Little people needed for new project celebrating their role in Blackpool’s story

Tuesday, 19 August 2025 19:53

By Richard Hunt

Blackpool’s Showtown museum of fun and entertainment is calling on little people to help lead a pioneering new project.

It will celebrate the overlooked but extraordinary contributions of performers with dwarfism to Blackpool’s rich circus heritage.

For over 130 years, the Blackpool Tower Circus has showcased the finest circus artistes, including talented performers with dwarfism whose humour, athleticism, and stage presence captivated audiences.

Now Showtown aims to spotlight these histories and celebrate their artistry and creativity – but the museum needs help from little people themselves.

With support from the Collections Fund – delivered by the Museums Association, Showtown is inviting people with dwarfism, along with their families and friends, to join a new community group.

This group will explore how these performers have been represented in Blackpool’s collections and help shape how their stories are told.

Showtown is operated and managed by Blackpool Operating Company Ltd, on behalf of Blackpool Council.

Jill Carruthers, exhibitions manager at Showtown, said: “This is your chance to take the lead in interpreting your history, ensuring that lived experience drives how these stories are understood now and in the future.

“The project will create a safe and inclusive space for open conversation, reflection and creativity, guided by you.”

The Blackpool Tower Circus Collection includes thousands of posters, photographs, programmes, and postcards that reveal the incredible variety of acts that made the circus the beating heart of Blackpool’s entertainment.

However, some materials contain outdated and potentially offensive language. Showtown wants to handle these narratives with sensitivity and care.

Participants will be supported throughout the process, with context, guidance, and space for reflection provided by the project team.

Jill added: “We’re at the beginning of this journey and are committed to shaping the project in partnership with people who have lived experience of dwarfism. Your insights will guide how these stories are interpreted and ensure they are told with respect, accuracy, and pride.

“We need you. If you are a little person or someone you know has dwarfism, Showtown would love for you to take part in this important project.”

Participants are asked to get in touch by August 29 and can either email to info@showtownblackpool.co.uk or call (01253) 478624.

Have you got a local news story? Email us now, news@central.radio

More from Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde News

St Annes paddling pool set to make a splash again after repairs funding agreed

Essential repairs will be carried out on the paddling pool at St Annes after funding was agreed by Fylde Council.
Hunt is on for temporary ‘pop-up’ home for heritage trams

Blackpool Transport is on the lookout for a suitable location from which to temporarily display the town’s iconic and much-loved heritage fleet.
Major uproar at plans for 100-home development in Fylde countryside village

A lush meadow which has been part of people’s childhood memories in the Kirkham and Wesham area for generations desperately needs saving from a massive housing scheme, say campaigners.
Blackpool Council update on Adult Services progress after last year’s ‘inadequate’ CQC rating

A damning CQC report on Blackpool’s Adult Social care last year has ended up being a positive wake-up call which has improved services, an annual report concludes.
Community stewardship set to continue at Lytham Assembly Rooms

Lytham Assembly Rooms, home to Lytham Library, is set to remain in the hands of the community that has cared for it for decades, after Fylde Council’s agreed to transfer the freehold of the historic building to Lytham Town Trust.
Contractors working together to create new community hub in South Shore

Contractors working with Blackpool Council have joined forces to create a new community space in South Shore, aiming to upskill residents and help create a more resilient community.
Windfarm cabling reaction and full route explained

A government decision to approve a controversial cabling scheme to connect a pair of offshore windfarms near Fylde to a power station in South Ribble will leave the local landscape it cuts through changed forever, campaigners against the plans have warned.
Duke brings right Royal touch to Blackpool’s Stanley Park for centenary

Cheering crowds of excited children waved union flags as the Duke of Edinburgh paid a special visit to Blackpool’s Stanley Park to help celebrate its centenary year.