Blackpool has returned... almost writes Andy Mitchell - Wednesday, April 21, 2021

The evening sunshine danced playfully off the freshly shaved heads of countless pub doormen, The beer gardens rocked to the sound of music and laughter... and Blackpool was back (well almost).
By Suzanne Steedman
Published 21st Apr 2021, 12:30 BST
Blackpool was busy again at the weekendBlackpool was busy again at the weekend
Blackpool was busy again at the weekend

Forgive the pseudo poetic intro to this week’s column, but there really was much to make the heart feel good over the weekend.

Mrs M and I wandered into town on Saturday just to see how many others had decided to do just the same. If the sight of a deserted Church Street last May Bank Holiday filled any Sandgrown’un with horror, then the turn around in fortunes since the lock down was lifted, gave us that lovely boost and hope for the future.

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The town was packed over the weekend, and this was BEFORE the hotels were allowed to reopen. Day trippers came from all over the North West to spend the day on the Prom. They packed the beach and the piers, ice creams and burgers in hand, in a vote of confidence that bodes well for the next few weeks, as long as the weather holds up, of course.

It was heartening to hear the screams coming from the Big One at The Pleasure Beach, as the curtain rises on the 125th year of fun. Even Mr Funshine is back, proving you can’t keep a good 1930s icon down.

The next steps are being taken carefully. The council’s Covid marshalls in their branded up hi vis vests have been sent out to patrol the Prom, much as the Prefects patrolled the dinner queues, though I don’t think they’re handing out Saturday Morning Detentions.

At North Pier, investment is apparent as the newly rebranded and refurbished sun lounge is a credit to the owners and gives Blackpool something else a bit more modern for a new crowd.

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We now need the hotels open next month to really give the town a bit more of a sense of normality, along with the reopening of our famous indoor venues.

The season is set fair, now we just need a hot summer to go with the crowds.

The gypsy lady is back with her eternal offer of “both palms for five pounds today only”, and the optimism for everyone’s future is tangible.

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