A Weekend to Remember
For many fanciers, the third weekend of January is circled in red on the calendar, marking the annual pilgrimage to the Blackpool Pigeon Show. This year, I made the 4½-hour drive on Thursday, a day earlier than the main events, allowing myself a chance to reset and recharge. After all, the next three days are a non-stop celebration of pigeons, camaraderie, and all things related to our great sport. For me, Blackpool is about so much more than the pigeons; it’s about seeing old friends—some of whom I only get to meet once a year—and taking the time to enjoy the social side of the fancy.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Blackpool is reconnecting with friends made over the years. This year, it was particularly special to catch up with some of my Scottish friends, many of whom I first met over 25 years ago through the old Pigeon Basics forum. Blackpool is more than just a show; it’s a reunion, a celebration of shared passion and experiences.
Has the show declined in size? Yes, just as the fancy has shrunk over the years. However, what’s encouraging is the visibility the event still has, especially through social media, Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok and YouTube. This year, a wave of YouTubers shared videos of the show, giving the wider public an insight into what Blackpool is all about. Some of these YouTubers are not even pigeon fanciers which is fantastic. Whether they’re showcasing trade stands, auctions, or simply the atmosphere, these videos are invaluable for spreading awareness and keeping the sport alive.
It was also good to see the press covering the event, as they do most years. Any publicity is good publicity, and hearing of no major trouble over the weekend especially with the amount of ale that is flowed is always a positive.
A highlight of Blackpool is undoubtedly the auctions. This year, the auction numbers were down compared to last year, with 1,066 pigeons available last year dropping to just under 500 this time. Despite this, there were some truly outstanding pigeons on offer, with certain sales achieving fantastic prices. However, one recurring issue raised by many attendees was the fragmentation of auctions across various locations—be it the Savoy, the Ruskin, or other venues.
Centralising all auctions under one roof, ideally within the Winter Gardens, would make the experience more cohesive and convenient for fanciers. Currently, people often find themselves leaving the show prematurely to attend an auction elsewhere, which can detract from the overall event. Centralisation would keep the foot traffic flowing within the show, benefiting both exhibitors, attendees and atmosphere.
The trade stand area is another key aspect of the show, offering fanciers a chance to stock up on supplies without incurring shipping fees. However, with only 64 trade stands this year, the space felt underutilised. Last year, the new conference zone was used effectively, but its absence this year was disappointing. Could this space be repurposed to house all trade stands and auctions under one roof? The show pigeons due to their size could still be kept in the main Gardens. It’s food for thought and would help the aging population of fanciers having to battle with long walks and numerous stairs.
Ticket prices were another topic of discussion. While the Winter Gardens is undergoing much-needed regeneration, some felt the costs didn’t reflect the value provided. One comment was “I remember 20 years ago when there was 60 trade stands in the horseshoe alone”. Remember we are 20 years further down the line, the sport does not have the numbers it once had.
For many, Blackpool is as much about the social side as it is about the pigeons. Walking up to the Winter Gardens still gives me goosebumps, a reminder of why this weekend is so special. Whether it’s catching up with old friends, meeting new ones, or exchanging tips and stories, the show fosters a sense of community that is essential for the survival of the sport.
This year, it was inspiring to see how auctions have expanded to include a wider variety of pigeons and formats. While some were clearly hosted by some newer names to the auction world, this diversity brings fresh energy to the show and allowed different strains of pigeons to reach the market.
Could we also look at introducing more moots and seminars into the programme? In the past, these events have been well-supported, attracting fanciers eager to learn and exchange ideas. What about bringing in thoughtful, experienced voices into the Blackpool committee people like Jonesy from Scotland, who has done an incredible job fostering community through his sales and events—could add significant value to the show. People like some of the famous YouTubers like Dan from ‘How to train your pigeon’, who can add what the viewers/attendees want and could put an interesting twist and maybe something different. Remember if we keep doing the same things we get the same results, and sometimes we need to take a step backwards or steal an idea from the past to go forwards!
Blackpool remains what you make of it. Whether you’re there to socialise, shop for supplies, or hunt for your next champion, it’s a weekend to savour. Yes, there’s room for improvement, but the essence of Blackpool—its sense of tradition, camaraderie, and celebration—remains as strong as ever.
For me, Blackpool is a reminder of why we love this sport. It’s a chance to recharge, reconnect, and reignite our passion for pigeons. As we look ahead to next year, let’s hope the organisers continue to evolve and adapt, ensuring that this cornerstone of the fancy remains vibrant for years to come.
As Master Po once said: "The bonds we nurture define the strength of our journey. Treasure those connections, for they are the heartbeat of true greatness."
Blackpool, like our sport, thrives on connection. These connections are what make the show—and our sport—truly special.
P.S thanks to those who allowed me to use their photos!
