17 nostalgic pictures of Blackpool in 1976 the year when the UK basked in famous heatwave

By Claire Lark

Digital Journalist

Published 24th Jun 2026, 16:42 GMT

It was the year of Blackpool’s Centenary celebrations - and that famous heatwave.

1976 was a memorable year and these photos encompass what Blackpool was like, events, people, town and streets.

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13. Blackpool, 1976

Blackpool Carnival procession organised by Round Table as a finale to Centenary Celebrations. historical. Tom Baker (Dr Who) pictured with some of the many carnival collectors Photo: National World

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14. Blackpool, 1976

Donkeys on the beach in 1976 Photo: archive

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15. Blackpool, 1976

The Big Dipper was partially damaged by fire at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Photo: Submit

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16. Blackpool, 1976

Despite a press ban imposed by film director Ken Russell, Rudolf Nureyev, was caught on camera in the Imperial Hotel Car Park, Blackpool in 1976. He was in town to film scenes in Blackpool Tower and at Illawalla in Thornton in the lead role of Rudolph Valentino in Russel's latest film "Valentino". Photo: staff

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17. Blackpool, 1976

Lyons Maid, Blackpool, 28 June 1976 Photo: JP

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