Sunday, 15 February 2009

Massive fire Destroys Yates Wine Lodge, Blackpool


Massive blaze rips through Blackpool
The scene in Talbot Square today





MORE than 90 firefighters are tackling a massive fire in Blackpool town centre.

The blaze started in Clifton Street, close to Talbot Square, in the early hours. Eyewitnesses said the newly refurbished Yates Wine Bar has been destroyed and neighbouring buildings were ablaze.Seven people - including a baby - were evacuated and are being looked after by Blackpool Council staff.
A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson, police have confirmed.The fire is believed to have started in the ground-floor of a pet shop shop and spread through the roof of the neighbouring three-storey Yates' building.
The Wildcats lap dancing bar has also been severely damaged, and the Subway sandwich shop is also affected.Three aerial ladders were used and, at 10.30am, fire chiefs said the blaze was under control.However, a wall of the Wildcats lap dancing bar appears as if it may collapse.
The area around the scene has been sealed off by police.Peter O'Brien, assistant chief fire officer for Lancashire, said: "When crews arrived, just after 3am, they found a significant developing firein the middle section of the Yates Wine Lodge building."There was a real problem with the wind pushing the fire away from the Promenade towards the rest of the terrace so we realised we would needsignifacnt resources."Up to 100 firefighters were here at the scene of the fire and it is abolutely tragic."We have a real heritage building of Blackpool which to all intents and purposes has been destroyed by the fire."Lancashire Police said there were no reported injuries.
Blackpool Council leader Peter Callow said the resort had lost one of its most famous buildings.He said: "This fire has destroyed one of Blackpool's iconic buildings and it is particulary upsetting as Yates' had recently spent half a million pounds restoring the building to its former glory."I officially opened Yates' last year after the painstaking work had been done and I know how proud people were."This fire is tragic because the opening of the nearby Travel Lodge and the completion of the revamp of Rumours had seen Talbot Swuare looking very fine again."We will now be talking to everyone concerned to see what is the best way forward."

Saturday, 14 February 2009

Valentine weekend at The Wilcot Hotel







Yet another Valentines weekend at The Wilcot Hotel.


There was so much love in the Hotel this weekend!

Everyone seemed to have a great weekend with no proposals unfortunately, so it looks like me and Terry won't be investing in a new hat for any future civil partnerships!

Here's a few pictures to enjoy!

















































The Wilcot Hotel Bar

We are in the process of having a re-vamp in the Hotel Bar.
Here's a picture so far.
We'll post another picture when it's all finished!

Tuesday, 10 February 2009

Valentines!!


Well, should be a great valentines weekend here in Blackpool.
All the bars have got some great events on and we've got a great bunch of regulars here in the hotel so should be a fun weekend!!!!

Wednesday, 4 February 2009

Blackpool Gay Scene Website



A good website to have a look at for all gay events in Blackpool is http://www.blackpoolgayscene.com/ the website is well updated and has great pictures

World Fireworks Championships Returns to Blackpool!


Top firework companies from around the globe will be invited to stage pyrotechnical displays, bringing an International flavour to Central Promenade during the opening weeks of Blackpool’s World Famous Illuminations season.

Each competing company will launch fireworks particular to their homeland and showcase their own pyrotechnical expertise, to win the public vote.
Displays will take place on Sunday 6 September and then every Friday night between 11 September - 2 October. Build up will commence around 7.30pm Fireworks from approximately 8.30pm

"The Producers" at The Grand Theatre






The Broadway hit musical "The Producers" comes to The Blackpool Grand theatre the 7th-12th July. Performed by Premier Theatre Company.


Our good friend Chris Cambell has got the lead playing "Max Bialystock ". Chris was stage manager in "Seussical the Musical" in which I was Musical Director for last year. I wish him all the best!


Betty Legs Diamond from Funny Girls http://www.funnygirlsshowbar.co.uk/ is choreographing the show and making a guest appearence!


Terry had a glimse of some of the sets for the show and said they are amazing. This is going to be fantastic show with no expense spared and I advise everyone to get tickets early!


For more info visit http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/



Blackpool Pride 2009


















The Blackpool Pride 2009 launch party took place last week at


The Mardi Gras www.themardigrasblackpool.com/



Hosted by Miss Stella Artois and Roxy Hart the evening was a great success with lots of great entertainers, raffles, auctions etc.


Blackpool Pride is getting bigger and brighter every year and I am sure this years will also be a great success!




Blackpool Pride runs from 16th/17th May 2009 to find out more visit http://www.prideblackpool.com/



Tuesday, 3 February 2009



Welcome to our new Blog!


Myself and Terry have run the Hotel for over 5 years now and in that time we have built up an excellent reputation as been one of Blackpools popular Gay Hotels.


Prior to been "Hoteliers" I used to be a Music Teacher at Henley College and Terry worked within Management at Sainsburys. After been together for 7 years we decided on a career change and bought the Wilcot Hotel.








Welcome to the Wilcot Hotel BLOG "a popular Gay Hotel in the heart Blackpool"

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