13 pictures of the iconic welcome to Blackpool arches and how they have changed through the decades
By Claire Lark
Published 4th Jan 2023, 11:20 BST
Updated 4th Jan 2023, 11:33 BST
For tourists, driving under the welcome to Blackpool arch at Starr Gate is almost as memorable as spotting Blackpool Tower from the motorway.
There have been a few different examples of arches through the years, including one outside Blackpool Pleasure Beach which was eventually dismantled for safety reasons in the 80s. But it’s the one at Starr Gate which evokes memories. These photos celebrate the iconic structures which are the gateway to Blackpool where everyone is ‘Always Welcome’
This was March 1982 after a storm. Only a couple of Panda cars were on hand to check on the waves near the Pleasure Beach sign at the height of the foul weather Photo: National World