Author: Viva Blackpool
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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Love Him For A Reason & Let The Reason Be Rock
29 March 2017
Once Osmondmania had run its course, the various brothers embarked upon solo careers and Merrill Osmond was no exception.
Middle child Merrill became a very successful act on the American country music scene and of course has been touring alongside brothers Jay and Jimmy. Now in his mid-sixties and sporting distinguished white hair and beard, Merrill is as busy as ever, and will be appearing at Viva on Monday, June 5.
With the Osmonds back in the seventies, Merrill shared lead vocal duties with Donny and recalls those heady days. He said:
“Osmondmania was a shock that went around the world. Never having chosen my vocation I went from the Barbershop quartet world to The Andy Williams Show and then to the studios recording One Bad Apple; and then to go on stage in front of thousands of screaming girls was an experience.”
Merrill is a frequent visitor to the UK and performs here regularly, but it seems strange that his UK dates this year are rock shows. “That’s right,” he added. “I love rock music as well and these shows will be rock shows and no country in them either.”
So, what can we expect of the Osmond who lists ‘Crazy Horses’ and ‘Down By The Lazy River’ as his favourite Osmond tracks? He said:
“Well, what I might do is a tribute to Paul McCartney, as well as some (Led) Zeppelin and Cream, and of course my four-piece band and I will do all the hits.”
There are only a couple of UK dates in the diary at the moment, but Merrill admits there could be more in the future. “That’s right,” he added. “I’m talking to a promoter about a fuller tour, but it’s taking time.” And as Merrill is a devout Mormon, he hopes to visit the Mormon Temple near Preston whole he is here. “It’s definitely on my agenda,” he said.
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#VOTE4LEYE for National Tourism Superstar Award
8 March 2017
Lancashire’s own Tourism Superstar Leye D Johns, host and compere at Viva Blackpool, won his Lancashire ‘crown’ at the Lancashire Tourism Awards in November 2016 and is now one of just ten finalists for this prestigious national award, the winner of which will be decided by public vote.
Public voting opens today, Tuesday 7 February at 8am, to decide the winner of England’s Tourism Superstar 2017, organised by national tourist board VisitEngland and supported by the Daily Mirror. Members of the public are encouraged to Visit mirror.co.uk/tourismsuperstar to watch a short film created by each of the Superstar finalists and to then cast their vote for their favourite and outright winner.
Leye D Johns speaking about reaching the finals said “I’m absolutely overwhelmed by the support I’ve received as Lancashire’s Tourism Superstar and I’m so happy to be named as a national finalist. I love my job, the people of Lancashire, and the thousands of visitors who make every day working at Viva Blackpool such a pleasure. I’m so proud to be representing Lancashire in the national awards, to win would be the icing on the cake of a 23-year career as an entertainer in the UK’s favourite seaside resort.”
Leye is the only finalist from the North West of England and hopes that visitors from Lancashire and the North West in particular will support his film, vote for Leye and spread that support through social media using #Vote4Leye.
The Tourism Superstar finalists are:
Alan Anderson, Park Ranger, Auckland Castle, Durham
Duane Dibartolomeo, Owner, Grosvenor Fish bar, Norwich
Gemma Garwood, Falmouth Town Crier, Cornwall
Gillian Scotford and Jane Carver, Co-founders of Accessible Derbyshire, Derbyshire
Karl Gibson, Pub Landlord, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham
Kevin Robson, Tour Guide and Owner, Wild Dog Outdoors, Northumberland
Leye D Johns, Host & Compere, Viva Blackpool, Lancashire
Liz Hill, Founder, Rural Concierge, Herefordshire
Paul Schofield, City Tour Guide, Hull & East Yorkshire
Peter Jay, Volunteer, Cotswold Water Park Trust, Wiltshire
64 Million visitors choose to visit Lancashire each year and many will be familiar with Leye’s work at Viva Blackpool and across the county, they are now in the position to help make Leye D Johns, to victory as England’s Tourism Superstar.
Anna Izza, Head of PR & communications for Marketing Lancashire said “Leye was an incredibly popular recipient of the Lancashire Tourism Superstar Award 2016. Having won the most votes across Lancashire, we were very confident nominating him for the national award. Leye is such a wonderful character, is a great ambassador for the county and we’re absolutely thrilled to see him reach the final.”
VisitEngland Director Patricia Yates said, “The sheer calibre of this years’ entrants is testament to the outstanding customer service that is the foundation of England’s tourism industry. I really encourage you to join in and vote as we celebrate our Tourism Superstars who consistently go above and beyond customers’ expectations, and who contribute so much to ensure visitors have a great time.”
VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar initiative is in its sixth year and recognises the heroes within the industry who far exceed the call of duty to ensure visitors have the most amazing experience.
Vote Now for Lancashire’s Tourism Superstar Leye D Johns at mirror.co.uk/tourismsuperstar voting closes towards the end of March. The winning Tourism Superstar will be announced during English Tourism Week 2017(25 March – 2 April).
Click Here To Vote For Leye D
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Official Fringe Events For Blackpool Pride
7 March 2017
We’re proud to support Blackpool Pride Festival (BPF) having recently hosted their official launch party right here at Viva.
In 2014 BPF applied to be a charitable unincorporated organisation. We have an ethos of inclusion and this means inclusion of everyone within the LGB&T community and their own families and friends.
BPF will work to promote an awareness of equality and diversity and reduce homophobia in the wider community. We will celebrate our cultural identity and be proud of our lifestyle.
The Festival brings LGB&T people together and is a celebration of our LGB&T lifestyle. It is an opportunity to make friends, and be yourself in an environment where you feel safe and welcomed.
This year as well as the launch party we are also putting on 3 official fringe events across the Pride weekend.
First you gotta speed it up… Making a return to Blackpool on Friday 9th June, Cheryl, Mike, Jay ‘formerly of’ BUCKS FIZZ and special guest Bobby McVey come to Viva for a fantastic show with support from Leye D Johns and the Viva Showgirls. Sing along to the Eurovision hit and other classics from the 80’s in this one night only performance to kick start the Pride festivities.
From the original ‘Pop Idol’ competition, to West End stages and TV fame across the World – Gareth Gates joins us on Sunday 11th live in concert with an acoustic band, up close and personal to the audience – Fresh from the UK Tour of ‘Footloose’ the musical, this is your chance to come and hear Gareth performing some of his favourite music and covers especially for you.
Finishing off the weekends celebrations the FAAAAAAABULOUS Ceri Dupree is heading to town on Monday 12th with his One Man, 21 woman show. Presenting a glamorous evening of hysterical comedy, amazing vocal impersonations and jaw dropping, eye popping costumes. You could meet Adele, Cher, Joan Collins, Lady Ga Ga, Bjork, Shirley Bassey, Camilla and even the Queen! Ceri brings them all lovingly to life with a touch of Las Vegas class rarely seen in the UK today.
We look forward to our continued involvement in and support of BPF and hope to see many of you here at viva for our Fringe Events
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The Ultimate Mother’s Day Treat
6 March 2017
Do you have a plan for Mothers Day? An afternoon outing or a lovely evening, perhaps both? Not made plans yet… Well shame on you! Don’t worry though we have you covered!
Treat your mother to an unforgettable experience this Mother’s Day as our fantastic 4 part harmony group The Jerseys serenade her in our afternoon show also featuring The Ratpackers, covering all her favourite music from Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Drifters , Overtones, The Ratpack and much more in vegas venue, Blackpool. Available with Afternoon Tea or Sunday Carvery it’s a great way to spend the afternoon and treat your Mother to delicious food and first class music that is sure to get her up and dancing.
Afterwards why not head out onto the beautiful Promenade for a little walk before returning to Viva to take her on a date with showbiz icon, Martin Kemp.
As the bassist of 80’s New Romantic group Spandau Ballet, Eastenders legend and villain Steve Owen, the star of 90’s smash-hit global film The Krays, and more recently a talent show judge on the BBC’s Let It Shine, Martin Kemp has done it all.
Now, he’s heading to the Vegas venue at the heart ofBlackpool – VIVA Blackpool – for ‘An Audience with’, giving guests the chance to quiz Martin on his life in showbiz and spend an evening with one of Britain’s most-loved stars.
Find out more about both of these Fantastic Mother’s Day Gifts here:
Click Here For Mother’s Day Lunch
Click Here For An Evening With Martin Kemp
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The Three Degrees Get Set For Viva Show
19 February 2017
Stars of Soul, and the Queens of Motown THE THREE DEGREES are all set to make their Viva Blackpool Debut on Wednesday 22nd March for a one off show night with an open invite to anyone who wants to celebrate the era of truly great music.
Formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – the trio group still boasts 2 of the original members since Shiela Ferguson departed company many moons ago.
When you thnk of the name ‘The Three Degrees’ it evokes memories of the coordinated dance routines and vocal harmonies to the likes of ‘When Will I See You Again?’, ‘Dirty Ol’ Man’, ‘Take Good Care Of Yourself’ and many more as they’ve sang and toured for more than 40 years.
So come and join Helen Scott, Valerie Holiday and Freddie Pool as we get set to host a truly magical night of memories and more!
Weds 22nd March 2017 – Tickets from Tickets are available From £19.50 – 01253 297 297 or to find out more online click here
Meet & Greet Opportunity Also Available To Book With Souvenir Printed Photo
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Win A Holiday For 2 To LAS VEGAS!
24 January 2017
We believe Blackpool is the Vegas of the North so we want to give one lucky couple the chance to compare for themselves. On top of the holiday, you will also receive Viva VIP treatment with an invitation to join us here in Blackpool whenever you need a dose of fabulous entertainment.
You will be staying at the flamboyant MGM Grand which doesn’t call itself grand lightly. Located on the famous Vegas Strip, from the 45ft, bronze lion statue and the 6.6-acre swimming pool area to the four 30-storey towers and 5,000 bedrooms, this hotel is grand in every way.
Like at Viva, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining, with an incredible array of international cuisine. Also like Viva, the MGM Grand is famous for its spectacular shows. Cirque du Soleil’s, KÀ appears at the MGM Grand alongside world renowned entertainers such as David Copperfield or if you fancy a flutter, the MGM Grand has one of the largest casinos in Vegas.
The holiday includes round trip flights, double room and transfers.
For a chance for you and your guest to win this holiday to Las Vegas simply answer the question and complete the form below and click to enter.
This competition closes midnight 31st March 2017 and the winner will be notified within 14 days
QUESTION: Viva Blackpool is the Vegas venue in the heart of:
[cforms name=”Win A Trip To Vegas”]
Terms & Conditions
The prize-draw is open to all citizens of the UK except anyone connected to this competition. Only one entry is permitted per person. No purchase is necessary.
To be valid entries must be received on or before 31st March 2017.
The winner and their partner, will receive return flights from main UK airports to Las Vegas and 5 nights at the MGM Grand Las Vegas on a room only basis. The trip is subject to availability of flights and accommodation as purchased by the agent supplying the holiday on any particular date and must be taken by15th December 2017. Travel to UK airports or incidental expenses are not included. There is no cash or other alternative to the prize
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Early Bird Discount EXTENDED
28 December 2016
Viva Blackpool presents our biggest lineup for 2017 with over 500 live shows and events to choose from! It’s the biggest line-up of entertainment Blackpool has ever seen from one venue…
If you’re thinking of visiting… now is the time to book with selected shows available with huge discounts in our EARLY BIRD SALE.
Book before 31st January, and receive up to 35% off the following shows:-
- Viva Vegas Live starring Leye D Johns
- The Jerseys – Oh What A Nite!
- Viva Comedy Station Comedy Club
- High Jinx Magic and Illusion
And visiting shows including
EARLY BIRD BOOKING AT VIVA BLACKPOOL – BOOK NOW AND SAVE FOR OUR BIGGEST SEASON OF SHOWS BLACKPOOL HAS EVER SEEN!
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