Blackpool seafront in the 1980s – 16 amazing scenes which remind us how the resort used to look

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These photos capture the magic of Blackpool as a prime holiday destination in the 80s.

The packed promenade, cars bumper to bumper and thousands of people soaking up the sun on the beach, evoke nostalgia and show why Blackpool has always been a premier seaside resort.

The sun baked promenade between Central and South Piers in April 1987 at Easter

Some of the buildings have changed and there are scenes which show the Illuminations above the promenade, some of which are long gone. Photos of the donkeys, a scene of North Pier and other general views of the seafront are featured.

 

1. Blackpool 1980s

The Bank Holiday scene in August 1989

Photo: JPIMedia

The Bank Holiday scene in August 1989

2. Blackpool 1980s

The Illuminations were up in this scene taken on a gloomy October day in 1980

Photo: JPIMedia

The Illuminations were up in this scene taken on a gloomy October day in 1980

3. Blackpool 1980s

The Lifeboat House on Blackpool Promenade

Photo: Bill Johnson

The Lifeboat House on Blackpool Promenade

4. Blackpool 1980s

Blackpool launched a service at North Pier to allow people to put their messages on Lasergram, 1982

Photo: JPIMedia

Blackpool launched a service at North Pier to allow people to put their messages on Lasergram, 1982

5. Blackpool 1980s

Not so much a zebra crossing, more of a donkey crossing, with a dog to help keep them in line. When the rains come down in force in Blackpool, they force these well-known Blackpool residents to retire home early. This was in June 1980

Photo: JPIMedia

Not so much a zebra crossing, more of a donkey crossing, with a dog to help keep them in line. When the rains come down in force in Blackpool, they force these well-known Blackpool residents to retire home early. This was in June 1980

Cars bumper to bumper parked up in Blackpool, July 1989.

Photo: JPIMedia

Cars bumper to bumper parked up in Blackpool, July 1989.

7. Blackpool 1980s

You can barely put a pin between people in this scene of Blackpool beach, 1988

Photo: submit

You can barely put a pin between people in this scene of Blackpool beach, 1988

8. Blackpool 1980s

A view looking south in May 1986 – probably one of the bank holidays. Landaus, thousands of people, the Illuminations, attractions – Blackpool’s peak season summed up in one picture

Photo: JPIMedia

A view looking south in May 1986 - probably one of the bank holidays. Landaus, thousands of people, the Illuminations, attractions - Blackpool's peak season summed up in one picture

9. Blackpool 1980s

This was actually August 1988, although it looks more like autumn

Photo: JPIMedia

This was actually August 1988, although it looks more like autumn

10. Blackpool 1980s

A busy bank holiday scene in August 1989

Photo: JPIMedia

A busy bank holiday scene in August 1989

11. Blackpool 1980s

The lost children centre in Blackpool, 1989. A vital service, especially at the height of the summer season

Photo: JPIMedia

The lost children centre in Blackpool, 1989. A vital service, especially at the height of the summer season

12. Blackpool 1980s

A Golden Mile scene 1980

Photo: The Lost Archives

A Golden Mile scene 1980

13. Blackpool 1980s

A quirky photo which shows ET under construction in December 1982 to be displayed at Louis Tussauds Waxworks

Photo: JPIMedia

A quirky photo which shows ET under construction in December 1982 to be displayed at Louis Tussauds Waxworks

14. Blackpool 1980s

People resting at the North Shore shelter, April 1986

Photo: JPIMedia

People resting at the North Shore shelter, April 1986

15. Blackpool 1980s

Crowds flood the prom in this Easter scene from March 1986

Photo: JPIMedia

Crowds flood the prom in this Easter scene from March 1986