Musical theatre star Alfie Boe opens Blackpool's Showtown Museum

A musical theatre star has opened Blackpool's new showbiz museum, which marks the town's contribution to the entertainment industry.

Alfie Boe cut the red ribbon at Showtown's opening, alongside a touch of The Big Top provided by Norman Barrett the former ringmaster at Blackpool Tower Circus.

Showtown puts a spotlight on the town's rich history as the seaside home of showbiz, with exhibits including George Formby's ukulele, Tommy Cooper's fez and Peter Kay's purple suit.

The £13m venue, Blackpool's first ever permanent museum, opens on Friday and hopes to contribute to the town's present-day regeneration.

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