New Sir Ken Dodd Avenue unveiled in Blackpool

There’s a new name on the Blackpool street map that’s fit for a King of Comedy… and it leads to a whole lot of Happiness!

Adelaide St West sits right at the heart of the resort’s glorious Golden Mile, and has just been renamed Sir Ken Dodd Avenue as a lasting tribute to one of the resort’s most treasured entertainers.

And it’s all thanks to Showtown’s award-winning museum of fun and entertainment!

Sir Ken Dodd Avenue, which travels from Bank Hey Street and past Showtown’s famous front doors down to the Promenade, was officially unveiled by Ken’s beloved wife Anne, Lady Dodd, on Monday 21September, and follows the museum’s official opening of Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition in June.

Showtown lodged the official request with Blackpool Council to change Adelaide St West to Sir Ken Dodd Avenue to honour the legendary entertainer’s deep connection to Blackpool, and to coincide with the museum’s joyful Doddy display, which combines highlights from the much-loved Museum of Liverpool Happiness! 2024 exhibition alongside previously unseen material from Blackpool’s very own Ken Dodd archive.

Lady Dodd said of Blackpool’s homage to Ken: “I was so delighted and thrilled when I first heard that there would be a street called Sir Ken Dodd Avenue after my wonderful husband.  I know he would say he was immensely discomknockerated at this tattyfilarious and plumpshus honour! He always said Blackpool was the ‘Showtown’ of Britain – so it is especially appropriate that the street on which it stands should be renamed after him!  And of course, it’s just around the corner from his particularly beloved theatres The Opera House and The Grand! This is all a very thoughtful act of ‘Happiness’ to me.  Thank you so much!”

And the Happiness! continues with The Ken Dodd Exhibition now included in the general Showtown admission to mark the opening of the newly-named street, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to stroll down Sir Ken Dodd Avenue and discover a colourful world of magic and wonder. Lucky Blackpool residents can even enjoy the wonderfully wacky exhibition completely FREE as part of the celebrations thanks to their complimentary admission to Showtown!

Blackpool is a town synonymous with Ken and his legendary live performances. For over six decades, audiences packed the resort’s many theatres to experience Doddy’s famously marathon shows, while his affection for the town extended far beyond the stage. From switching on the Blackpool Illuminations in 1966 to helping save Blackpool Grand Theatre in the 1970s and opening the famous Comedy Carpet in 2011, Ken’s connection with Blackpool remained strong throughout his life.

Spencer Phillips, Chairman of the Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust, which operates Showtown, said: “There couldn’t be a more fitting tribute to Sir Ken Dodd than to give him his own avenue right outside Showtown. Ken’s relationship with Blackpool was extraordinary. He brought happiness to millions here over the decades and played such an important part in the town’s entertainment heritage.

“We’re absolutely delighted that visitors arriving at Showtown can now quite literally walk down Sir Ken Dodd Avenue and into an exhibition celebrating his incredible life, career and connection with Blackpool. It’s a very fitting way to honour a true legend, and one that would, I’m sure, have left Doddy thoroughly tickled!”

Leader of Blackpool Council and Cabinet Member for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Cllr Lynn Williams, added: “Ken Dodd brought so much happiness to Blackpool and to generations of our visitors, so it feels right that his name should now be part of the town itself. Sir Ken Dodd Avenue is a wonderful tribute to a true Blackpool legend and a lasting reminder of the incredible story behind the man who made millions laugh. I know this new avenue will bring a smile to the faces of residents and visitors for many years to come.”

Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition was developed in partnership with National Museums Liverpool and The Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation and adapted by Showtown, and offers visitors the thrilling opportunity to explore a carefully curated collection of archive photographs and programmes, admire Ken’s colourful stage costumes, iconic props and original puppets, including the infamous Dicky Mint, and watch original footage of his hilarious and legendarily lengthy performances.

Happiness! has been described by Showtown visitors as “the most thoughtful & wonderfully curated exhibition I’ve ever seen” and also features exclusive excerpts from Ken’s private notebooks – offering a unique insight into the creative genius behind Britain’s Master of Mirth – and an interactive Giggle Map, charting the many places and people Ken encountered during his extraordinary touring career.

An extra special guided tour of the exhibition is also now available. Join a Showtown curator for a closer look at the giggle-tastic objects and collections on display, along with extra stories and discoveries from creating this celebration of Doddy’s life, laughs and legacy. Happiness! The Exclusive Tour will take place on Thursday 24 September from 11am to 12pm and Friday 13 November from 3pm to 4pm.

Or join the lady who knew him best at An Afternoon with Lady Dodd on Sunday 15 November from 2pm to 3pm. Lady Dodd and Ken’s biographer Tony Nicholson will take part in a special conversation celebrating Ken Dodd’s life and legacy. Hear personal stories, treasured memories and joyful moments from behind the scenes of Doddy’s remarkable career in comedy, happiness and showbusiness.

This exclusive event has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Lady Dodd, a valued friend and supporter of Showtown.

And don’t forget! Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition will still be bringing laughter, memories and a little bit of Doddy magic for all the family all through 2026. Book your tickets now!

Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition is open until Sunday 3 January 2027 at Showtown, Bank Hey Street, Blackpool, FY1 4TQ.

Entry is now included within the general admission charge to Showtown, which is £9.50 for adults aged 16+ and £4.50 for children aged 4 to 15 years. Family tickets are available from £17.50. FREE admission for children aged 3 and under.

Click here to or visit www.showtownblackpool.co.uk/happiness to find out more and book tickets.

Happiness! The Exclusive Tour is on Thursday 24 September from 11am to 12pm and Friday 13 November from 3pm to 4pm. Tickets £5.

An Afternoon with Lady Dodd is on Sunday 15 November from 2pm to 3pm. Tickets £12.

Showtown is operated by the Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust, a registered charity dedicated to preserving and celebrating Blackpool’s unique entertainment heritage. Registered Charity Number: 1155729. For further information and the full opening schedule of Showtown please visit www.showtownblackpool.co.uk