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

By Claire Lark

Published 12th Dec 2022, 15:45 BST

Updated 12th Dec 2022, 16:11 BST

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.

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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7. Retro Christmas

Bustling shops in the last few days before Christmas, 1996 Photo: Dave Nelson

Photo Sales

8. Retro Christmas

WH Smith Blackpool store at Christmas, 1975 Photo: staff

Photo Sales

9. Retro Christmas

A crowded shopping street in Blackpool, 1996. Some of those names have disappeared from the high street - Tie Rack, Allsports... Photo: Dawn Castle

Photo Sales

10. Retro Christmas

Pupils from Anchorsholme C.P. School gave a carol concert at Hounds Hill shopping centre with all donations towards the Gazette and Radio Wave United For Christmas Appeal in 1996 Photo: Rob Lock