Comedian Peter Kay on stage at the Winter Gardens as host of the 2009 Royal Variety PerformanceComedian Peter Kay on stage at the Winter Gardens as host of the 2009 Royal Variety Performance
Comedian Peter Kay on stage at the Winter Gardens as host of the 2009 Royal Variety Performance

How Blackpool glittered for Royal Variety Performances

As the Royal Variety Performance returns, we look back at two other glittering times when the show has headed to Blackpool

It’s 65 years since the Queen first came to Blackpool for the Royal Variety Performance. The occasion was also another first as the show had never been staged anywhere outside London and was a real coup for Blackpool. Fast forward 54 years to 2009, and all the glitter and sparkle returned for a second time. Dance troupe Diversity, pop star Lady Gaga and Katherine Jenkins were just a few of the big star names who performed.