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Marine Hall, Fleetwood

Fleetwood’s history dates back to 1836, during the reign of King William IV, uncle of the future Queen Victoria.

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, visited the Marine Hall in 1938.

Fleetwood was founded in 1836 and derives its name from its founder, Sir Peter Hesketh-Fleetwood. The town was designed by one of the leading architects of the time, Decimus Burton, as a purpose-built, completely new town, which makes it unique in Lancashire and unusual amongst other post-medieval towns in England.

Burton’s plan used the highest point in Fleetwood, a sand dune that became known as The Mount, as the focal point for the streets which radiated outwards and resembled a half-wheel. The spokes of the wheel were made up of the residential areas and the rim for the main commerce area on Dock Street. The town became popular as its fishing industry grew in the second half of the nineteenth century. By the early twentieth century Fleetwood had become Britain’s premier west coast fishing port.

Home to gardens and bowling greens, some of which saw a transformation at the end of 2011 back to previous 1930’s glory with funding secured by Wyre Council, along with a generous donation from the Lofthouse family, famous makers of Fisherman’s Friend, which are made in Fleetwood. The gardens are now enjoyed all year round, with plenty of space to sit and enjoy the view, attractive water features and an outdoor performance space; the gardens have been completely transformed.

Photo Credit: Alexandra Holt

In the 1920s, permission was granted to reclaim a mile and a half along the Morecambe Bay shore of the town to build this resplendent architectural gem.

 The outer Promenade, the Marine Gardens, Open Air Bath and tennis courts were established shortly afterwards. The 1930’s saw further additions to the new seafront; the open-air baths were extended, miniature and championship golf courses were established, and boating and model yacht ponds were founded. Marine Hall took centre stage when it was opened in 1935 and has been the premier entertainment venue for the Fleetwood and Wyre area ever since.

The Beatles were booed off stage when they played here in 1962.

 Acclaimed tenor Alfie Boe gave his first public performance here, aged 14, in “Songs from the Shows” organised by local singing teacher Charlotte Dawson, fondly known as ‘Auntie Lottie’. A blue plaque unveiled to Alfie in 2017 can be found in the foyer.