The exhibition celebrates the life and work of a local comedy legend
Opening of the Ken Dodd Exhibition at Showtown, Blackpool. Pictured Lady Anne Dodd.(Image: Martin Bostock Photography)
A new exhibition about a Liverpool legend has launched at a seaside town almost 60 miles away from his home town. Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition was officially opened at Blackpool’s Showtown on Tuesday, June 23, bringing together highlights from Museum of Liverpool’s Happiness! 2024 exhibition alongside previously unseen material from Blackpool’s own Ken Dodd archive.
Visitors will be able to learn more about the Scouse comedy legend through archive photographs, original footage, and colourful stage costumes, iconic props and original puppets, including the Dicky Mint.
The exhibition runs until Sunday, January 3 2027 at Showtown on Bank Hey Street in Blackpool (FY1 4TQ). Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition is an extra special ticketed exhibition, with entry priced at just £3 for adults aged 16+. Children are free of charge.
Speaking at the launch event, Chairman of the Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust, which operates Showtown, Spencer Phillips said: “Ken Dodd and Blackpool are a unique story.
(l-r) Lady Dodd, Sir Ken Dodd lifesize waxwork from Madame Tussauds Blackpool & comedian Mick Miller
“The most shows performed here by any star ever and the most hours on stage. I guess the second is no surprise to anybody. Ken Dodd loved Blackpool and Blackpool loved him and that’s why we are here today to celebrate Britain’s greatest comedian. Thank you Lady Dodd for sharing Sir Ken with us and for all your support for Showtown.”
Showtown isn’t the only attraction to reveal new updates and deals for families during the 2026 summer season.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach, a huge amusement park that has operated in the town for 130 years, launched its latest ride on May 21. Aviktas, an extreme “Gyro Swing,” soars to 138 feet and swings up to 120 degrees above the famous coastline.
Aviktas has opened at Pleasure Beach Resort(Image: Pleasure Beach Resort)
The attraction is home to the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land, with rides and facilities dedicated to the channel’s famous cartoon characters, and is home to 10 rollercoasters, five water rides, and five dark rides.
Just up the road from Showtown and around a six minute walk away is Madame Tussauds. The wax museum features lifelike figures of some of UK showbiz’s biggest stars including soap actors, sporting legends, and the Royals.
The lifelike figure of the Canadian singer‑songwriter Michael Buble has just taken up residence at the attraction until Monday, August 31, to celebrate his performance at TK Maxx presents Lytham Festival on Friday, July 3.
The Ant and Dec wax figures at Madame Tussauds Blackpool(Image: PA)
Sandcastle Waterpark Blackpool is the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, with 18 slides and attractions. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the attraction is offering four tickets for £40 throughout June on Monday to Friday. Booking information and terms and conditions can be found on its website.