Author: Viva Blackpool
Star Trekking in the Blackpool Lights . . .
28 August 2017
Blackpool will boldly go where no one has gone before with the first intergalactic switch-on of the world-famous Illuminations.
The announcement of a Star Trek switch-on finale completes the line-up for this year’s event, which is being staged in association with MTV. There will be live performances from artists Example and DJ Wire, Diversity, Conor Maynard and Louisa Johnson.
The main show will commence at around 7pm with performances by Louisa and Conor, followed by another scintillating routine by Diversity which will lead directly into the Star Trek switch-on sequence. Immediately after the Switch-On, Example and DJ Wire will rock the Promenade for an hour-long party under the Lights.
Blackpool already has a strong relationship with the Star Trek franchise, with an interactive exhibition on the Golden Mile and features within the Illuminations, and it’ll be a spectacular and innovative way to welcome in the Blackpool Illuminations season.
The biggest night in Blackpool’s events calendar, which is being staged in association with MTV, will feature headline performances by Example and DJ Wire, Conor Maynard, Diversity and Louisa Johnson.
The free concert, to be held on the Tower Festival Headland Arena on Friday 1 September, also sees the return of Club MTV DJs R3wire and Varski, who took last year’s event by storm.
International rapper and songwriter Example has performed to sell-out audiences across Europe and worked alongside global stars including Calvin Harris and Chase & Status. He has also acted in numerous movies.
He will be joined at the Switch-On party by the hugely-talented Louisa Johnson – at 17, the youngest ever winner of The X Factor, who went on to secure major hits with Tears and So Good selling over 1 million singles.
Conor Maynard is no stranger to Blackpool having appeared at the inaugural SLIMEFEST event in 2016. The singer-songwriter has a huge following on You Tube and was named as MTV’s Brand New star for 2012.
Diversity, who stunned the Switch-On capacity crowd with an astonishing routine last year have just completed their seventh UK arena tour. Widely acclaimed as one of the world’s great dance acts, they will be bringing another unique set to the Switch-On stage.
The Friday night event will start with a “Blackpool Introduces” showcase featuring the best of talent from the local area, including local singer songwriter James Edgar; the incredible vocal harmonies of District 12; upcoming new band Pacific;
and, the soulful vocals of Gloria Adereti.
This will be followed by an exclusive performance from B&FC’s student choir who will then lead the crowd in a special rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ to commemorate the College’s milestone anniversary. The event will be one of the highlights of the College’s year of celebrations, with a number of events already having taken place or planned throughout the rest of the year.
Switch-On VIP
We’re happy to be this year’s VIP partner for the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On event.
The VIP packages include a complimentary drink and canapes on arrival; access to the VIP marquee within the Switch-On arena; and exclusive access to the after-show party in the glittering Festival Suite with Viva’s host and Entertainment Director, Mr Leye D Johns, along with members of the Viva cast for an exclusive VIP performance.
Prices start from £69.00 for adults and £35.00 for under 14s. Tickets are on sale NOW include a whole host of added extras including a delicious after-show supper and an official VIP goody bag.
Tickets: available online here, by calling Viva Blackpool on 01253 297297 or by e-mailing [email protected].
Other recent news
Happy Birthday To Us!
10 August 2017
The Vegas venue in the heart of Blackpool is set to celebrate five years in business this Saturday with a special offer for customers.
The entertainment complex opened back in August 2012 after entrepreneurs Martin Heywood and Leye D Johns set out to create a Las Vegas style experience on the Fylde Coast.
To celebrate they are offering the first fifty customers to book tickets for Viva Vegas Live on Saturday August 12 a special £10 offer.
Leye D Johns, Entertainment Director at Viva, said: “Martin and I have a long history of providing top quality entertainment in Blackpool since our days at the Alabama Showboat and we couldn’t be happier to celebrate Viva’s 5th birthday this weekend.
“We’ve been incredibly privileged to work with some of the best entertainers in the business and to see Viva flourish into an icon of the Golden Mile.
“Not only that but we’ve received a host of awards and accolades over the years, none of which would have been possible without the constant support of our dedicated colleagues and customers.”
The venue revived the former bingo hall and reimagined it as an entertainment complex to rival any other in town, with three stunning rooms providing shows and function spaces 365 days a year.
Earlier in the year the business expanded with the opening of the Viva Vegas Diner on the corner of Church Street and the Promenade, offering an American style dining experience never before seen in the town combined with regular live music from house band The Fremonts.
The new venture saw a £1.2m investment made into the refurbishment of the diner, staff development initiatives and improvements to the staging and video screen backdrop in the main venue.
Martin Heywood, Managing Director at Viva, added: “When Leye and I opened the venue back in 2012 we had a vision to provide an exceptional visitor experience for our customers and we are delighted to be able to continue to do so.
“We are both absolutely committed to Blackpool, a town which we both have a huge passion for, and count ourselves very lucky to be a part of the thriving entertainment offer.
“Not only that, but we enjoy nothing more than providing quality career and development opportunities to the people of the UK’s number one seaside resort.”
Viva and the Viva Vegas Diner employs 90 staff, all paid the living wage, in a variety of positions from marketing assistants to box office clerks, bartenders to technicians and everything in between, plus prides itself on offering a programme of career development opportunities.
Over the years Viva has won a number of awards including Entertainment Venue of the Year and Customer Service gongs in the Radio Wave Culture & Lifestyle Awards, and in 2016 Entertainment Director Leye D Johns was named Lancashire Tourism Superstar as well as being shortlisted for the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar award.
Discounted celebration tickets are only available on Saturday 12 August for Viva Vegas Live when quoting ‘FIVE YEARS’. For more information or to book tickets visit www.vivablackpool.com or call 01253 297 297.
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Feel the 4th with the ‘Independence Burger’ at the Viva Vegas Diner
28 June 2017
The Viva Vegas Diner is celebrating the 4th of July with a giant foodie challenge, American themed music set and a host of drinks promotions.
The ‘Independence Burger’ has been cooked up by Viva’s head chef, with a mammoth burger and a selection of sumptuous sides all on the plate, plus the chance to get it all free of charge if you challengers finish it within 45 minutes of it hitting their table.
Resident band ‘The Fremonts’ will be keeping challengers motivated as they take on the monumental mouth-watering mission, with a brand-new musical soundtrack featuring a host of all American classics throughout the month.
Leye D Johns, Entertainment Director at Viva, said: “We’re really looking forward to celebrating the 4th of July with our American cousins here at the Viva Vegas Diners.
“The new set created by The Fremonts takes a whole host of all American classics and reimagines them in the band’s postmodern Jukebox style that our visitors have been loving since we opened.
“So don’t miss this chance to feel the 4th with us this July and see if you can defeat the ‘Independence Burger’ challenge.”
The behemoth burger includes two beef patties, two buttermilk chicken breasts, two jack cheese slices, two strips of streaky bacon, BBQ pulled pork, blasting bacon bits, onion dust and signature six cheese sauce.
As well as the burger, challenges have to round off their meal with giant onion rings, three buffalo chicken wings, a small plate of mac and cheese and cajun skin on fries plus, wash it all down with two pints of coke.
As well as the ‘Independence Burger’ the team behind the bar have created a series of brand-new red, white and blue cocktails, all available on a buy three get your fourth one free offer throughout the month.
The ‘Independence Burger’ will cost £24.95 for anyone who doesn’t finish every morsel within the 45 minute time limit, but all challengers will have their name and time placed on the leaderboard on the Viva Vegas Diner website, with the person with the best time winning a meal for four at the end of the month.
The Viva Vegas Diner 4th of July ‘Independence Burger’ challenge and promotions run from Monday 3 to Monday July 31.
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Resident Band to Keep Toes Tapping at Viva Vegas Diner
1 June 2017
Homegrown band ‘The Fremonts’ are set to take up residence at the Viva Vegas Diner with a rock and roll style postmodern jukebox of tracks.
The band are named after the famous Fremont Street in Las Vegas which has featured in many well known music videos and is renowned for its live music scene.
Offering an eclectic mix of old songs brought up to date and new songs made to sound retro, the band are to offer the perfect accompaniment to the unique Viva Vegas Diner experience.
Sam Cummins, Lead Vocalist of The Fremonts, said: “We’re made up to have been chosen as the resident band for the new Viva Vegas Diner.
“Our speciality is performing old songs that sound like new and new songs that sound old, we think that people will love that kind of sound.
“We hope that we’ll have audiences at the diner tapping their toes while they enjoy their Viva Vegas dining experience.”
The 4-piece are made up of local musicians Sam Cummins on lead vocals, Matthew Chung on drums, Joe Boyes on keyboard and Michael Mayor on bass guitar.
On selected performances throughout the season the band will be joined on stage by members of the new in-house Viva cast and guest vocalists to really give the venue that live music vibe that Fremont Street in Vegas is known for.
They are also keen to hear from local musicians who might want to join them on stage for a jam, creating new collaborations and unique sounds for diners to enjoy.
The Viva Vegas Diner is set to open to the public at 20:30 on Monday, June 12th following the VIP launch. For more information or for advanced bookings, call 01253 297 297 or visit the website.
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Brand new high end production to launch this June
9 May 2017
Viva Blackpool’s headline show Viva Vegas Live is set to re-launch this June with a stunning new high end production.
Starring the hilarious Entertainment Director of Viva Blackpool Leye D Johns, the newly reimagined show will feature large scale production numbers, an expanded cast, aerial performance plus new guest vocalists.
The show, which has run every week since the venue opened in 2012, will re-launch on June 24 and is set to bring a taste of high end Las Vegas glamour to the thriving venue.
Leye D Johns said: “We’re so excited about the new Viva Vegas Live production that we’ve been preparing behind the scenes over the past couple of months.
“Here at Viva we’re all about bringing that Vegas glitz to the Fylde Coast and we’re sure that the new show is going to do exactly that.
“This is the start of a journey we’re going on here at Viva to evolve the show, stage, cast and venue all with the aim of making it bigger, better and more Vegas.”
The new cast is 11-strong, featuring male and female dancers and vocalists for the first time in the venue’s history, bringing Vegas style production values to audiences on the Fylde Coast. With credits including appearances at Proud Cabaret in London, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Celebrity Cruise Line, the new resident cast are one of the most talented and acclaimed in the resort.
With musical numbers spanning everything from classic show tunes right through to contemporary tracks including Rag & Bone Man’s smash hit Human, the show promises to offer something for everyone.
The venue’s stage and video screens are also being improved in anticipation of the launch of the new show and a plethora of glittering and glamourous costumes have been commissioned to bring out the razzle dazzle of the cast.
As part of the investment into the new show the resident cast are having their skills enhanced with a programme of professional development ensuring that they are able to be at the forefront of the industry, constantly enhancing their skills to bring the highest quality productions to Viva’s audiences.
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Blackpool’s showbiz wedding of the year
6 April 2017
The biggest, brightest and best showbiz Blackpool wedding of the year was held here at our very own Vegas venue.
Local DJ and entertainer Norry Ascroft aka ‘Lionel Vinyl’ and bride Heather staged a super-sized ‘mock’ wedding.
The theatrically proportioned celebration, was for guests back home, having followed an overseas ceremony.
Our Viva Blackpool wedding team masterminded a laugh-filled occasion, shrouded in secrecy.
It incorporated unexpected twists for both bride and groom, concocted by one half of the happy couple without the other’s knowledge.
The groovy groom was tickled pink when a ‘fake bride’ (our in-house entertainer Leye D Johns) headed down the aisle.
Having mistakenly translated the groom’s request to ‘marry him’, ‘she’ was quite a sight.
Picture full bridal regalia, accompanied by drag queen bridesmaids!
And once the confusion had passed, ‘she’ dutifully performed the ‘marrying’, hamming up the ceremony and exchange of vows.
Then it was time to cross the famous promenade, for some glam photographs on the famous Comedy Carpet.
A Blackpool wedding to remember
Guests were ushered from the stunning Festival Suite during this interlude, into the magnificent Main Theatre, unbeknown to Heather.
To ensure total silence, ‘Don’t Tell the Bride’ was displayed on a huge screen onstage, before the bride and groom made their entrance.
Heather’s favourite band, ‘Touch the Pearl’, was standing by to perform.
But not before she had entered the Main Theatre in complete darkness, encouraged to go on stage by her husband.
Prompted by spectacular pyrotechnics, fabulous lighting, and the tones of ‘Marry You’ by Bruno Mars, guests cheered rousingly.
Later in the evening roving mics allowed four different ‘Best Men’ to add their thoughts to the star-spangled occasion.
A five-star buffet delighted all at the ceremony and hot baguettes awaited evening guests.
The whole extraordinary affair was a total triumph for Leye D Johns, Amy Mantle, and the Viva Blackpool wedding events team.
They handled everything, including turning the room vibrant turquoise with elaborate room decorations and lighting.
And they also arranged superb food, drink, entertainment, photos and video – all handled in-house.
Plus, the magnificent Viva Vegas event wouldn’t have been half as memorable without the Viva actors supplied for the fake bride ruse.
To discuss holding your dream Blackpool wedding at our fantastic flexible venue, get in touch with the team today.
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Love Him For A Reason & Let The Reason Be Rock
29 March 2017
Once Osmondmania had run its course, the various brothers embarked upon solo careers and Merrill Osmond was no exception.
Middle child Merrill became a very successful act on the American country music scene and of course has been touring alongside brothers Jay and Jimmy. Now in his mid-sixties and sporting distinguished white hair and beard, Merrill is as busy as ever, and will be appearing at Viva on Monday, June 5.
With the Osmonds back in the seventies, Merrill shared lead vocal duties with Donny and recalls those heady days. He said:
“Osmondmania was a shock that went around the world. Never having chosen my vocation I went from the Barbershop quartet world to The Andy Williams Show and then to the studios recording One Bad Apple; and then to go on stage in front of thousands of screaming girls was an experience.”
Merrill is a frequent visitor to the UK and performs here regularly, but it seems strange that his UK dates this year are rock shows. “That’s right,” he added. “I love rock music as well and these shows will be rock shows and no country in them either.”
So, what can we expect of the Osmond who lists ‘Crazy Horses’ and ‘Down By The Lazy River’ as his favourite Osmond tracks? He said:
“Well, what I might do is a tribute to Paul McCartney, as well as some (Led) Zeppelin and Cream, and of course my four-piece band and I will do all the hits.”
There are only a couple of UK dates in the diary at the moment, but Merrill admits there could be more in the future. “That’s right,” he added. “I’m talking to a promoter about a fuller tour, but it’s taking time.” And as Merrill is a devout Mormon, he hopes to visit the Mormon Temple near Preston whole he is here. “It’s definitely on my agenda,” he said.
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#VOTE4LEYE for National Tourism Superstar Award
8 March 2017
Lancashire’s own Tourism Superstar Leye D Johns, host and compere at Viva Blackpool, won his Lancashire ‘crown’ at the Lancashire Tourism Awards in November 2016 and is now one of just ten finalists for this prestigious national award, the winner of which will be decided by public vote.
Public voting opens today, Tuesday 7 February at 8am, to decide the winner of England’s Tourism Superstar 2017, organised by national tourist board VisitEngland and supported by the Daily Mirror. Members of the public are encouraged to Visit mirror.co.uk/tourismsuperstar to watch a short film created by each of the Superstar finalists and to then cast their vote for their favourite and outright winner.
Leye D Johns speaking about reaching the finals said “I’m absolutely overwhelmed by the support I’ve received as Lancashire’s Tourism Superstar and I’m so happy to be named as a national finalist. I love my job, the people of Lancashire, and the thousands of visitors who make every day working at Viva Blackpool such a pleasure. I’m so proud to be representing Lancashire in the national awards, to win would be the icing on the cake of a 23-year career as an entertainer in the UK’s favourite seaside resort.”
Leye is the only finalist from the North West of England and hopes that visitors from Lancashire and the North West in particular will support his film, vote for Leye and spread that support through social media using #Vote4Leye.
The Tourism Superstar finalists are:
Alan Anderson, Park Ranger, Auckland Castle, Durham
Duane Dibartolomeo, Owner, Grosvenor Fish bar, Norwich
Gemma Garwood, Falmouth Town Crier, Cornwall
Gillian Scotford and Jane Carver, Co-founders of Accessible Derbyshire, Derbyshire
Karl Gibson, Pub Landlord, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham
Kevin Robson, Tour Guide and Owner, Wild Dog Outdoors, Northumberland
Leye D Johns, Host & Compere, Viva Blackpool, Lancashire
Liz Hill, Founder, Rural Concierge, Herefordshire
Paul Schofield, City Tour Guide, Hull & East Yorkshire
Peter Jay, Volunteer, Cotswold Water Park Trust, Wiltshire
64 Million visitors choose to visit Lancashire each year and many will be familiar with Leye’s work at Viva Blackpool and across the county, they are now in the position to help make Leye D Johns, to victory as England’s Tourism Superstar.
Anna Izza, Head of PR & communications for Marketing Lancashire said “Leye was an incredibly popular recipient of the Lancashire Tourism Superstar Award 2016. Having won the most votes across Lancashire, we were very confident nominating him for the national award. Leye is such a wonderful character, is a great ambassador for the county and we’re absolutely thrilled to see him reach the final.”
VisitEngland Director Patricia Yates said, “The sheer calibre of this years’ entrants is testament to the outstanding customer service that is the foundation of England’s tourism industry. I really encourage you to join in and vote as we celebrate our Tourism Superstars who consistently go above and beyond customers’ expectations, and who contribute so much to ensure visitors have a great time.”
VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar initiative is in its sixth year and recognises the heroes within the industry who far exceed the call of duty to ensure visitors have the most amazing experience.
Vote Now for Lancashire’s Tourism Superstar Leye D Johns at mirror.co.uk/tourismsuperstar voting closes towards the end of March. The winning Tourism Superstar will be announced during English Tourism Week 2017(25 March – 2 April).
Click Here To Vote For Leye D
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Official Fringe Events For Blackpool Pride
7 March 2017
We’re proud to support Blackpool Pride Festival (BPF) having recently hosted their official launch party right here at Viva.
In 2014 BPF applied to be a charitable unincorporated organisation. We have an ethos of inclusion and this means inclusion of everyone within the LGB&T community and their own families and friends.
BPF will work to promote an awareness of equality and diversity and reduce homophobia in the wider community. We will celebrate our cultural identity and be proud of our lifestyle.
The Festival brings LGB&T people together and is a celebration of our LGB&T lifestyle. It is an opportunity to make friends, and be yourself in an environment where you feel safe and welcomed.
This year as well as the launch party we are also putting on 3 official fringe events across the Pride weekend.
First you gotta speed it up… Making a return to Blackpool on Friday 9th June, Cheryl, Mike, Jay ‘formerly of’ BUCKS FIZZ and special guest Bobby McVey come to Viva for a fantastic show with support from Leye D Johns and the Viva Showgirls. Sing along to the Eurovision hit and other classics from the 80’s in this one night only performance to kick start the Pride festivities.
From the original ‘Pop Idol’ competition, to West End stages and TV fame across the World – Gareth Gates joins us on Sunday 11th live in concert with an acoustic band, up close and personal to the audience – Fresh from the UK Tour of ‘Footloose’ the musical, this is your chance to come and hear Gareth performing some of his favourite music and covers especially for you.
Finishing off the weekends celebrations the FAAAAAAABULOUS Ceri Dupree is heading to town on Monday 12th with his One Man, 21 woman show. Presenting a glamorous evening of hysterical comedy, amazing vocal impersonations and jaw dropping, eye popping costumes. You could meet Adele, Cher, Joan Collins, Lady Ga Ga, Bjork, Shirley Bassey, Camilla and even the Queen! Ceri brings them all lovingly to life with a touch of Las Vegas class rarely seen in the UK today.
We look forward to our continued involvement in and support of BPF and hope to see many of you here at viva for our Fringe Events
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The Ultimate Mother’s Day Treat
6 March 2017
Do you have a plan for Mothers Day? An afternoon outing or a lovely evening, perhaps both? Not made plans yet… Well shame on you! Don’t worry though we have you covered!
Treat your mother to an unforgettable experience this Mother’s Day as our fantastic 4 part harmony group The Jerseys serenade her in our afternoon show also featuring The Ratpackers, covering all her favourite music from Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Drifters , Overtones, The Ratpack and much more in vegas venue, Blackpool. Available with Afternoon Tea or Sunday Carvery it’s a great way to spend the afternoon and treat your Mother to delicious food and first class music that is sure to get her up and dancing.
Afterwards why not head out onto the beautiful Promenade for a little walk before returning to Viva to take her on a date with showbiz icon, Martin Kemp.
As the bassist of 80’s New Romantic group Spandau Ballet, Eastenders legend and villain Steve Owen, the star of 90’s smash-hit global film The Krays, and more recently a talent show judge on the BBC’s Let It Shine, Martin Kemp has done it all.
Now, he’s heading to the Vegas venue at the heart ofBlackpool – VIVA Blackpool – for ‘An Audience with’, giving guests the chance to quiz Martin on his life in showbiz and spend an evening with one of Britain’s most-loved stars.
Find out more about both of these Fantastic Mother’s Day Gifts here:
Click Here For Mother’s Day Lunch
Click Here For An Evening With Martin Kemp
