Author: Viva Blackpool
Viva Blackpool Attends The GRAFTAS!
28 November 2017
Viva Blackpool is ecstatic to share a few highlights of this year’s GRAFTA’s and their amazing awards won on the night!
The GRAFTA awards, organised by DJ Paul O’Brien & Viva Blackpool is an awards ceremony that takes place every year to recognise all of Blackpool’s bars, pubs and clubs, whilst also rewarding the hardworking bar workers, teams and businesses for making Blackpool’s outstanding nightlife what it is today.
It was all smiles and laughter on the night, which took place on Sunday 26th November, as over 400 people, all from different entertainment venues, came together at the spectacular Viva Blackpool to let their hair down and party in style with a special night just for them, whilst also winning some awards.
Speaking of awards, not only did the Vegas venue in the heart of Blackpool host the event, but also managed to take away four awards on the night! From being the best dressed and the biggest party animal to being the hardest worker, not to mention Viva’s hilarious resident host Leye D Johns winning the award for ‘favourite entertainer’.
Leye D Johns, Entertainment Director at Viva, said:
“ What a lovely night it was. The GRAFTAS is always a great time and an event that all of us at Viva look forward to. It was a pleasure hosting the awards for a third time and to win an astonishing four awards is just a fabulous bonus.
I think it’s fair to say that the awards are the perfect chance to give recognition to all the hard workers in the Blackpool nightlife scene, and to give them a much need celebration after a fantastic season all round. ”
Take a look below to find out which individual superstars bagged the win for the Viva family.
You can find out more about the GRAFTAS and all of the other winners here: https://www.facebook.com/graftasblackpool/
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Viva Blackpool Takes Home The Win!
Viva Blackpool is ecstatic to announce their win of ‘Large Visitor Attraction’ at the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2017!
The Lancashire Tourism Awards, organised by Marketing Lancashire and now in it’s 14th year is the only pan-Lancashire tourism-focused awards ceremony, and it’s primary focus is to celebrate the success of businesses, individuals and partnerships in the tourism industry across Lancashire.
The Awards is a reminder of all the diversity that the county has and highlights all the amazing experiences Lancashire has to offer visitors, as well as reveal the brightest and best stars working in Lancashire tourism today.
The ceremony was held on the 9th November 2017 at the magnificent Blackpool Tower Ballroom; with over 500 guests anxiously waiting to be crowned the winners of their individual nominated categories.
Viva Blackpool being in the heart of the crowd after being nominated for three awards earlier in the year.
Facing some tough competition, Viva was up against Blackpool Zoo, Brockholes Nature Reserve in Preston, East Lancashire Railway, Farmer Ted’s Adventure Park in Ormskirk and Sandcastle Water Park in Blackpool for ‘Large Visitor Attraction’ and was absolutely over the moon to receive the win!
Leye D Johns, Entertainment Director at Viva, said:
“We are absolutely over the moon with our win of ‘Large Visitor Attraction’ and already have our award proudly on display!
Looking back, I am completely blown away by how far we have come over the last five years since opening and cannot wait to see what the future brings”
You can find out more about all of the other fantastic winners at www.lancashiretourismawards.com
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Viva Vegas Diner, Bar & Grill Brings A New Dinning & Entertainment Experience To Blackpool!
Set on Blackpool’s iconic Golden Mile, the Viva Vegas Diner offers a trip back in time to the fabulous era of the 1950’s for a unique and high-quality dining and entertainment experience.
Featured classic car fitted booths and a retro-inspired bar, with fantastic memorabilia from the era, complementing the stunning interior design, this restaurant, bar and grill truly captures the aesthetic of a true 1950’s diner with a touch of Las Vegas thrown in.
Alongside a delicious menu full of all those tasty American classics, including the most amazing milkshakes, hotdogs and burgers – which all happens to be made freshly to order daily, you can also experience a service like no other, due to the incredible, all singing, all dancing servers that break out into song and dance throughout the day! Where else in Blackpool can you receive top-quality service with a song?
Not to mention the bar serving up the most divine cocktails, wines, spirits, beers plus many other fantastic drink options late into the night, plus showing live sports alongside the very best entertainment in Blackpool, including an incredible in-house band The Fremonts!
Managing Director Martin Heywood says:
“We are all so over the moon with the response we have gotten from the public about our new diner. Admittedly we have had a few teething problems in the first few months, just like any other new restaurant, but we have taken on board all the comments and feedback from our loyal customers to make the Viva Vegas Diner experience the best it can be.
The potential for this new bar & grill is endless and I am excited to see what the future brings and introduce a whole new dining and entertainment concept to Blackpool!”
So what are you waiting for? Go ‘all in’ at the Viva Vegas Diner for a one of a kind experience you’ll never forget.
Part of the ‘Viva Blackpool’ entertainment, dining and events complex – A busy, bustling family restaurant, bar and live music venue that is definitely something to be seen!
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Mamma Mia Here We Go Again
16 September 2017
Two new dates in the Viva Blackpool diary will take music lovers back in time.
Dancing Queen: The Concert promises to be ‘the biggest 70s party ever’ – paying tribute to the Swedish pop icons ABBA – when it comes to the Church Street entertainment complex on Monday, October 23.
A spokesman said: “With over 15 years’ experience worldwide Dancing Queen: The Concert is a sensational live tribute to one of the world’s best ever bands, with authentic costume changes.
“A fabulous live band, there’s only one show to have, Dancing Queen: The Concert
“The concert captures the sounds of ABBA lyrically, visually and musically. They include many of the favorite hits we fondly remember such as Dancing Queen and Waterloo.”
And into the new year, on Sunday, February 4, the venue will host That’ll Be The Day, ‘the UK’s premier Rock & Roll production’ and a celebration of the golden era of popular music.
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Star Trekking in the Blackpool Lights . . .
28 August 2017
Blackpool will boldly go where no one has gone before with the first intergalactic switch-on of the world-famous Illuminations.
The announcement of a Star Trek switch-on finale completes the line-up for this year’s event, which is being staged in association with MTV. There will be live performances from artists Example and DJ Wire, Diversity, Conor Maynard and Louisa Johnson.
The main show will commence at around 7pm with performances by Louisa and Conor, followed by another scintillating routine by Diversity which will lead directly into the Star Trek switch-on sequence. Immediately after the Switch-On, Example and DJ Wire will rock the Promenade for an hour-long party under the Lights.
Blackpool already has a strong relationship with the Star Trek franchise, with an interactive exhibition on the Golden Mile and features within the Illuminations, and it’ll be a spectacular and innovative way to welcome in the Blackpool Illuminations season.
The biggest night in Blackpool’s events calendar, which is being staged in association with MTV, will feature headline performances by Example and DJ Wire, Conor Maynard, Diversity and Louisa Johnson.
The free concert, to be held on the Tower Festival Headland Arena on Friday 1 September, also sees the return of Club MTV DJs R3wire and Varski, who took last year’s event by storm.
International rapper and songwriter Example has performed to sell-out audiences across Europe and worked alongside global stars including Calvin Harris and Chase & Status. He has also acted in numerous movies.
He will be joined at the Switch-On party by the hugely-talented Louisa Johnson – at 17, the youngest ever winner of The X Factor, who went on to secure major hits with Tears and So Good selling over 1 million singles.
Conor Maynard is no stranger to Blackpool having appeared at the inaugural SLIMEFEST event in 2016. The singer-songwriter has a huge following on You Tube and was named as MTV’s Brand New star for 2012.
Diversity, who stunned the Switch-On capacity crowd with an astonishing routine last year have just completed their seventh UK arena tour. Widely acclaimed as one of the world’s great dance acts, they will be bringing another unique set to the Switch-On stage.
The Friday night event will start with a “Blackpool Introduces” showcase featuring the best of talent from the local area, including local singer songwriter James Edgar; the incredible vocal harmonies of District 12; upcoming new band Pacific;
and, the soulful vocals of Gloria Adereti.
This will be followed by an exclusive performance from B&FC’s student choir who will then lead the crowd in a special rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ to commemorate the College’s milestone anniversary. The event will be one of the highlights of the College’s year of celebrations, with a number of events already having taken place or planned throughout the rest of the year.
Switch-On VIP
We’re happy to be this year’s VIP partner for the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On event.
The VIP packages include a complimentary drink and canapes on arrival; access to the VIP marquee within the Switch-On arena; and exclusive access to the after-show party in the glittering Festival Suite with Viva’s host and Entertainment Director, Mr Leye D Johns, along with members of the Viva cast for an exclusive VIP performance.
Prices start from £69.00 for adults and £35.00 for under 14s. Tickets are on sale NOW include a whole host of added extras including a delicious after-show supper and an official VIP goody bag.
Tickets: available online here, by calling Viva Blackpool on 01253 297297 or by e-mailing [email protected].
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Happy Birthday To Us!
10 August 2017
The Vegas venue in the heart of Blackpool is set to celebrate five years in business this Saturday with a special offer for customers.
The entertainment complex opened back in August 2012 after entrepreneurs Martin Heywood and Leye D Johns set out to create a Las Vegas style experience on the Fylde Coast.
To celebrate they are offering the first fifty customers to book tickets for Viva Vegas Live on Saturday August 12 a special £10 offer.
Leye D Johns, Entertainment Director at Viva, said: “Martin and I have a long history of providing top quality entertainment in Blackpool since our days at the Alabama Showboat and we couldn’t be happier to celebrate Viva’s 5th birthday this weekend.
“We’ve been incredibly privileged to work with some of the best entertainers in the business and to see Viva flourish into an icon of the Golden Mile.
“Not only that but we’ve received a host of awards and accolades over the years, none of which would have been possible without the constant support of our dedicated colleagues and customers.”
The venue revived the former bingo hall and reimagined it as an entertainment complex to rival any other in town, with three stunning rooms providing shows and function spaces 365 days a year.
Earlier in the year the business expanded with the opening of the Viva Vegas Diner on the corner of Church Street and the Promenade, offering an American style dining experience never before seen in the town combined with regular live music from house band The Fremonts.
The new venture saw a £1.2m investment made into the refurbishment of the diner, staff development initiatives and improvements to the staging and video screen backdrop in the main venue.
Martin Heywood, Managing Director at Viva, added: “When Leye and I opened the venue back in 2012 we had a vision to provide an exceptional visitor experience for our customers and we are delighted to be able to continue to do so.
“We are both absolutely committed to Blackpool, a town which we both have a huge passion for, and count ourselves very lucky to be a part of the thriving entertainment offer.
“Not only that, but we enjoy nothing more than providing quality career and development opportunities to the people of the UK’s number one seaside resort.”
Viva and the Viva Vegas Diner employs 90 staff, all paid the living wage, in a variety of positions from marketing assistants to box office clerks, bartenders to technicians and everything in between, plus prides itself on offering a programme of career development opportunities.
Over the years Viva has won a number of awards including Entertainment Venue of the Year and Customer Service gongs in the Radio Wave Culture & Lifestyle Awards, and in 2016 Entertainment Director Leye D Johns was named Lancashire Tourism Superstar as well as being shortlisted for the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar award.
Discounted celebration tickets are only available on Saturday 12 August for Viva Vegas Live when quoting ‘FIVE YEARS’. For more information or to book tickets visit www.vivablackpool.com or call 01253 297 297.
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Feel the 4th with the ‘Independence Burger’ at the Viva Vegas Diner
28 June 2017
The Viva Vegas Diner is celebrating the 4th of July with a giant foodie challenge, American themed music set and a host of drinks promotions.
The ‘Independence Burger’ has been cooked up by Viva’s head chef, with a mammoth burger and a selection of sumptuous sides all on the plate, plus the chance to get it all free of charge if you challengers finish it within 45 minutes of it hitting their table.
Resident band ‘The Fremonts’ will be keeping challengers motivated as they take on the monumental mouth-watering mission, with a brand-new musical soundtrack featuring a host of all American classics throughout the month.
Leye D Johns, Entertainment Director at Viva, said: “We’re really looking forward to celebrating the 4th of July with our American cousins here at the Viva Vegas Diners.
“The new set created by The Fremonts takes a whole host of all American classics and reimagines them in the band’s postmodern Jukebox style that our visitors have been loving since we opened.
“So don’t miss this chance to feel the 4th with us this July and see if you can defeat the ‘Independence Burger’ challenge.”
The behemoth burger includes two beef patties, two buttermilk chicken breasts, two jack cheese slices, two strips of streaky bacon, BBQ pulled pork, blasting bacon bits, onion dust and signature six cheese sauce.
As well as the burger, challenges have to round off their meal with giant onion rings, three buffalo chicken wings, a small plate of mac and cheese and cajun skin on fries plus, wash it all down with two pints of coke.
As well as the ‘Independence Burger’ the team behind the bar have created a series of brand-new red, white and blue cocktails, all available on a buy three get your fourth one free offer throughout the month.
The ‘Independence Burger’ will cost £24.95 for anyone who doesn’t finish every morsel within the 45 minute time limit, but all challengers will have their name and time placed on the leaderboard on the Viva Vegas Diner website, with the person with the best time winning a meal for four at the end of the month.
The Viva Vegas Diner 4th of July ‘Independence Burger’ challenge and promotions run from Monday 3 to Monday July 31.
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Resident Band to Keep Toes Tapping at Viva Vegas Diner
1 June 2017
Homegrown band ‘The Fremonts’ are set to take up residence at the Viva Vegas Diner with a rock and roll style postmodern jukebox of tracks.
The band are named after the famous Fremont Street in Las Vegas which has featured in many well known music videos and is renowned for its live music scene.
Offering an eclectic mix of old songs brought up to date and new songs made to sound retro, the band are to offer the perfect accompaniment to the unique Viva Vegas Diner experience.
Sam Cummins, Lead Vocalist of The Fremonts, said: “We’re made up to have been chosen as the resident band for the new Viva Vegas Diner.
“Our speciality is performing old songs that sound like new and new songs that sound old, we think that people will love that kind of sound.
“We hope that we’ll have audiences at the diner tapping their toes while they enjoy their Viva Vegas dining experience.”
The 4-piece are made up of local musicians Sam Cummins on lead vocals, Matthew Chung on drums, Joe Boyes on keyboard and Michael Mayor on bass guitar.
On selected performances throughout the season the band will be joined on stage by members of the new in-house Viva cast and guest vocalists to really give the venue that live music vibe that Fremont Street in Vegas is known for.
They are also keen to hear from local musicians who might want to join them on stage for a jam, creating new collaborations and unique sounds for diners to enjoy.
The Viva Vegas Diner is set to open to the public at 20:30 on Monday, June 12th following the VIP launch. For more information or for advanced bookings, call 01253 297 297 or visit the website.
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Brand new high end production to launch this June
9 May 2017
Viva Blackpool’s headline show Viva Vegas Live is set to re-launch this June with a stunning new high end production.
Starring the hilarious Entertainment Director of Viva Blackpool Leye D Johns, the newly reimagined show will feature large scale production numbers, an expanded cast, aerial performance plus new guest vocalists.
The show, which has run every week since the venue opened in 2012, will re-launch on June 24 and is set to bring a taste of high end Las Vegas glamour to the thriving venue.
Leye D Johns said: “We’re so excited about the new Viva Vegas Live production that we’ve been preparing behind the scenes over the past couple of months.
“Here at Viva we’re all about bringing that Vegas glitz to the Fylde Coast and we’re sure that the new show is going to do exactly that.
“This is the start of a journey we’re going on here at Viva to evolve the show, stage, cast and venue all with the aim of making it bigger, better and more Vegas.”
The new cast is 11-strong, featuring male and female dancers and vocalists for the first time in the venue’s history, bringing Vegas style production values to audiences on the Fylde Coast. With credits including appearances at Proud Cabaret in London, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Celebrity Cruise Line, the new resident cast are one of the most talented and acclaimed in the resort.
With musical numbers spanning everything from classic show tunes right through to contemporary tracks including Rag & Bone Man’s smash hit Human, the show promises to offer something for everyone.
The venue’s stage and video screens are also being improved in anticipation of the launch of the new show and a plethora of glittering and glamourous costumes have been commissioned to bring out the razzle dazzle of the cast.
As part of the investment into the new show the resident cast are having their skills enhanced with a programme of professional development ensuring that they are able to be at the forefront of the industry, constantly enhancing their skills to bring the highest quality productions to Viva’s audiences.
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Blackpool’s showbiz wedding of the year
6 April 2017
The biggest, brightest and best showbiz Blackpool wedding of the year was held here at our very own Vegas venue.
Local DJ and entertainer Norry Ascroft aka ‘Lionel Vinyl’ and bride Heather staged a super-sized ‘mock’ wedding.
The theatrically proportioned celebration, was for guests back home, having followed an overseas ceremony.
Our Viva Blackpool wedding team masterminded a laugh-filled occasion, shrouded in secrecy.
It incorporated unexpected twists for both bride and groom, concocted by one half of the happy couple without the other’s knowledge.
The groovy groom was tickled pink when a ‘fake bride’ (our in-house entertainer Leye D Johns) headed down the aisle.
Having mistakenly translated the groom’s request to ‘marry him’, ‘she’ was quite a sight.
Picture full bridal regalia, accompanied by drag queen bridesmaids!
And once the confusion had passed, ‘she’ dutifully performed the ‘marrying’, hamming up the ceremony and exchange of vows.
Then it was time to cross the famous promenade, for some glam photographs on the famous Comedy Carpet.
A Blackpool wedding to remember
Guests were ushered from the stunning Festival Suite during this interlude, into the magnificent Main Theatre, unbeknown to Heather.
To ensure total silence, ‘Don’t Tell the Bride’ was displayed on a huge screen onstage, before the bride and groom made their entrance.
Heather’s favourite band, ‘Touch the Pearl’, was standing by to perform.
But not before she had entered the Main Theatre in complete darkness, encouraged to go on stage by her husband.
Prompted by spectacular pyrotechnics, fabulous lighting, and the tones of ‘Marry You’ by Bruno Mars, guests cheered rousingly.
Later in the evening roving mics allowed four different ‘Best Men’ to add their thoughts to the star-spangled occasion.
A five-star buffet delighted all at the ceremony and hot baguettes awaited evening guests.
The whole extraordinary affair was a total triumph for Leye D Johns, Amy Mantle, and the Viva Blackpool wedding events team.
They handled everything, including turning the room vibrant turquoise with elaborate room decorations and lighting.
And they also arranged superb food, drink, entertainment, photos and video – all handled in-house.
Plus, the magnificent Viva Vegas event wouldn’t have been half as memorable without the Viva actors supplied for the fake bride ruse.
To discuss holding your dream Blackpool wedding at our fantastic flexible venue, get in touch with the team today.
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