Category: Venue News
It’s a special day for Elvis Presley fans
23 March 2018
Today marks a very special day for Elvis Presley fans and is a day in 1956 that changed the era of rock n’ roll forever! Here’s why;
Did you know that today marks the 62nd anniversary of Elvis Presley’s first ever released album, Elvis Presley (released in the UK as Elvis Presley Rock n’ Roll)? That’s right! 62 years ago, Elvis fans everywhere were hearing some of his best-known classic hits that we all know and love today for the very first time!
What makes this album one of the greatest moments in music history is the fact that not only did the album spend ten weeks at number one on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart in 1956 but it was the first rock and roll album ever to make it to the top of the charts, and was the first million-selling album of that genre.
The album was such a huge success that in 2003, it was ranked number 56 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time – which at that time was a massive achievement!
Elvis Presley was also one of three Presley albums to receive accolades in the reference book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, the others being Elvis Is Back! and From Elvis in Memphis.
It was certified Gold on November 1, 1966 and Platinum on August 8, 2011 by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Personally, we think that this album alone alongside all of its achievements is why Elvis is known as the ‘KING OF ROCK N’ ROLL’!
Are you a lover of Elvis and all things rock n’ roll? Then ‘The World Famous Elvis Show: Chris Connor’ is a MUST SEE show for you! Coming to Viva Blackpool on the 2nd April, this incredible concert is a true homage to the music of Elvis and is performed by the world-renowned Elvis Presley tribute performer, Chris Connor!
Find out more or book tickets here
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A Very Special Christmas Draw For The Fourth Battalion Regiment
20 February 2018
On Saturday 9th December 2017, the team here at Viva Blackpool had the pleasure of hosting a very special Christmas Draw for the 4th Battalion’s Duke of Lancaster Regiment.
Our events team were given the opportunity to meet and work with Sergeants Joseph Cork, Terry Leonard, and Garry Copeland in the organisation and delivery of this stunning Christmas celebration.
As always, our Events Manager Amy Mantle enjoyed planning this special occasion and bringing it to life for the Sergeants and their families to enjoy.
Amy is delighted to share a few memorable highlights of the planning journey, and what it was like helping to create a magical evening for her clients, and also what it was like working with such inspirational people.
The Meeting …
If I had to sum up the 4th Battalion’s Christmas Draw in one phrase it would have to be ‘a night to remember’. The first time I had the pleasure of meeting Sargent Joseph Cork, was back in May when he had booked to come and watch one of our in-house shows; Viva Vegas Live.
I’d say it was only a couple of weeks later that I received a phone call from Joe, actually enquiring about hiring our venue for a Christmas Party for his sergeants, to celebrate the Christmas festivities with their families.
Thinking back, I remember that this event was important to me personally and one that I wanted to make extra special as my own younger brother, Michael currently serves in the same Regiment as Sergeant Joe Cork.
Let The Preparations Begin …
Viva Blackpool is known for throwing the biggest and best celebrations in the North West and I knew I wanted this event to be no different, so of course, I invited Joe and his colleagues to the venue to have another look around and to discuss their requirement’s for the event and to my delight they fell in love with the venue and loved the options we could provide them with – Phew! Now for one of my favourite parts of my job – The preparations!
Over the following few weeks myself and the events team worked closely with Sergeant Cork to finalise a brief and get a solid plan of action in place – I really can’t tell you how many phone calls we exchanged in the six months lead up to the event and even Joe began to joke; “I bet you’re sick of hearing my voice”. However the six month lead up to the event flew by, and soon it was party time.
Venue…
With an impressive layout across our stunning Festival Suite, we placed 16 round tables suitable to each seat 8 guests, as well as setting down our beautiful white starlit dancefloor right in front of the stage, the venue looked perfect! One of our gorgeous Vegas Feathered Showgirl’s greeted guests as they arrived, handing out glasses of Prosecco and Orange Juice to add that glitz and glamour to this wonderful Christmas gathering.
The tables were dressed with white cloths, red runners, and a mixture of gold and silver candelabra’s (Sonje Jones Flower Design) were placed in the centre of each table complimented with scattered table diamantes. White chair covers and gold sashes that Sergeant Cork had chosen, really suited the theme of the room and gave it the elegant yet Christmassy feel that we were all hoping for. The red napkins in the wine glasses, the red Christmas crackers, the bottles of wine, and not to forget the bottle of bubbly on each table, really did create a sense of occasion and became one of the talking points of the night!
Exquisite Dining
Where do I start with the food? During our first meeting, Sergeant Cork, and Sergeant Copeland both knew that they were looking for a traditional Christmas Menu although they wanted this to be a little bit ‘more’ than the standard ‘Turkey Dinner’. After a discussion about our available menu options, they had opted for a 5-course menu, with the Tomato and Basil Soup to start served with warm crusty bread – A perfect winter warmer! For the main course; a traditional Turkey dinner, of course, served with seasonal vegetables, and potatoes, topped with Festive Turkey Jus. Followed by a mouth-watering Cookie Crumble Cheesecake, with Coffee’s, and a luxurious Cheeseboard served to each table.
I did my rounds of visiting each table to check the meals were being thoroughly enjoyed; I received nothing but wonderful feedback.
However, behind the scenes in the kitchen, Andy (our Executive Chef) and his team were busy freshly preparing two EXTRA vegetarian meals that had been requested during dinner service. Andy prepared a delicious Penang Curry served with Coconut and Coriander rice for the additional vegetarians, and they were so grateful that we could create something suitable for them at such last minute!
Entertainment…
I’ve been waiting to talk about this since the beginning of this blog, the entertainment is always the best part in my opinion, and the most important, the entertainment is what sets the atmosphere for the night. Luckily Joe chose our resident in-house tribute band, The Jerseys as well as DJ Phil Colbert to entertain the guests throughout the night and let’s just say everyone had a very ‘merry’ time.
Everyone up dancing along and having a laugh was the perfect way to end the evening.
Capturing Memories…
The whole night was truly memorable and everyone at Viva really did hope that everyone had an amazing time – one thing was for sure, memories were definitely made on the night and luckily our marketing manager Jon Boris managed to capture some amazing moments.
A few days later, I received an email from Joe that included some lovely comments about the party, it read:
Amy
On behalf of the Regimental Sergeant Major myself and the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess, I would like to thank you, and the rest of the team for an amazing evening. The food was superb, the room was impeccably dressed, and the entertainment was first class.
I have received nothing but positive feedback from all those that attended the evening, this is a credit to you and the hardworking team that supported us in the preparation and delivery of the evening.
I will be recommending Viva Blackpool for future military events.
Thanks again to you and the team for a superb evening.
It’s always lovely when we get feedback from our clients and really does make what we do so much more rewarding.]
If you would like to know more about our venue or want to look into hiring out one of our spectacular rooms then click here or call 01253 297 297.
Other recent news
Behind The Scenes – January 2018
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
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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]
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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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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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#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
