South Shore’s past comes alive in new community exhibition

Photographs, keepsakes and personal stories from South Shore’s past are being shared to celebrate “a place full of character and community spirit”.

They all form part of the South Shore Stories exhibition, now open at Blackpool Enterprise Centre. Running until September, the exhibition invites residents and visitors to step back in time and celebrate the people, places and memories that have helped shaped one of Blackpool’s most loved communities.

The project, led by Blackpool Council’s business growth team, has seen local people share their photographs, keepsakes and personal stories, capturing everything from family holidays and guest houses to shopping trips, seaside attractions and memories of the former Lido Baths.

Now brought together in a free public exhibition and commemorative book, those memories offer a fascinating snapshot into the history of South Shore through the eyes of the people who know it best.

Cllr Mark Smith, cabinet member for economy and built environment, said: “The South Shore Stories exhibition highlights and celebrates the sense of community and vibrancy that has always been part of this much-loved area. From residents and local businesses to families with long-standing ties to South Shore, the community response has been excellent. The exhibition showcases the very best of the area and also serves as a thank you to everyone who contributed their stories.”

To complement the exhibition, some of the collected memories have been published in a special commemorative book celebrating South Shore’s heritage and identity for future generations to enjoy. 

The book features a foreword by Elaine Smith MBE, Chairman of the Blackpool Civic Trust, who moved to Blackpool aged 10 in 1945 and dedicated much of her adult life to preserving the town’s heritage. In her foreword, Elaine describes South Shore as “a place full of memories, character and community spirit that deserves to be celebrated and remembered.”

The exhibition opened as it was announced around £1m of funding has been earmarked for South Shore. This money will come from Blackpool’s Pride in Place Impact Fund, secured by MP for Blackpool South, Chris Webb, and managed by Blackpool Council. This will go on projects including adding new murals, planting and public realm improvements, and supporting young people, businesses and public spaces in South Shore. And £415,000 will be used to brighten up the areas around and support businesses along Waterloo Road and Lytham Road.

The South Shore Stories exhibition is now open to the public until September 2026, with free entry, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, at the Blackpool Enterprise Centre, Lytham Road, Blackpool, FY4 1EW.