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It’s time to dig out your drainpipes and Bobby socks as West End sell-out sensation DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS is heading to Blackpool Winter Gardens in 2017.

Inspired by the smash hit multi-million selling albums Dreamboats and Petticoats One, Two, Three, Four and Five, DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS The Musical will run at Blackpool Opera House from Monday 24 to Saturday April 30.

Tickets priced from £17 go on sale at 10am Friday November 11 and are available from www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

Produced by Bill Kenwright, the hit musical features some of the greatest songs of the Rock ‘n’ Roll era including classic tracks from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Eddie Cochran, Billy Fury and many more.

In 1961 emotions run high as young musicians Norman and Bobby compete to win a national song writing competition – and, more importantly, the attention of the gorgeous Sue! But when Bobby discovers that shy Laura is no slouch on the piano, love and rock ‘n’ roll fame beckons.

Winter Gardens Managing Director Michael Williams said: “Dreamboats and Petticoats is a fantastic show to welcome to the Winter Gardens next year.

“This is one of the ultimate feel-good shows and is guaranteed to get audiences up on their feet and dancing in the aisles.

“This may be the music of the 50s and 60s but Dreamboats has a wide appeal and whether you want to reminisce about a bygone era or you are hearing this music for the first time, you are certain of having a great time.”

The announcement DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS THE MUSICAL is to come to Blackpool Winter Gardens next year follows previous announcements for 2017 which will see Sister Act, Hairspray, La Cage Aux Folles, The Wedding Singer, Wonderland and Cirque Berserk among the shows at the historic venue. Smash hit musical Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage will also return for a week following a successful three-week run at the theatre this summer.

DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS The Musical features a string of hits from the 50s and 60s including Let’s Dance, To Know Him Is To Love Him, Shaking All Over, Bobby’s Girl, Little Town Flirt, Only Sixteen, Runaround Sue, Happy Birthday Sweet 16, Let It Be Me, Great Pretender, C’mon Everybody and Let’s Twist Again.

For more information and to buy tickets go to www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

UK audiences are set to be wowed by song as international choir The 100 Voices of Gospel announces it will add three UK dates to its World Tour in 2017.

The internationally-renowned gospel choir will play dates in London, Newcastle and Blackburn in April.

They came to prominence to UK audiences as finalists in Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year.

Tickets to the UK concerts priced from £19.50 go on sale at 10am Monday October 31 and are available from www.seetickets.com

Blackburn King George’s Hall – Sunday April 23

London Lyceum Theatre – Monday April 24

Newcastle Theatre Royal – Tuesday April 25

Since its inception in 1998, The 100 Voices of Gospel has travelled across the world sharing its passion, faith and love for gospel with captivated and loyal audiences.   The popularity of this excellent choir continues to grow and it has become one of the most famous in the world.

Speaking about the UK dates the choir’s producer Jean-Baptiste Guyon said: “It is a great honour for “The 100 Voices of Gospel” to sing in England.

“The public reception and judges of “Britain’s Got Talent” will remain engraved in our memories throughout our lives.

“The 100 Voices of Gospel” is more than a simple concert and it’s more than just a choir. It is above all a great show (the biggest tour in Europe with 130 people on the road) that combines singing, music and dance.

“We will offer you the best we can for you to share a moment that we hope will be unforgettable.”

Earlier this year, The 100 Voices of Gospel wowed Britain’s Got Talent audiences with judge Alesha Dixon declaring them as her “Golden Buzzer” act which secured them an immediate place in the live finals.

The UK dates are presented by music and event promoters Cuffe & Taylor. Director Peter Taylor said he is thrilled to be able to promote the choir’s only UK shows.

Peter said: “The 100 Voices of Gospel are an incredibly exciting choir so we are delighted to be able to work with them on their World Tour.

“This performances will be a magical experience for audiences and will be enjoyed by young and old alike.

“With just three UK dates these tickets are likely to be very popular so I would urge people to get their tickets as soon as possible.”

Tickets to the UK concerts go on sale at 10am Monday October 31 and are available from www.seetickets.com

Bay City Rollers super fans are being invited to see the pop legends perform in Blackpool 42 years after they played the very same venue.

The band played the Empress Ballroom in 1974 and anyone who still has their original ticket can take advantage of a half-price ticket offer and see them for just £16.25 when they return to Blackpool on Friday December 16.

The original 1974 tickets were priced at £1.10 but are now collectors’ items with sellers on online market place eBay selling them for almost 20 times their face value – however the band want to give fans who came to the gig the chance to relive the experience in 2016.

Bay City Rollers Frontman Les McKeown said: “We can’t believe that it has been 42 years since we played the Empress Ballroom the first time around and we want to see as many of our loyal fans there as possible.

“We want the Rollers’ super fans who have followed us since the original days of Rollermania the chance to experience it the second time around and have a Shang-a-lang-a-Xmas party with us in Blackpool.”

Full price tickets for The Rollers’ Shang-a-lang-a-Xmas Party at the Empress Ballroom are priced from £32.50 and are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Les will be joined on stage by original Bay City Rollers members Alan Longmuir and Stuart “Woody” Wood who have reunited for the Christmas dates.

Super fans who want to take advantage of this special offer should take a selfie holding their original 1974 ticket for the Bay City Rollers at Blackpool Winter Gardens and post it on the Cuffe & Taylor Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cuffeandtaylor to receive their discount.

The rollers first came to fame in the 1970s with a string of hits which are still loved across the land including Shang-a-lang, Remember and their cover of Four Seasons hit Bye Bye Baby.

Throughout their career they have performed as far afield as Japan and their 2015 Christmas dates saw sell out audiences reliving ‘Rollermania’ across the UK.

The band is also enjoying increasing popularity with a new generation having performed at Lytham Festival and T in the Park this summer.

The Bay City Rollers will be joined in Blackpool with special guests and fellow 70’s icons Sweet., and together will make it a Shang-a-lang-a-Xmas to remember.

Full price tickets for The Rollers’ Shang-a-lang-a-Xmas Party at the Empress Ballroom are priced from £32.50 and are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk

The nation’s first statue celebrating the comedy genius of Morecambe and Wise has been unveiled at Blackpool’s world famous Winter Gardens.

The stunning 8ft tall bronzed statue – created by renowned sculptor Graham Ibbeson – was unveiled by Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise’s families at the Winter Gardens this morning in front of hundreds of adoring fans.

Eric and Ernie performed in Blackpool more than 1,000 times in their career and the statue was commissioned to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of Britain’s best loved comedy double act first appearing on stage together in 1941.

Eric’s widow Joan, who was joined at today’s unveiling ceremony by eldest son Gary, daughter Gail and a representative for Ernie’s widow Doreen, said: “The statue is simply wonderful, Graham has really captured Eric and Ernie to perfection.

“For it to be unveiled here in Blackpool, where I personally have so many happy memories of Eric and Ernie and our families together down the years, is very fitting. This has been a really special day I will remember forever.”

Gary Morecambe added: “Blackpool was Eric and Ernie’s spiritual home, their careers really took off here, and to see them together again in this wonderful tribute is fantastic.

“Graham is a brilliant artist and the likeness to my father and Ernie is stunning. I am sure fans of Eric and Ernie, indeed everyone who sees it, will get a big thrill out of it.

“I think my father would have been gobsmacked by the whole idea of a statue. The fact it is here in Blackpool would have been a huge thing for both Eric and Ernie as it is a town they had so much success in and affection for.”

Sculptor Graham Ibbeson said: “It has been an absolute honour and a privilege for me to bring Morecambe and Wise – two of my all-time heroes – together again with this new statue which I am incredibly proud of.

“Eric and Ernie were able to bring the nation together through their genius and laughter and this statue celebrates them as they should be, a double act which Britain and the world took to their hearts.”

Michael Williams, Winter Gardens Managing Director, said: “This is a very special day for both the millions of fans of Morecambe and Wise and Blackpool.

“Eric and Ernie performed in Blackpool more than 1,000 times during their career and it is especially fitting that this stunning new statue has been unveiled here, which is regarded by their family and friends as the boys ‘spiritual home’.

“We are sure this wonderful tribute will become a must-see for comedy fans the world over.”

The statue, which has been funded through donations of £75,000, will be on permanent display in the spectacular domed entrance to the Winter Gardens.

Sculptor Graham Ibbeson has a long history with Eric and Ernie having also created the Eric Morecambe statue which was unveiled in 1999 by the Queen and now adorns the promenade in the comedian’s hometown of Morecambe.

During their years in Blackpool the pair entertained hundreds of thousands of people, playing at seven theatres, six summer seasons and enjoying a starring role in the 1955 Royal Variety Performance at the Winter Gardens.

More than 3,000 people enjoyed a thrilling day of racing as Carlisle’s Halloween Family Fun Day proved a Monster Smash.

Ghosts, ghouls and vampires gathered at the Durdar course as Cumbria’s most prestigious National Hunt meeting doubled as a spooky party for racegoers young and old.

While families dressed up and got into the spirit, on the track spectators were treated to a sensational day of jumps racing.

Sandy Thomson’s Seeyouatmidnight produced a thrilling display of jumping to get the better of Bristol De Mai in an enthralling Colin Parker Intermediate Memorial Chase (Class 1).

Jockey Brian Hughes described the ride as “like driving a Ferrari” and Thomson may now look to enter the eight-year-old in March’s Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

Elsewhere on the card, local favourite Carrigdhoun (12-1), stabled in nearby Brampton, held off a late finish by Cultram Abbey to land the Racing Free Bets At bookies.com Handicap Chase. It was the 11-year-old’s second win in as many races at his home track.

Gurkha Brave (12-1) led three fences from home in registering his third course success while Brian Ellison’s seven-year-old Definitly Red (11-4) kept on to win by three and a quarter lengths from Onefitzall.

There were also wins for Dubai or Not Dubai, Western Wave and Two Taffs.

A series of Halloween trails and games were set up and enjoyed by young racegoers.

Geraldine McKay, Carlisle Racecourse’s General Manager, said: “It was a great day both on and off the track.

“We enjoyed a wonderful day of racing and it was great to see the course packed with so many families enjoying our Halloween Fun Day. The fancy dress costumes were brilliant, people put real effort into their scary looks.

“We are really proud to put on top class National Hunt racing here at Carlisle and once again we proved what a great day out a day at the races is for families.”

The next meeting at Carlisle is on Monday November 7th. Gates open at 11.50am, first race 1.50pm, last race 4pm.

Blackpool Winter Gardens will welcome the UK’s first ever tour of multi-award winning musical La Cage Aux Folles next year.

The much-loved musical will star JOHN PARTRIDGE as ‘Albin’ and ADRIAN ZMED as ‘Georges’, when it runs at Blackpool Opera House from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 February.

Tickets priced from £17 are on sale now from www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

The tour will see acclaimed theatre producer Bill Kenwright stage a brand-new production of La Cage Aux Folles.

John Partridge will play the iconic role of ‘Albin’, who moonlights as star drag act Zaza at the infamous La Cage aux Folles nightclub. Partridge’s extensive theatre credits include the West End productions of A Chorus Line at the London Palladium, Cats, Starlight Express and Chicago. He is also well known for playing the loveable Christian Clarke in BBC’s EastEnders and as a judge on TV’s Over The Rainbow.

Adrian Zmed will play ‘Georges’, partner of Albin and owner of the nightclub. Zmed co-starred with William Shatner as ‘Officer Vince Romano’ in the 80’s hit TV show T.J. Hooker, which ran for 90 episodes over five years, and for playing ‘Johnny Nogerelli’ in the cult classic film Grease 2. This will be his first stage appearance in the UK although he is no stranger to Broadway musicals having previously led the casts of Grease, no fewer than three times, Falsettos and Blood Brothers.

 Winter Gardens Managing Director Michael Williams said La Cage Aux Folles is a fantastic internationally acclaimed show to be heading to the Opera House in 2017.

 He said: “We are delighted Blackpool Opera House is part of the first ever UK tour of this most spectacular production and that we will be the first North West theatre to welcome the show.

“La Cage has been wowing audiences both sides of the Atlantic since the early 80s and I have no doubt Blackpool’s audiences will absolutely love this show.

“The casting of John Partridge and Adrian Zmed is absolutely perfect as both are such well-known stage actors and we will look forward to welcoming them to Blackpool.”

Written by Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman, and based on the 1973 French play of the same name by Jean Poiret, La Cage Aux Folles follows the story of Georges, the manager of a Saint Tropez nightclub, and his partner, Albin, a drag artiste and the club’s star attraction. They live an idyllic existence in the south of France but behind the curtains of this sparkling extravaganza, all may be about to change when Georges’ son Jean-Michel announces his engagement to the daughter of a notorious right-wing politician determined to close down the local colourful night-life. Drama and hilarity ensue when a meeting of the parents forces them to cover up their vibrant lifestyle. Will Albin be able to play the role of his life to ensure that Jean-Michel can marry his love?

This show-stopping score includes The Best of Times, Song on the Sand and the iconic I Am What I Am, which has been recorded by musical legends Gloria Gaynor, Shirley Bassey and Tony Bennett.

 For more information and to buy tickets go to www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

Smash hit musical comedy Hairspray is coming to Blackpool Winter Gardens in 2017 with a production guaranteed to have you dancing the night away.

The international stage extravaganza will run at Blackpool Opera House from Monday 18 to Saturday 23 September.

Tickets priced from £17.50 go on sale at 10am Friday October 28 and are available from www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

It’s Baltimore, 1962 where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way!

Featuring the hit songs Welcome To The 60s, You Can’t Stop The Beat, The Nicest Kids in Town and many more, Hairspray will delight audiences during Blackpool’s world-famous Illuminations season.

Winter Gardens Managing Director Michael Williams said: “We are thrilled Hairspray is coming to the Winter Gardens next year.

“This is a fantastic feel-good show and one I am sure will be a huge success in Blackpool.

“Whether you’ve previously seen Hairspray on the stage or screen or you’ve not seen it at all, it is a show which attracts a wide ranging audience and is suitable for all ages.”

Further details about casting will be revealed soon.

The announcement Hairspray is to come to Blackpool Winter Gardens next year follows previous announcements for 2017 which will see Sister Act, La Cage Aux Folles, The Wedding Singer, Wonderland and Cirque Berserk among the shows at the historic venue. Smash hit musical Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage will also return for a week following a successful three-week run at the theatre this summer.

For more information and to buy tickets go to www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

Racegoers are being invited to “Wear Red For Rummy” as Carlisle gets set for a thrilling day of first class racing, dashing style and fun for everyone.

Thursday October 13^th has been declared Red Rum Day as Carlisle Racecourse celebrates the 40^th anniversary of the legendary steeplechaser’s final victory in Cumbria in 1976.

Red Rum prepared for each of his famous Grand National victories by running a winner at Carlisle’s first autumn meeting of the season.

And as part of the #RedRumDay fun, the racecourse is delighted to not only offer free entry to anyone born in 1976, and marking their 40^th birthday, but a free red fizz cocktail for anyone who wears red on the day.

Geraldine McKay, Carlisle Racecourse’s General Manager, said:“We really want racegoers to get into the spirit of what will not only be a first class day’s National Hunt racing here at Carlisle but a fun event celebrating a true racing legend.

“Many of our racegoers love to enjoy race days here by donning their finery so we thought why not make it red?

“That could be a stunning red frock, an elegant rouge ruffle top or, let’s go crazy, a swanky scarlet shirt and tie combination!

“Racing is an exciting and fun day out and we really want as many people to get into the spirit as we celebrate the feats of the world’s favourite steeplechaser and a true legend of Carlisle racecourse.

“So go on #WearRedForRummy!”

Red Rum won at Carlisle before each of his Grand National wins in 1973, 1974 and 1977. An autumn win in Cumbria – in 1972, 1973 and 1976 – was certainly a good omen as when Rummy failed to triumph over the jumps at Carlisle the previous autumn he then failed to win at Aintree.

The McCain family, who trained Red Rum and continue to race horses at Carlisle, will be guests of honour on October 13^th.

The highlight of #RedRumDay will be the 4.25 News & Star Windermere Handicap Chase – the very same three-mile chase Red Rum won in 1972, 1973 and 1976. Carlisle has decided to resurrect the race especially for the day.

As well as the racing, there will also be live music and plenty of fun to be had in the racecourse’s aptly named Red Rum bar, together with food and drinks offers in its sumptuous Main Stand.

Tickets for #RedRumDay at Carlisle Racecourse – Thursday October 13^th – are £14.00 (in advance) or £17.00 (on the day). 40-year-olds wanting to take advantage of the free entry offer simply need to bring photo ID with them on the day which shows their date of birth.

The first ever statue celebrating the nation’s favourite comedy double act Morecambe and Wise will be unveiled at Blackpool’s world famous Winter Gardens next month.

Renowned sculptor Graham Ibbeson has completed work on the stunning 8ft tall bronzed statue which has been commissioned to mark the 75^th anniversary of Eric and Ernie first appearing on stage together in 1941.

Its permanent home will be the spectacular domed entrance to the Winter Gardens in the heart of Blackpool – dubbed Morecambe and Wise’s “spiritual home” by those closest to the legendary double act. Eric and Ernie performed in Blackpool more than 1,000 times in their illustrious career.

This wonderful new statue will be unveiled on FRIDAY OCTOBER 14^TH at 11AM by Eric’s widow Joan, alongside eldest son Gary and daughter Gail together with a representative from Ernie’s family. They will be joined on the day by many friends and fans of Morecambe and Wise.

Eric Morecambe’s widow Joan said, on behalf of herself and Doreen Wise (Ernie’s widow): “This is a day which Doreen and I never expected to happen.

“It was so exciting when the statue of Eric was unveiled in his home town of Morecambe in 1999 and I know Doreen was equally delighted when the statue of Ernie was unveiled in Morley, West Yorkshire, in 2010.

“We never dreamt of seeing a statue unveiled to both Eric and Ernie in Blackpool, a town that we have so many happy memories of from all the many shows the boys performed there over the years. It will be a day that will live with us forever.”

The new statue of the double act, which cost £75,000 and has been funded through donations, has been gifted to Blackpool Winter Gardens.

Graham Ibbeson, who previously sculpted the now famous statue of Eric in the comedian’s hometown of Morecambe in 1999, said: “I am delighted to have brought the boys back together so the nation can see them as they should be – Eric and Ernie alongside one another.

“Morecambe and Wise are the greatest double act to have ever graced British TV screens and both Eric and Ernie’s families agree their spiritual home is Blackpool.

“Eric and Ernie’s families have been involved right through the process and they love the statue which means an awful lot. I feel sure it will become a hugely popular and much-loved attraction in Blackpool for generations to come.”

Eric and Ernie entertained hundreds of thousands of people during their many years in Blackpool, playing at seven theatres, six summer seasons and a starring role in the 1955 Royal Variety Performance at the Winter Gardens.

Michael Williams, Winter Gardens Managing Director, said: “The statue is wonderful and we cannot wait to see it unveiled at the entrance of the Winter Gardens where Morecambe and Wise performed so many times in their career.

“This will be a permanent tribute to the nation’s favourite comedy double act which I am sure fans from around the world will want to come and see.

“Graham has done a wonderful job and we cannot thank him enough for all his hard work together with the families of Eric and Ernie who decided Blackpool – the boys’ spiritual home – was the fitting location for this long overdue tribute to these two comedy greats.”

Legendary racehorse Red Rum’s achievements over the jumps at Carlisle are to be celebrated with a special 40^th anniversary race day in his honour.

Rummy – the nation’s favourite steeplechaser and three-time Grand National winner – was not only a legend at Aintree but also at the much-loved Cumbrian racecourse.

Red Rum famously prepared for each of his National wins (1973, 1974 and 1977) by riding a winner at Carlisle’s first autumn meeting. A win in Cumbria – in 1972, 1973 and 1976 – was certainly a good omen as when Rummy failed to triumph over the jumps at Carlisle the previous autumn he then failed to win at Aintree.

To mark the 40^th anniversary of Red Rum’s last Carlisle win Cumbria’s premier racecourse has namedThursday October 13^th– the opening meeting of its 2016 national hunt season – Red Rum Day.

And in a move sure to please racegoers, anyone celebrating their 40^th birthday this year will gain FREE entry to #RedRumDay at Carlisle .

Geraldine McKay, Carlisle Racecourse’s General Manager, said:“We are proud of our connection to the world’s most famous racehorse and so we are delighted to name a race meeting in his honour.

“Rummy’s Grand National legend is well known, the fact he prepared for each of his famous wins by riding a winner at Carlisle is fondly remembered by racegoers here in Cumbria. This racecourse was certainly a lucky omen!

“The connection continues to this day as the McCain family, who famously trained Rummy, continue to race horses in Cumbria and we are delighted to be able to invite them to Carlisle on October 13^th– the start of our jumps seasons, as guests of honour.”

The highlight of #RedRumDay will be the 4.25 News & Star Windermere Handicap Chase – the very same three-mile chase Red Rum won in 1972, 1973 and 1976. Carlisle has decided to resurrect the race especially for the day.

Donald McCain, son of Red Rum’s trainer Ginger McCain and himself a Grand National winning trainer with Ballabriggs in 2011, said: “Carlisle was certainly a good course for both my father and Red Rum ahead of their national wins.

“It is one of the best national hunt courses in the country especially for novice chasers. The uphill track provides a very fair test for proper chasing types.

“We’re delighted Carlisle is marking the 40th anniversary of Red Rum’s last victory there and I’m sure it will be a great day of racing in Cumbria.”

It is not only the McCain family who will be treated on #RedRumDay.

The racecourse is giving free entry on October 13^th to anyone who was born in 1976 and celebrates their 40^th birthday this year.

There will also be live music and plenty of fun to be had in the racecourse’s aptly named Red Rum bar, together with food and drinks offers in its sumptuous Main Stand.

Tickets for #RedRumDay at Carlisle Racecourse – Thursday October 13^th – are £14.00 (in advance) or £17.00 (on the day). 40-year-olds wanting to take advantage of the free entry offer simply need to bring photo ID with them on the day which shows their date of birth.