When The Red Rose in Blackpool

Alex Saint

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When The Red Rose

28 October-2 November 2016

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Artist's impression // actual artwork not in-situ until 28 October
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When The Red Rose by Steve Messam is a series of temporary, site specific installations – a rising tide of the colour red appearing in four unexpected locations across Lancashire this autumn. It takes the historic symbol of Lancashire and, by a twist of language transforms it into something new and unexpected.

When The Red Rose in Blackpool engulfs a Victorian shelter on the promenade like a giant ship in a bottle, or, at night, a glowing red beacon. Wrapping a piece of architectural heritage of this famous resort in a protective bubble, is a playful and surreal celebration of Blackpool’s unique seaside heritage, its enduring charms and creative inspiration. Part of the LightPool Festival art walking tour and Light up Lancaster.

 

Where to go near When The Red Rose in Blackpool

Event venue
The Blackpool Tower

One of the most recognisable landmarks in the UK, Blackpool Tower is an iconic tourist attraction that sits at the heart of the seaside town.

Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Blackpool Tower

Blackpool Tower first opened to the public in 1894, and includes the Blackpool Tower Circus and Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

The Comedy Carpet
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
The Comedy Carpet

Blackpool’s Comedy Carpet sits in the shadow of the world famous Blackpool Tower – and it’s one of the largest pieces of public art ever commissioned in the UK.

Blackpool Tower Circus
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
The Blackpool Tower Circus

Visit the oldest permanent circus in the world, showcasing some truly jaw-dropping stunts from contortionists, acrobats and trapeze acts.

© Merlin Entertainments 2024
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Blackpool Tower Eye

Experience one of the country’s most well-known landmarks anew. Brave the glass SkyWalk, head to the 4D cinema, or soak up the views at Bar 380.

Hufton + Crow, courtesy of Visit Blackpool.
Blackpool
Museum
Showtown Blackpool

Learn more about Blackpool’s showbiz history at this all-singing, all-dancing family attraction housing six unique gallery spaces.

Blackpool
Restaurant
Beach House Bistro & Bar

Positioned right on the Promenade, you’ll find Beach House Bistro & Bar, a modern Mediterranean-style restaurant and bar that serves up a particularly mean cocktail.

Grand Theatre Blackpool
Blackpool
Theatre
Blackpool Grand Theatre

Blackpool’s Grand theatre is home to a broad and high quality touring programme of entertainment including drama, musical theatre, opera, ballet and dance.

Charabanc blackpool
Blackpool
Shop
Charabanc

Charabanc is your go-to for vintage and handcrafted items including fashion, gifts and homewares.

What's on: Exhibitions

Brettel Blue
Until
ExhibitionsManchester
Black Country Type II at The Modernist

The Black Country. Not always the first place people associate with colour, design and typography – but Tom Hicks has spent years looking closely enough to challenge that.

Free entry
Jen Orpin - A Very 70's Summer. Oil on cradled panel
ExhibitionsManchester
10 x 10 at Saul Hay Gallery

Saul Hay celebrates its 10th anniversary with an exhibition that gives 100 artists just 10 centimetres to work with.

Free entry
Until
ExhibitionsMediaCityUK
Curtain Up at Lowry

Lowry presents an exhibition on group communion, featuring artists who capture the energy and anticipation of live audiences.

A poster by city of making showing images from the University of Salford Archive's
Until
ExhibitionsSalford
City Of Making at The New Adelphi

Creativity, making and innovation have long shaped Salford. City of Making traces that legacy from industrial roots to today’s artists, designers and creative technologists.

Free entry

Culture Guides

Hofesh Shechter - Theatre of Dreams at Lowry
Theatre

Dark comedy, visceral dance theatre, Fringe hits and open-air performances on a railway viaduct - try something new this season.

Exhibitions

From post-it-sized art to commissions that fill entire gallery walls, five exhibitions ask what the overlooked reveals.

Mermaid Chunky by Simon Pizzey.
Music

From manifesto-wielding DJs to bands blurring gigs with performance art, our music guide is newly stocked with artists who see live music as a place for risk.

Food and Drink in the North

It’s the early-May edition of the Food and Drink Guide and here's where to eat and drink while living out your warm-weather dreams.

Emily Lloyd-Saini as Grace in Space and Harrie Hayes as Lieutenant Strong in Horrible Science
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.