The Stage

Leisure Parcs denies Blackpool failure

Published Tuesday 6 April 2004 at 10:30

Leisure Parcs executive Jon Sheehy has used the 2004 season launch to counter claims that the company is not doing enough to bolster Blackpool’s tourist trade during difficult times.

At the coffee morning launch party for hoteliers and accommodation providers held in the Tower Ballroom, the Leisure Parcs sales and marketing executive asked for patience and optimism in a changing market place.

“This is our sixth season in the resort. Some people think we have not done well. Some think we are not here for the long term. Well, it doesn’t matter what people think - everyone is working flat out to make this the best season ever,” he said. “Blackpool is clearly at a crossroads - the challenge is bigger than ever but the optimism is better than ever.”

The Blackpool Masterplan and the new Lancashire & Blackpool Tourist Board, which has taken over from the North West Tourist Board, will both be a boon to the resort, he said. The masterplan includes proposals for a series of super-casinos in the town - massive constructions featuring hotels and live entertainment as well as gambling facilities in response to forthcoming changes in gaming law. Already casinos featuring entertainment exist in Birmingham and Southend and others are planned elsewhere in the UK.

“Business tourism is another big subject and some people fear that we are losing out to other towns, ” he said but assured those attending: “There is a huge amount of work being done at the moment.”

On the entertainment front he told the packed house that there was a “change in the mix” with the company already demonstrating that it is looking at more one-night events and promised that more big names would be coming to the town. He also said that Leisure Parcs would be making more of its three unique piers, placing the emphasis on family entertainment.

The Tower Circus will be running for 31 weeks. Blackpool Tower general manager Geoff Sage said this year’s circus would “knock spots off” previous productions - even though it had won the Best Circus Award for the last four years.

With The Tower celebrating its 110th birthday in May, discussions are in progress with the BBC for “numerous events” to be filmed there, he added.

The audience were also treated to a preview of some of the summer shows - including an all-female bicycle speciality act, a breakdance team and Mooky the Clown with sidekick Mr Maxi from the Tower Circus. Comedians Dave Spikey and Jimmy Cricket, who will both be appearing on North Pier, also performed.