Author: Viva Blackpool
Spice Up Your Life!
1 March 2018
WANNABE – The Spice Girls Show in Blackpool is the only touring theatre production inspired by the ultimate girl power group and is returning in 2018 for it’s 2nd national tour.
With BOYZONE reuniting for their 25th anniversary, STEPS extending their tour and the SPICE GIRLS themselves appearing in their own TV Special, it is the perfect year to spread that 90s nostalgia far and wide. In fact, the past few years have seen a huge resurgence of many 90s groups from TAKE THAT and others such as FIVE, ATOMIC KITTEN, 911 and A1.
Formed in 1994, The Spice Girls captured the World’s attention with their debut single WANNABE, released on 7th July 1996. The single went on to become one of the best selling singles of all time, topping the charts in 37 countries and selling over 6 million copies Worldwide.
The Spice Girls and their ‘girl power’ defined a generation, becoming pop icons for many children, teenagers and adults of the time. 20 years later, people from all walks of life are reliving the 90s decade at this one-night-only theatre show based around 5 of the most recognizable female faces in music. The show is family friendly with many of the younger audience being introduced to these iconic songs for the first time.
WANNABE follows the girls’ glittering careers from their first release to their 2012 Olympic Ceremony reunion. Featuring the girls’ biggest hits and songs from their solo careers; whilst the cast bring to the stage that infamous unique charisma the Spice Girls were so well known for.
Representing the band, Hannah Thompson said: “We’re all obsessed with 90s music and we wanted to make a big splash with this huge concert tour. We’re creating the ultimate girls night out and who doesn’t know the words to Spice Up Your Life or Stop?!”
The hits just keep coming from this show with songs including Viva Forever, 2 Become 1, Who Do You Think You Are and new arrangements of the girls solo singles – from I Turn To You (Mel ‘Sporty’ C) to the show-stopping It’s Raining Men (Geri ‘Ginger’ Halliwell).
So if you like a bit of Spice then Zig-A-Zig-Ah down to the Box Office for tickets to the 90s events of the year!
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Struggling to think of the perfect gift for Mother’s Day? Don’t worry, we have you covered!
23 February 2018
Don’t even think of letting mum cook this Mothers Day. Treat her to Brunch at the Viva Vegas Diner, Bar & Grill or to an Evening show with The Jerseys.
Join us for Mothers Day Brunch down at the Viva Vegas Diner, Bar & Grill situated on the Promenade. You can choose three delicious dishes from our exclusive Mother’s Day menu for just £14.95, and to make it that little bit extra special, we will offer you a glass of complimentary bubbly on arrival! The menu is available all day and there will be a guest singer performing between 2pm & 7pm. Make this celebration unforgettable by planning a unique gift in Blackpool that your mum will cherish. We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Looking for something to do in the evening? Treat your mum to an unforgettable experience with Dinner & Show for just £29.95 per person, as our fantastic four-part harmony group, The Jerseys serenade her in one incredibly special show! Taking a break from their second UK tour, The Jerseys will delight the crowd with classics from Franki Valli & The Four Seasons including “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Walk Like A Man”, “Bye, Bye, Baby”, “Oh What A Night” and many more. Dinner & Show or Show Only Tickets available.
Do you have a plan for Mother’s Day? Not made plans yet… Well, shame on you… Don’t worry though! Whether it’s an afternoon outing or a lovely evening, or perhaps both? We have you covered.
For More Info On
The Jerseys Mother’s Day special Click Here
For More Info On
Brunch at the Viva Vegas Diner Click Here
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A Very Special Christmas Draw For The Fourth Battalion Regiment
20 February 2018
On Saturday 9th December 2017, the team here at Viva Blackpool had the pleasure of hosting a very special Christmas Draw for the 4th Battalion’s Duke of Lancaster Regiment.
Our events team were given the opportunity to meet and work with Sergeants Joseph Cork, Terry Leonard, and Garry Copeland in the organisation and delivery of this stunning Christmas celebration.
As always, our Events Manager Amy Mantle enjoyed planning this special occasion and bringing it to life for the Sergeants and their families to enjoy.
Amy is delighted to share a few memorable highlights of the planning journey, and what it was like helping to create a magical evening for her clients, and also what it was like working with such inspirational people.
The Meeting …
If I had to sum up the 4th Battalion’s Christmas Draw in one phrase it would have to be ‘a night to remember’. The first time I had the pleasure of meeting Sargent Joseph Cork, was back in May when he had booked to come and watch one of our in-house shows; Viva Vegas Live.
I’d say it was only a couple of weeks later that I received a phone call from Joe, actually enquiring about hiring our venue for a Christmas Party for his sergeants, to celebrate the Christmas festivities with their families.
Thinking back, I remember that this event was important to me personally and one that I wanted to make extra special as my own younger brother, Michael currently serves in the same Regiment as Sergeant Joe Cork.
Let The Preparations Begin …
Viva Blackpool is known for throwing the biggest and best celebrations in the North West and I knew I wanted this event to be no different, so of course, I invited Joe and his colleagues to the venue to have another look around and to discuss their requirement’s for the event and to my delight they fell in love with the venue and loved the options we could provide them with – Phew! Now for one of my favourite parts of my job – The preparations!
Over the following few weeks myself and the events team worked closely with Sergeant Cork to finalise a brief and get a solid plan of action in place – I really can’t tell you how many phone calls we exchanged in the six months lead up to the event and even Joe began to joke; “I bet you’re sick of hearing my voice”. However the six month lead up to the event flew by, and soon it was party time.
Venue…
With an impressive layout across our stunning Festival Suite, we placed 16 round tables suitable to each seat 8 guests, as well as setting down our beautiful white starlit dancefloor right in front of the stage, the venue looked perfect! One of our gorgeous Vegas Feathered Showgirl’s greeted guests as they arrived, handing out glasses of Prosecco and Orange Juice to add that glitz and glamour to this wonderful Christmas gathering.
The tables were dressed with white cloths, red runners, and a mixture of gold and silver candelabra’s (Sonje Jones Flower Design) were placed in the centre of each table complimented with scattered table diamantes. White chair covers and gold sashes that Sergeant Cork had chosen, really suited the theme of the room and gave it the elegant yet Christmassy feel that we were all hoping for. The red napkins in the wine glasses, the red Christmas crackers, the bottles of wine, and not to forget the bottle of bubbly on each table, really did create a sense of occasion and became one of the talking points of the night!
Exquisite Dining
Where do I start with the food? During our first meeting, Sergeant Cork, and Sergeant Copeland both knew that they were looking for a traditional Christmas Menu although they wanted this to be a little bit ‘more’ than the standard ‘Turkey Dinner’. After a discussion about our available menu options, they had opted for a 5-course menu, with the Tomato and Basil Soup to start served with warm crusty bread – A perfect winter warmer! For the main course; a traditional Turkey dinner, of course, served with seasonal vegetables, and potatoes, topped with Festive Turkey Jus. Followed by a mouth-watering Cookie Crumble Cheesecake, with Coffee’s, and a luxurious Cheeseboard served to each table.
I did my rounds of visiting each table to check the meals were being thoroughly enjoyed; I received nothing but wonderful feedback.
However, behind the scenes in the kitchen, Andy (our Executive Chef) and his team were busy freshly preparing two EXTRA vegetarian meals that had been requested during dinner service. Andy prepared a delicious Penang Curry served with Coconut and Coriander rice for the additional vegetarians, and they were so grateful that we could create something suitable for them at such last minute!
Entertainment…
I’ve been waiting to talk about this since the beginning of this blog, the entertainment is always the best part in my opinion, and the most important, the entertainment is what sets the atmosphere for the night. Luckily Joe chose our resident in-house tribute band, The Jerseys as well as DJ Phil Colbert to entertain the guests throughout the night and let’s just say everyone had a very ‘merry’ time.
Everyone up dancing along and having a laugh was the perfect way to end the evening.
Capturing Memories…
The whole night was truly memorable and everyone at Viva really did hope that everyone had an amazing time – one thing was for sure, memories were definitely made on the night and luckily our marketing manager Jon Boris managed to capture some amazing moments.
A few days later, I received an email from Joe that included some lovely comments about the party, it read:
Amy
On behalf of the Regimental Sergeant Major myself and the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess, I would like to thank you, and the rest of the team for an amazing evening. The food was superb, the room was impeccably dressed, and the entertainment was first class.
I have received nothing but positive feedback from all those that attended the evening, this is a credit to you and the hardworking team that supported us in the preparation and delivery of the evening.
I will be recommending Viva Blackpool for future military events.
Thanks again to you and the team for a superb evening.
It’s always lovely when we get feedback from our clients and really does make what we do so much more rewarding.]
If you would like to know more about our venue or want to look into hiring out one of our spectacular rooms then click here or call 01253 297 297.
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Our Top 5 Things To Do In Blackpool This Valentines Day…
12 February 2018
Need some help bringing out the cupid in you? Love waits for no one, so we’ve put together a go-to guide on just a few of the many things you can do in Blackpool to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your special someone.
Make this Valentine’s day one that you will remember forever, for all the right reasons and visit the staple of what Blackpool is most known for – Blackpool Tower!
Be amazed by how beautiful Blackpool truly looks from right at the top of the tower, with a glass floor you’ll certainly have a view that will take your breath away! Be mesmerized watching the famous Tower Circus or be a thrill seeker and take a tour around the Tower Dungeon. There really is something for everyone to enjoy!
You don’t always have to go to such extreme efforts to show someone how much you love and care for them, sometimes it’s the little things like taking a walk and spending some much-needed quality time together that matters the most.
Why not take a stroll through the beautiful Stanley Park and enjoy the breath-taking scenery surrounding it – the best way to capture the full view of the park is with a relaxing boat ride across the lake. You can always choose to end a perfect day with a delicious home-made picnic whilst admiring the stunning water fountain feature situated in the very centre of the park!
If you are in need of a little adventure in your life and want to share a few special moments with your partner, then a trip to Blackpool Zoo will make for the perfect Valentine’s Day out!
Explore the zoo’s woodland, waterfalls and lakes in search of exciting animals. Get up close and personal with the monkeys as you take a walk through their enclosure, watch in amazement as the sea lions put on a spectacular show or catch the Tigers in action as they hunt and catch their food! You can find all of the most exciting animals right here at Blackpool Zoo.
If you are in need of a little silliness in your life and want to share a few laughs with your partner this Valentine’s Day, then why not take a walk along the comedy carpet. We can guarantee that every step you take will bring a new giggle!
And we just have to mention our very own show and entertainment venue – Viva Blackpool!
We are home to some of the most sensational Blackpool shows, including Blackpool’s biggest & best show night out! And this Valentine’s Day, we have a very special Jersey Beats – Oh What a Nite performance.
So what are you waiting for? Sit back and relaz and watch our spectacular showgirls alongside the fantastic Jersey Beats, with a complementary glass of fizz, a beautiful rose and even chocolates! To find out more visit Viva! The Show
We have highlighted only a few of the many attractions in Blackpool that make for the perfect Valentine’s Day out. If you want to find out what else Blackpool has to offer, then take a trip on over to Visit Blackpool – The go-to destination guide for all things Blackpool!
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Behind The Scenes – January
7 February 2018
It’s all showbiz and sparkles, even behind the scenes here at Viva.
Following our roving reporter has been capturing the month on our Viva VLOG video
Over the course of the month we’ve hosted ‘The Pride of Blackpool Awards’, the
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A Magical Christening…
19 January 2018
Have you ever seen a real Unicorn? Well, neither had we… Until our Event Manager, Amy threw her daughter, Blessie a magical joint Christening and 2nd Birthday Party celebration!
Blessie’s joint christening and birthday celebration was a very exciting and rewarding experience and of course, the day turned out hassle free and all of Blessie’s guests had an incredible time.
Being in the Events Industry, Amy had lots of ideas about how special she wanted to make her daughter’s birthday party, and with all the contacts we have here at Viva Blackpool, we knew just how to do it!
The preparations began around 8 weeks before the big day, and everything from the Church service, to the pastel coloured marble room décor, and the cakes and pastries on the afternoon buffet was thoroughly considered.
The Baptism service took place at All Hallow’s Church in Bispham, and the whole experience of the service itself was just beautiful.
Our very own Leye D Johns was asked to be Godfather and he accepted on the provision that he would become Blessie’s “Fairy Godmother” instead!
The service was short and sweet surrounded by Blessie’s nearest and dearest. Of course, Blessie was more interested in the Christmas tree inside of the church and entertaining her guests than what was going on in terms of the Service, but she definitely enjoyed herself being the centre of attention.
Following the service, all the guests made their way to Viva Blackpool and into the Festival Suite and wow, did the room look sensational!
The indoor marquee style suite was dressed in crisp white linen and pastel coloured organza bows on each chair with pink satin runners on each table. On the centre of each table were stunning pastel coloured marble balloons with scattered gems around each bunch. Surrounding the centrepieces were handmade favours with little Strawberries and Cream flavoured truffles inside.
Of course, Amy had decided on a Unicorn Theme, which even included Peach flavoured Unicorn Shimmer in the prosecco which was given to guests upon arrival.
There was a mixture of Birthday and Christening balloons around the room, and giant silver letter balloons spelling out BLESSIE sat on pastel stands which came from the lovely Caryn at Balloonatics.
The Afternoon Tea Style Buffet prepared by our Executive Head Chef Andy Miller was to die for, and it had a delicious selection of cakes and pastries, and chocolate dipped marshmallow macaroon sticks – Yummy!
Amy had also hired a ‘doughnut wall’ which went down really well, they were so tasty and it looked great – A perfect addition to any celebration to give your guests that extra WOW.
I hear you sweet-toothed party planners asking – Mmm doughnuts, but what was the cake like?
Well… This was no ordinary christening cake. But then again, this was no ordinary christening!
The cake, in true ‘EXTRA’ party style for Blessie, was just out of this world with 4 different flavoured tiers and flashing lights – AND it was more than twice the size of the birthday girl herself!
“I hadn’t seen the cake until we arrived at the venue, I had discussed with our cake maker, Ness Bolton, from Boutique Cakes and Bakes of what it was I was looking for, and she asked me if she could have free reign of the design. I trust Ness, and I know she knows exactly what I like, so I allowed her to create a masterpiece – and oh my god, it was definitely a masterpiece!”
As we mentioned before it was a unicorn themed party! Amy wanted to surprise Blessie and make it a day nobody would forget. It certainly was that!
The Special Guest… Amy had joked with friends previously about how amazing it would be if she could get a real unicorn for the day, it was a running joke here in the Viva office and everyone thought she was mad – but… She only went and hired a real (well kind of) UNICORN and kept it a secret from everyone, including Blessie and all her guests!
The look on Blessie’s face and everyone else’s was absolutely priceless! Blessie and all of the children (and adults as well) were in awe as the miniature pony dressed in a unicorn horn, with a rainbow mane, clipped wings, and a shimmering coat strolled into the Festival Suite and became the main attraction on the dancefloor!
The company who brought the unicorn were fantastic, so professional and friendly! They brought lots of brushes, clips and dressing up bits for the horse so the children could play and interact with it. The horse was so well behaved and most importantly well looked after. Magic the Unicorn was so good around all of the little children (and adults) who really couldn’t get enough!
“I was so pleased with the whole day, everyone seemed to have a really great time, and that’s what it all boils down to really. Blessie received very generous and beautiful gifts which we were so grateful for. I already can’t wait to plan her next birthday… How can I top this one?”
If you would like your very own Unicorn Party then contact our events team on 01253 297 297 or email [email protected]
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Viva Blackpool Attends The GRAFTAS!
28 November 2017
Viva Blackpool is ecstatic to share a few highlights of this year’s GRAFTA’s and their amazing awards won on the night!
The GRAFTA awards, organised by DJ Paul O’Brien & Viva Blackpool is an awards ceremony that takes place every year to recognise all of Blackpool’s bars, pubs and clubs, whilst also rewarding the hardworking bar workers, teams and businesses for making Blackpool’s outstanding nightlife what it is today.
It was all smiles and laughter on the night, which took place on Sunday 26th November, as over 400 people, all from different entertainment venues, came together at the spectacular Viva Blackpool to let their hair down and party in style with a special night just for them, whilst also winning some awards.
Speaking of awards, not only did the Vegas venue in the heart of Blackpool host the event, but also managed to take away four awards on the night! From being the best dressed and the biggest party animal to being the hardest worker, not to mention Viva’s hilarious resident host Leye D Johns winning the award for ‘favourite entertainer’.
Leye D Johns, Entertainment Director at Viva, said:
“ What a lovely night it was. The GRAFTAS is always a great time and an event that all of us at Viva look forward to. It was a pleasure hosting the awards for a third time and to win an astonishing four awards is just a fabulous bonus.
I think it’s fair to say that the awards are the perfect chance to give recognition to all the hard workers in the Blackpool nightlife scene, and to give them a much need celebration after a fantastic season all round. ”
Take a look below to find out which individual superstars bagged the win for the Viva family.
You can find out more about the GRAFTAS and all of the other winners here: https://www.facebook.com/graftasblackpool/
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Viva Blackpool Takes Home The Win!
Viva Blackpool is ecstatic to announce their win of ‘Large Visitor Attraction’ at the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2017!
The Lancashire Tourism Awards, organised by Marketing Lancashire and now in it’s 14th year is the only pan-Lancashire tourism-focused awards ceremony, and it’s primary focus is to celebrate the success of businesses, individuals and partnerships in the tourism industry across Lancashire.
The Awards is a reminder of all the diversity that the county has and highlights all the amazing experiences Lancashire has to offer visitors, as well as reveal the brightest and best stars working in Lancashire tourism today.
The ceremony was held on the 9th November 2017 at the magnificent Blackpool Tower Ballroom; with over 500 guests anxiously waiting to be crowned the winners of their individual nominated categories.
Viva Blackpool being in the heart of the crowd after being nominated for three awards earlier in the year.
Facing some tough competition, Viva was up against Blackpool Zoo, Brockholes Nature Reserve in Preston, East Lancashire Railway, Farmer Ted’s Adventure Park in Ormskirk and Sandcastle Water Park in Blackpool for ‘Large Visitor Attraction’ and was absolutely over the moon to receive the win!
Leye D Johns, Entertainment Director at Viva, said:
“We are absolutely over the moon with our win of ‘Large Visitor Attraction’ and already have our award proudly on display!
Looking back, I am completely blown away by how far we have come over the last five years since opening and cannot wait to see what the future brings”
You can find out more about all of the other fantastic winners at www.lancashiretourismawards.com
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Viva Vegas Diner, Bar & Grill Brings A New Dinning & Entertainment Experience To Blackpool!
Set on Blackpool’s iconic Golden Mile, the Viva Vegas Diner offers a trip back in time to the fabulous era of the 1950’s for a unique and high-quality dining and entertainment experience.
Featured classic car fitted booths and a retro-inspired bar, with fantastic memorabilia from the era, complementing the stunning interior design, this restaurant, bar and grill truly captures the aesthetic of a true 1950’s diner with a touch of Las Vegas thrown in.
Alongside a delicious menu full of all those tasty American classics, including the most amazing milkshakes, hotdogs and burgers – which all happens to be made freshly to order daily, you can also experience a service like no other, due to the incredible, all singing, all dancing servers that break out into song and dance throughout the day! Where else in Blackpool can you receive top-quality service with a song?
Not to mention the bar serving up the most divine cocktails, wines, spirits, beers plus many other fantastic drink options late into the night, plus showing live sports alongside the very best entertainment in Blackpool, including an incredible in-house band The Fremonts!
Managing Director Martin Heywood says:
“We are all so over the moon with the response we have gotten from the public about our new diner. Admittedly we have had a few teething problems in the first few months, just like any other new restaurant, but we have taken on board all the comments and feedback from our loyal customers to make the Viva Vegas Diner experience the best it can be.
The potential for this new bar & grill is endless and I am excited to see what the future brings and introduce a whole new dining and entertainment concept to Blackpool!”
So what are you waiting for? Go ‘all in’ at the Viva Vegas Diner for a one of a kind experience you’ll never forget.
Part of the ‘Viva Blackpool’ entertainment, dining and events complex – A busy, bustling family restaurant, bar and live music venue that is definitely something to be seen!
Other recent news
Mamma Mia Here We Go Again
16 September 2017
Two new dates in the Viva Blackpool diary will take music lovers back in time.
Dancing Queen: The Concert promises to be ‘the biggest 70s party ever’ – paying tribute to the Swedish pop icons ABBA – when it comes to the Church Street entertainment complex on Monday, October 23.
A spokesman said: “With over 15 years’ experience worldwide Dancing Queen: The Concert is a sensational live tribute to one of the world’s best ever bands, with authentic costume changes.
“A fabulous live band, there’s only one show to have, Dancing Queen: The Concert
“The concert captures the sounds of ABBA lyrically, visually and musically. They include many of the favorite hits we fondly remember such as Dancing Queen and Waterloo.”
And into the new year, on Sunday, February 4, the venue will host That’ll Be The Day, ‘the UK’s premier Rock & Roll production’ and a celebration of the golden era of popular music.
