition (until Sunday 23 February 2025) highlights those who have shaped British comedy.
Visiting Showtown
Showtown is centrally located on Blackpool’s Promenade, close to many of the town’s other major attractions, including Blackpool Tower, SEA LIFE and the Winter Gardens. It is well served by public transport with Tower tram stop immediately outside the museum.
It is a relatively pricey attraction but it does an excellent job of providing an introduction to Blackpool.
Allow 2–3 hours for your visit.
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