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LGBTQ+ group creates Blackpool 'rainbow quarter'

BBC/Andy Mitchell Street sign reads "Bank Street" in black letters on a white background. In a band running across the bottom of the sign, there are blocks of 10 colours.BBC/Andy Mitchell
Blackpool Council said the vibrant colours "brightened up the area" and were a show of "solidarity" with LGBTQ+ people

Rainbows have been appearing on street signs in Blackpool as a community group works with councillors to support LGBTQ+ people in the resort.

It coincides with Blackpool developing its Be Who You Want To Be area, which aims to boost inclusivity and help regenerate the north of the town.

Zebra crossings and street planters have also been decorated in the many colours of the Progress Pride flag, which is a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community.

The council said it "brightened up the area" and the decorations were a show of "solidarity".

BBC/Andy Mitchell Shaun Pickup stands by the newly decorated Lord Street sign and a huge rainbow-painted street planter.BBC/Andy Mitchell
Shaun Pickup said the Be You In Blackpool group wanted to create a "rainbow quarter"

Shaun Pickup, community lead for the Be You In Blackpool group, said: "One of the main ideas is to give the area around Lord Street, Dickson Road and Queen Street an identity to help encourage investment within the area.

"Blackpool's the LGBQT+ capital of the country, so we're now creating the Blackpool rainbow quarter," he added.

"One of the ideas that was put forward by the community was these new rainbow street signs, replacing street signs that were either missing, or had been vandalised."

The signs follow two rainbow zebra crossings that were added last year.

BBC/Andy Mitchell One of the rainbow zebra crossings painted on the road. A large rainbow stripe with chevrons at one end in brown, pink, blue, white and yellowBBC/Andy Mitchell
Two rainbow zebra crossings appeared in Blackpool last year

Mr Pickup said they decided to concentrate on streets around Lord Street since they were "already quite heavily concentrated with LGBTQ+ venues and hotel accommodation".

"And it is actually working," he said. "Because 18 months ago we were down to about four LGBQT+ venues and we're already up to 24 venues, so it's already showing that people are starting to invest in the area.

"A lot of the older generation are feeling safe and coming back out again, so these venues are really important.

"Throughout the country LGBQT+ venues have been closing, so it's nice to see Blackpool bucking the trend and I think it's something Blackpool should be shouting about."

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