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.

19. Blackpool, 1981
The International Slipper fair launched at Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool and the models stepped out in style. Everything you could possibly need for your feet was on display. Pictured - Donna Rooney, two, of Fleetwood, takes a fancy to some hedgehog slipper Photo: National World


21. Blackpool, 1981
Arriving at The Grand Theatre, Prince Charles was greeted by Mr & Mrs Geoffrey Thompson and John Broadbent, chairman of Friends of the Grand. This was the re-opening of The Grand Photo: submit

22. Blackpool, 1981
Volunteers struggle to clear the snow from the pitch at Blackpool Football Club, Bloomfield Road in time for the match against Tranmere on Boxing Day 1981 Photo: Steve Szydlowski




