Wartime Blackpool

A Showtown Exhibition. Open now.

Welcome to Showtown

We're Blackpool's brand new all-singing, all-dancing museum and you’ll find us just off the prom, next door but one to Blackpool Tower!

Discover the stories of the comedians, dancers, acrobats and characters who turned our resort into the home of show business.

Our six galleries showcase the very best of the seaside, magic, circus, Illuminations, shows and dance.

Explore our 'plan your visit' page to find opening times, how to find us and then book your tickets today!

Plan your visit >

What's on

Wartime Blackpool

Wed 02 April - Tue 30 September 2025

As the world commemorates 80 years since the end of the Second World War, Blackpool’s untold wartime story takes centre stage in a compelling new exhibition at Showtown!

SHOWTOTS: Baby and toddler session

Thu 08 May 2025

Have fun playing, creating and exploring together at our baby and toddler session.

Stars of Wartime

Thu 01 May 2025, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Join producer and performer Beryl Johnson as she presents clips of wartime icons including George Formby, Al Bowley, Gracie Fields, Rob Wilton, and Tommy Trinder.

Grand Victory Show Poster

Sat 10 May 2025, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Take a look inside the collections, as the Grand Victory Show poster for the Blackpool Tower Circus 1945 season comes out of the stores.

Wartime Typography Masterclass

Sat 21 June 2025, 1:00pm - 4:30pm

Join artist Lisa Wigham to discover the town's unique signage and typography.

Wartime Exhibition Tour

Sat 13 September 2025

Join Showtown curators as they give you a unique insight into the objects and collections on display in the Wartime Blackpool Exhibition.

Untold Histories: Blackpool Regiment

Thu 26 June 2025, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

The Blackpool Regiment was short-lived. During this talk, discover more about the formation of the Regiment and some of its untold stories.

Escaping the Blitz: Blackpool’s Air Raid Experiences in WWII

Thu 03 July 2025, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

In this talk Dr. Tom Carter will discuss Blackpool’s experiences of air raids in the Second World War.

Exploring Wartime Art

Thu 10 July 2025, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Join Imperial War Museum curator, Sarah Holdaway, for an exploration of Charles Ernst Cundall's work.

Jitterbug and Jive: Family Dance Workshop

Sat 12 July 2025, 11:00am - 3:30pm

Get into the swing of 1940s Blackpool with our Jitterbug and Jive workshop. Perfect for the whole family!

Create your own Wellington Aircraft Model

Wed 16 April 2025, 11:00am - 2:30pm

Join us for this family fun craft session, as we celebrate the amazing aircraft that helped us to win the Second World War.

Theatreland in Blackpool

Thu 04 September 2025, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

During the Second World War, West End’s theatrical stars, producers and agents had relocated to Blackpool, making it the headquarters of Theatreland. This talk looks into some of the history surrounding this aspect of Wartime Blackpool.

Latest News

Blackpool is set to light up with laughter this May!

30 April 2025

Showtown History Centre is opening!

23 April 2025

Comedy Carpet Quest

28 March 2025

Bright Lights in Dark Times

27 March 2025

Showzam! is coming to Blackpool

03 February 2025

Unleashing creativity from the page

29 January 2025

Showtown is on a Mission this Christmas!

06 December 2024

Showtown celebrates the National Lottery's 30th Birthday.

18 November 2024

What a beautiful day! What a beautiful day for Showtown!

07 November 2024

Want to be a part of our journey?

There are lots of ways to get involved.
Learn more about how to donate or volunteer below.

A photograph of dance objects with a tower ballroom poster, a photo of dancers and a medal

Donate

As a charity we rely on donations to keep this amazing show on the road.

Find out more >

Volunteer holding sheet music with the words "It must be love"

Volunteering

Learn more about how to become a volunteer and what sort of roles you can get involved in.

Find out more >

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