Family

32 images of Christmas by the Sea taking shape ahead of grand opening

Festive fun at the 2025 Lytham Christmas Lights Switch On event.

Lytham Christmas Lights Switch-On is here - what you need to know

Lauderdale Avenue (Credit: Purplebricks)

Family home with fitted kitchen, dining room & lovely garden for sale

Foster carer Dawn Jones, who has died at 62

Devastated family pay tribute to beloved foster-carer mum to 20 kids

Skelwith Road (Credit: SellMyHome)

Gorgeous 3-bed family home with garden on the market for bargain price

The free Fylde Ice Festival will return to the borough in February 2027, with Kirkham town centre set to host the popular event following its successful visit to Lytham last year.

Free Fylde Ice Festival 2027 - date, location & what you need to know

Sunstone Avenue (Credit: Stephen Tew Estate Agents)

Slick modern 2-bed home with clean design and private garden for sale

Two families have shared their positive experiences of being supported to find new homes in the Revoe area as Blackpool Council progresses with plans for a major regeneration project.

'Tenerife to Blackpool' - Couple find new home amid redevelopment

It's a.. gender reveal for Blackpool zoo's three adorable lion cubs: 'An exciting new chapter for the pride'

Update on Blackpool Zoo's 3 adorable lion cubs after health checks

Blackpool’s historic Winter Gardens is set to host a major family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration.

Family-friendly NYE Fest 2026 party at Winter Gardens - ticket info

Families will be able to enjoy a festive underwater adventure this Christmas as Santa returns to SEA LIFE Blackpool as part of a series of seasonal events taking place at aquariums across the UK.

SEA LIFE Blackpool announces Christmas grotto dates for 2026

Cheroken Reigo-Bentley is a 16-year-old with a remarkable ambition. The entrepreneurial A-level student at St Mary’s Catholic Academy in Blackpool is looking to build a business with the aim of supporting young people's mental health across the country.

I'm only 16, but I'm already Managing Director of my own company

Over half of parents saying their child avoids creativity due to fear of getting it wrong

Parents say screen time and homework hold back children's creativity

31 spectacular images of Carnival Magic at Blackpool Tower Ballroom

We want to hear from you because every new fosterer makes a difference

Harry's Play Centre in St Annes has been named the ninth best-rated soft play and indoor play centre in the UK, achieving an average Google rating of 4.94 stars from 223 reviews.

Fylde coast soft play named among UK's top 10 best-rated venues
“Soft play is where a lot of families end up when the weather turns...”
Jack Marshall

Ad Feature Parents restrict kids' activities over laundry fears

On the back of this week's announcement that Blackpool is down to the final four in the race to be awarded City of Culture status, the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Philip North, has welcomed the news and called for the whole of Lancashire to get behind the bid.

Bishop backs 'special' Blackpool for City of Culture title

The annual Kite Festival 2026, on Lytham St Annes Beach.

Update on much-loved free St Annes International Kite Festival in 2027

Lauderdale Avenue (Credit: Purplebricks)

Fantastic 3-bed family home with fitted kitchen & rear garden for sale

Lightpool 2026 art trail on opening night in Blackpool. Photo: Lucinda Herbert

25 stunning images from the opening night of Blackpool's Lightpool

Commuters in Blackpool were greeted by a familiar sight this morning as the illuminated Western Train returned to the Promenade ahead of the start of Lightpool Festival 2026.

Historic heritage trams return to Prom as Lightpool Festival begins

The homeschooling numbers in Blackpool have continued to rise (Peter Byrne/PA)

Council monitoring risks as number of home-schooled kids rises

Tributes have been paid to much-loved Blackpool hotelier Ephraim Bell who was born at a promenade hotel and died at 82 as the proprietor of another just a short distance away.

Tributes paid to legendary Prince of the Promenade Blackpool hotelier

Meet display manager David Fawcett-Ropner at Barton Grange Garden Centre, he gave us a tour around the new festive displays and gave details of this year's display themes, as the Barton Grange team get ready for their annual Christmas Preview event on Thursday 22nd October.

'We're getting ready...' - Garden Centre to unveil Christmas displays

I had the best family day out at Blackpool Tower Top and here's why I think you should visit this half term. Pictured is The Gazette editor, Vanessa Sims, standing on the glass platform at Blackpool Tower Top, Central Pier, North Pier and Central Blackpool

Blackpool Tower Top should be on your half term wish list - here's why

Farmer Parrs have launched their pumpkin picking events at 'Parrs Patch' where families can pick their own pumpkins at the weekend in Fleetwood in the run up to Halloween. Photo: Lucinda Herbert

12 spooky images of Farmer Parrs Animal World pumpkin picking patch
Pumpkin picking gets underway at Parrs Patch in Fleetwood!
Jack Marshall

A Blackpool care home has retained its ‘Good’ rating across all five inspection categories, with inspectors praising staff for their kind, compassionate and person-centred approach.

New Care Quality Commission inspection for Blackpool care home

Cllr Ruth Duffy at theMilton Street play area in Fleetwood

'We're running out of time' - Bid to save beloved children's play area

More than 76,000 families across the North West have saved money on childcare through the Government’s Tax-Free Childcare scheme, according to the latest figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Over 76,000 North West families save cash with Tax-Free Childcare

Families are invited to enjoy a free Halloween theatre show in across Wyre this October half term, as The Monster Ball brings spooky fun, laughter and mischief to two village halls.

Free October half-term family Halloween theatre show - dates & tickets

Photography enthusiasts of all ages are being invited to capture the magic of light as part of a special community exhibition marking the 10th anniversary of Blackpool’s Lightpool Festival.

Lightpool photography competition for special 10th anniversary event

I’m dreading the day my eight-year-old gets his first phone but this Mumsnet-backed app could help

This Mumsnet-backed app aims to help parents protect children online

More than 40 people are currently taking part in a 26-mile walk from Lancaster Castle to Blackpool Tower in memory of Blackpool dad and Army veteran Kieron Halsall, who died suddenly aged 34.

Epic 26-mile walk for Blackpool dad and Army vet after tragic death

Revealed: Council spent 80% of funding on social care last year

Kincraig Primary School in Bispham received high praise in its latest Ofsted inspection report

Headteacher praises staff, pupils & governors after Ofsted inspection

Lancashire Police warning as children's nine accidental 999 calls leave genuine emergencies waiting in queue

Children's accidental 999 calls leave genuine emergencies waiting

Magical nature experience this Halloween at Blackpool Zoo's Wizarding Wildlife School

Magical Halloween at Blackpool Zoo's Wizarding Wildlife School

Lewis Edmundson with his son Tommy

'He was so determined' - Tribute to brave dad who passed away at 28

Blackpool Zoo update on young elephant Zaiya after 2,686 specialists feeds

What a difference a year makes! Blackpool Zoo update on elephant Zaiya

David Allum with daughter Chloe Allum, 11, who has been put in 'inclusion' for wearing an un-branded skirt to school

'Proud' dad slams 'sexist' school uniform rule after daughter punished

Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse

Halloween magic at Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse marks major date

Yoto has unveiled its new 4th Gen Player and Mini, with a new Green Button designed to make favourite audio easier for children to access.

Yoto's two new kids' audio players have a clever new feature

Fleet Fest, featuring a Luminarium is coming to the Marine Gardens

Exciting Luminarium will be focal point for free family fun day

Tributes have been paid to much-loved JJ Taylor, 32, who was the complex care manager at Grange Pharmacy on Grange Park after his sudden death

Tributes paid to much-loved Blackpool man, 32, after sudden death

Sharon and her husband Tom

Beloved dad dies of heart attack just days after cancer all-clear

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show at Blackpool Grand Theatre

Blackpool Grand helped my family make memories I will cherish forever

Police issue statement after tragic death at Lancashire Steam and Vintage Festival

Breaking Police issue statement after tragic death at steam festival

The death was confirmed by organisers today

Breaking Organisers pay tribute after man tragically dies at steam festival

Family tribute to 'devoted' ex-Blackpool teacher Simon Gettings killed when his vehicle was hit by a train on level crossing

Tribute to ex-Blackpool teacher killed by train on level crossing

Online applications open for Lancashire's primary and secondary school places

Online applications open for 2027 school places in Lancashire

Danny and Amberin

Blackpool man in race to raise £40k to save fiancé from brain tumour

Viva Las Rascals

Rascals brings family-friendly entertainment event to Viva

Kelly Marie Glasgow and her sister Georgina who has tragically died

Blackpool mum dies at just 35 as heartbroken family pay tribute

Mark Kinglsey, 57, hosting a fun day at Performance Padel Preston in aid of prostate cancer

21 emotional images as Lytham dad with terminal cancer hosts event

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