So despite restrictions which meant no pigeons were actually allowed into the British Homing World Show of the Year at the Winter Gardens, the event still went ahead as pigeon fanciers flocked to the event.
They were able to check out the many trade stalls in the Winter Gardens, selling all kinds of products, and enjoy the social side too.
And there was still the opportunity to get some proper bird business done - Blackpool Council provided space at the Solaris Centre where pigeons due to be auctioned could be viewed.
The birds had to be kept out of the main event because the Winter Gardens happens to be inside a 10km Avian Flu Surveillance Zone.
This surveillance zone affecting Blackpool is in response to a cluster of outbreaks of the disease.
It was a huge disappointment for the organisers of the event, which attracts thousands of visitors to the resort each year, as it meant that show classes for 1,600 pigeons had been axed.
But organisers said the event was still a success, despite the setbacks.
Chris Sutton, chief executive of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association, said: "All kudos to the council and the Winter Gardens who have done as much as they can to help us."
1. British Homing World Show of the Year at Blackpool
John Watson, Steward at British Homing World with a pigeon available for auction at The Solaris Centre. This year the pigeons had to be kept out of the main site, the Winter Gardens, because of bird flu precautions. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
2. British Homing World Show of the Year at Blackpool
One of the pigeons available for auction at The Solaris Centre. The bird had to be kept out of the main event at the Winter Gardens due to bird flu precautions. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
3. British Homing World Show of the Year at Blackpool Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
Pigeons available for auction at The Solaris Centre in Blackpool. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
4. Blackpool Pigeon Show at the Winter Gardens, where pigeons were not allowed to be there this year due to the bird flu outbreak. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
Meanwhile, at the Winter Gardens, where pigeons were not allowed in for the Blackpool Pigeon Show due to a bird flue restriction zone, pigeon fanciers gathered to exchange news and catch up. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
5. Blackpool Pigeon Show at the Winter Gardens, pigeons were not allowed to be there this year due to the bird flu outbreak. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
It might not have been quite the same without the pigeons, but there was still time for socialising and catching up at the pigeon show at Blackpool's Winter Gardens: Kelvin Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
6. Blackpool Pigeon Show at the Winter Gardens, pigeons were not allowed to be there this year due to the bird flu outbreak. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
Pigeon enthusiasts enjoyed catching up in the splendour of Blackpool's Winter Gardens, despite the disappointment of pigeons not being allowed in. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Stuttard