Blackpool was the first seaside resort created for mass-tourism in the world. It has an internationally important history and Blackpool remains the byword for the seaside holiday worldwide. It has a unique place in the development of British popular culture, and yet nowhere is this fascinating story told.

Blackpool Council has set out to create a brand new museum for Blackpool which will bring together the heritage, artefacts, stories and memories which together tell the local, national and international Blackpool Story. This will be no conventional museum – it will be a dynamic and celebratory space – a blend of museum, visitor attraction and theatre, filled with artefacts, film, music and performance. The Museum will be based in the in the Pavilion Theatre within the Winter Gardens, and is due to open in 2019.

Over the last year the museum team has been collecting stories and artefacts, and our designers are hard at work creating the new museum. As part of the design process we would like to hold consultation sessions with pupils and teachers to get their feedback on the plans. This is a great opportunity for pupils to feed into this exciting new project, as well as practicing their debate and discussion skills, and learning more about the history of their town. Museum introductions and consultations can be tailored to suit learners of all ages and abilities, and can be run as a one-off activity with a class or group, or be embedded in a larger scheme of work.

For more information visit the museum website www.blackpoolmuseum.com. If you would like to find out more about the museum, discuss how your school might get involved with the project, or arrange a visit from the team please get in touch with the Learning and Skills Manager John Simpson Wedge – john.simpson-wedge@blackpool.gov.uk

You can also follow the development of the museum project on Facebook and Twitter.