26 nostalgic scenes which capture the bustle of Christmas in Blackpool town centre in decades gone by

A picture of children meeting Father Christmas at Lewis’s in Blackpool, scenes inside BHS and WH Smith in the 70s and bustling streets at the heart of Blackpool town centre in the 80s and 90s evoke a warmth of festive nostalgia.

By Claire Lark

Published 12th Dec 2022, 15:45 BST

Updated 12th Dec 2022, 16:11 BST

The photos from our archives show street scenes, shops, people and magical moments in the run up Christmas through the years. They’ll have you reminiscing and remind you how it all was in years gone by.

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British Home Stores at Christmas in the 1970s, a busy scene a few days before Christmas in the 1990s and an emotive pictures which shows children visiting Father Christmas at Blackpool Lewis's in 1964

1. Retro Christmas

British Home Stores at Christmas in the 1970s, a busy scene a few days before Christmas in the 1990s and an emotive pictures which shows children visiting Father Christmas at Blackpool Lewis's in 1964 Photo: National World

The Salvation Army brass band blast out a few tunes to get Christmas shoppers in the festive spirit, 1997

2. Retro Christmas

The Salvation Army brass band blast out a few tunes to get Christmas shoppers in the festive spirit, 1997 Photo: Dawn Castle

This was in Blackpool, December 1975 but we don't know which store. Can anyone help?

3. Retro Christmas

This was in Blackpool, December 1975 but we don't know which store. Can anyone help? Photo: staff

Christmas shoppers pack into Bank Hey Street in 1997

4. Retro Christmas

Christmas shoppers pack into Bank Hey Street in 1997 Photo: Rob Lock

Christmas shopping in Blackpool, 1996

5. Retro Christmas

Christmas shopping in Blackpool, 1996 Photo: Dawn Castle

24 hour shopping at the Co-op Hypermarket in 1997. This was such a big deal when it launched

6. Retro Christmas

24 hour shopping at the Co-op Hypermarket in 1997. This was such a big deal when it launched Photo: Dawn Castle