Author: Viva Blackpool
Our Top 5 Things To Do In Blackpool This Valentines Day…
12 February 2018
Need some help bringing out the cupid in you? Love waits for no one, so we’ve put together a go-to guide on just a few of the many things you can do in Blackpool to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your special someone.
Make this Valentine’s day one that you will remember forever, for all the right reasons and visit the staple of what Blackpool is most known for – Blackpool Tower!
Be amazed by how beautiful Blackpool truly looks from right at the top of the tower, with a glass floor you’ll certainly have a view that will take your breath away! Be mesmerized watching the famous Tower Circus or be a thrill seeker and take a tour around the Tower Dungeon. There really is something for everyone to enjoy!
You don’t always have to go to such extreme efforts to show someone how much you love and care for them, sometimes it’s the little things like taking a walk and spending some much-needed quality time together that matters the most.
Why not take a stroll through the beautiful Stanley Park and enjoy the breath-taking scenery surrounding it – the best way to capture the full view of the park is with a relaxing boat ride across the lake. You can always choose to end a perfect day with a delicious home-made picnic whilst admiring the stunning water fountain feature situated in the very centre of the park!
If you are in need of a little adventure in your life and want to share a few special moments with your partner, then a trip to Blackpool Zoo will make for the perfect Valentine’s Day out!
Explore the zoo’s woodland, waterfalls and lakes in search of exciting animals. Get up close and personal with the monkeys as you take a walk through their enclosure, watch in amazement as the sea lions put on a spectacular show or catch the Tigers in action as they hunt and catch their food! You can find all of the most exciting animals right here at Blackpool Zoo.
If you are in need of a little silliness in your life and want to share a few laughs with your partner this Valentine’s Day, then why not take a walk along the comedy carpet. We can guarantee that every step you take will bring a new giggle!
And we just have to mention our very own show and entertainment venue – Viva Blackpool!
We are home to some of the most sensational Blackpool shows, including Blackpool’s biggest & best show night out! And this Valentine’s Day, we have a very special Jersey Beats – Oh What a Nite performance.
So what are you waiting for? Sit back and relaz and watch our spectacular showgirls alongside the fantastic Jersey Beats, with a complementary glass of fizz, a beautiful rose and even chocolates! To find out more visit Viva! The Show
We have highlighted only a few of the many attractions in Blackpool that make for the perfect Valentine’s Day out. If you want to find out what else Blackpool has to offer, then take a trip on over to Visit Blackpool – The go-to destination guide for all things Blackpool!
Other recent news
Behind The Scenes – January
7 February 2018
It’s all showbiz and sparkles, even behind the scenes here at Viva.
Following our roving reporter has been capturing the month on our Viva VLOG video
Over the course of the month we’ve hosted ‘The Pride of Blackpool Awards’, the
Other recent news
A Magical Christening…
19 January 2018
Have you ever seen a real Unicorn? Well, neither had we… Until our Event Manager, Amy threw her daughter, Blessie a magical joint Christening and 2nd Birthday Party celebration!
Blessie’s joint christening and birthday celebration was a very exciting and rewarding experience and of course, the day turned out hassle free and all of Blessie’s guests had an incredible time.
Being in the Events Industry, Amy had lots of ideas about how special she wanted to make her daughter’s birthday party, and with all the contacts we have here at Viva Blackpool, we knew just how to do it!
The preparations began around 8 weeks before the big day, and everything from the Church service, to the pastel coloured marble room décor, and the cakes and pastries on the afternoon buffet was thoroughly considered.
The Baptism service took place at All Hallow’s Church in Bispham, and the whole experience of the service itself was just beautiful.
Our very own Leye D Johns was asked to be Godfather and he accepted on the provision that he would become Blessie’s “Fairy Godmother” instead!
The service was short and sweet surrounded by Blessie’s nearest and dearest. Of course, Blessie was more interested in the Christmas tree inside of the church and entertaining her guests than what was going on in terms of the Service, but she definitely enjoyed herself being the centre of attention.
Following the service, all the guests made their way to Viva Blackpool and into the Festival Suite and wow, did the room look sensational!
The indoor marquee style suite was dressed in crisp white linen and pastel coloured organza bows on each chair with pink satin runners on each table. On the centre of each table were stunning pastel coloured marble balloons with scattered gems around each bunch. Surrounding the centrepieces were handmade favours with little Strawberries and Cream flavoured truffles inside.
Of course, Amy had decided on a Unicorn Theme, which even included Peach flavoured Unicorn Shimmer in the prosecco which was given to guests upon arrival.
There was a mixture of Birthday and Christening balloons around the room, and giant silver letter balloons spelling out BLESSIE sat on pastel stands which came from the lovely Caryn at Balloonatics.
The Afternoon Tea Style Buffet prepared by our Executive Head Chef Andy Miller was to die for, and it had a delicious selection of cakes and pastries, and chocolate dipped marshmallow macaroon sticks – Yummy!
Amy had also hired a ‘doughnut wall’ which went down really well, they were so tasty and it looked great – A perfect addition to any celebration to give your guests that extra WOW.
I hear you sweet-toothed party planners asking – Mmm doughnuts, but what was the cake like?
Well… This was no ordinary christening cake. But then again, this was no ordinary christening!
The cake, in true ‘EXTRA’ party style for Blessie, was just out of this world with 4 different flavoured tiers and flashing lights – AND it was more than twice the size of the birthday girl herself!
“I hadn’t seen the cake until we arrived at the venue, I had discussed with our cake maker, Ness Bolton, from Boutique Cakes and Bakes of what it was I was looking for, and she asked me if she could have free reign of the design. I trust Ness, and I know she knows exactly what I like, so I allowed her to create a masterpiece – and oh my god, it was definitely a masterpiece!”
As we mentioned before it was a unicorn themed party! Amy wanted to surprise Blessie and make it a day nobody would forget. It certainly was that!
The Special Guest… Amy had joked with friends previously about how amazing it would be if she could get a real unicorn for the day, it was a running joke here in the Viva office and everyone thought she was mad – but… She only went and hired a real (well kind of) UNICORN and kept it a secret from everyone, including Blessie and all her guests!
The look on Blessie’s face and everyone else’s was absolutely priceless! Blessie and all of the children (and adults as well) were in awe as the miniature pony dressed in a unicorn horn, with a rainbow mane, clipped wings, and a shimmering coat strolled into the Festival Suite and became the main attraction on the dancefloor!
The company who brought the unicorn were fantastic, so professional and friendly! They brought lots of brushes, clips and dressing up bits for the horse so the children could play and interact with it. The horse was so well behaved and most importantly well looked after. Magic the Unicorn was so good around all of the little children (and adults) who really couldn’t get enough!
“I was so pleased with the whole day, everyone seemed to have a really great time, and that’s what it all boils down to really. Blessie received very generous and beautiful gifts which we were so grateful for. I already can’t wait to plan her next birthday… How can I top this one?”
If you would like your very own Unicorn Party then contact our events team on 01253 297 297 or email [email protected]
Other recent news
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/
Other recent news
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
Other recent news
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!
Other recent news
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.
Other recent news
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].
Other recent news
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.
Other recent news
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.
Other recent news
