Charlie Cairoli Heritage Plaque Weekend, 1^st – 2^nd November 2025

Thanks for booking to join us, please see all details regarding the weekend.

Saturday 1^st November 2025, a day to remember. PLEASE NOT ALL TIMINGS WILL BE “SHARP”

10.45am          Access to the Tower Circus Via the Circus main entrance and waiting area, you will walk through the exhibition area, where many of Charlie’s props and costumes are on display.  If you need assisted access please let me know.

11.00am          All guests to assemble in the ring of the Blackpool Tower Circus, entrance via main entrance, promenade side.

11.15am          Welcome Speeches, Nigel, Elaine Smith MBE, Mayor of Blackpool

11.30am          There will be a short presentation of the Blue Plaque to the Cairoli Family followed by a toast, photo opportunities and large group photo in the ring.

11.30am           Bowler Hat Toss

12.00pm          We need to be clear of the ring to allow staff and crew to prepare the ring for the show.

12.15pm          All guests to take seats for Circus Performance of the Blackpool Tower Circus 2025 Production.

1.00pm            Show Time

Evening at the Imperial Hotel

6.30pm            Drinks reception in the Louis Room, Imperial Hotel

7.45pm             Dinner Served

Vine Tomato Soup with Fresh Cream and Basil

Supreme of Chicken, Charred Leek, Panchetta and White Wine

Crème Brulee, Banana, Salt Caramel and Butter Short Bread

½ Bottle of wine per person

Coffee & Chocolates

Please advise me of and dietary requirements, vegetarian option is available

9.30pm            Auction and Raffle, Presented by Miss Daisy

10.00pm          Music and Dancing with Emma James

1.00 am           Close.

Sunday 2^nd November 2025

11.00am          Visit to Showtown, Blackpool’s Museum of Fun

There will be a selection of items to view from the recently acquired Charlie Cairoli Collection

Midday  We are delighted to announce a very special addition to the Charlie Cairoli plaque weekend in Blackpool this November.

To close the celebrations, there will be a tribute to Charlie’s remarkable career, held at noon on Sunday, 2nd November, at Showtown in the Ken Dodd Learning Space.

We warmly invite those who knew Charlie—both professionally and personally—to come along and share their memories of the much-loved clown, alongside members of the public who held him close to their hearts.

The memories will be enriched with a slideshow of rare images, including some never before seen from the Showtown collection, as well as treasured photographs kindly shared by the Cairoli family. Additional contributions will come from the family ring, Norman Barrett, circus performer and escapologist Karl Bartoni, Circusettes Yvonne Keane Fielding, and more.

2pm Sunday 2^nd November

Afternoon Tea at the Imperial Hotel

I’ve been asked whether it would be possible for those who wish to join us to enjoy a Cream Tea/Afternoon Tea at The Imperial Hotel on Sunday, 2nd November, early afternoon.

I’ve spoken to the hotel, and this will be possible:

·       Classic Cream Tea: £21.50 per person

·       Sparkling Cream Tea: £26.95 per person

My family, a couple of friends, and I have already booked in. If you’d like to join us, please contact the hotel directly to reserve your place — or you can book once you arrive at the hotel. I think it will be a lovely, relaxed way to round off the weekend together.

Useful Information

Photographs

We have an official photographer in attendance, if you would like pictures taken of yourselves and in groups then please ask Juliette, they will be posted on the website, and available for purchase as a download, after the weekend, for a cost of £5 per image, proceeds to the Cairoli Family’s Charity of choice.

Auction and Raffle

All proceeds from the raffle and auction will be donated to the Cairoli Family’s Charity of choice. Any donations of items for auction or raffle will be greatly appreciated. We will be able to accept cash or cards. Items already included, 2 x Afternoon Tower Teas worth £120 each courtesy of Blackpool Tower. There will also be an opportunity to bid on some exclusive pieces of art by Curtis Tappenden, this will include the original artwork that will be featured on the revised copy of Charlie Cairoli 39 years under the tower, by Nigel Male and Steven B Richley (hopefully available, summer 2026)

Steve Richley

You may be aware that we suddenly recently lost Steve. Steve was the author of Charlie’s Official Biography, 39 Years Under The Tower. The book would of never been published without him. As a tribute to him, Steve loved his bright shirts, come colourful if you can.

If you need any further information, please shout.