25 incredible Blackpool pictures from 1981 that take you back to the Thatcher era, heavy snow and the logflume

This rewind to 1981 reminds us of how our resort looked in an era which is 45 years ago.

It was the year of heavy snowfall, strike action and a Conservative Conference which saw Margaret Thatcher address the party by saying ‘the conference focussed on the plight of the unemployed’. Blackpool FC played Fleetwood Town and our beautiful Grand Theatre was finally reopened after a chequered few years.

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13. Blackpool, 1981

Rubble on Princes Way, Rossall, in 1981 as the sea defence work was going on Photo: submit

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14. Blackpool, 1981

The Grand Theatre, March 1981, halfway through the first week of its re-opening and the house full sign was already being put to good use Photo: submit

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15. Blackpool, 1981

Barbara Windsor meets her fans on 24th June 1981, long before EastEnders beckoned. The former Carry On star was appearing alongside Trevor Bannister in The Mating Game at the Grand Theatre Photo: Historical