Sam' superheroes is delighted and excited to announce that we are Blackpool & Fylde Light Opera Company charity of the year for 2022!  

 

Sam's Superheroes and BFLOC is a perfect partnership. Singing and dancing massively supports both mental and emotional well-being, which is at the heart of our charity, and most importantly Sam loved doing both!  Sam has a strong connection with BFLOC, as his aunty Rhiannon is a long standing member, alongside many family friends. 

 

BFLOC are are the longest established amateur musical comedy society in Blackpool. Established in 1950, they have produced over eighty productions from Operetta to West End Musicals. Since their first production of ‘The Student Prince’ to more recent shows, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Grease, 9 to 5 and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang all to great acclaim. Many of the shows from the past productions list are award winners. They have regularly received critical acclaim from NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) receiving awards for best overall production, best production in a musical and best choreographer and frequent individual performances to name but a few. They are a vibrant company that includes many talented youngsters as-well as a wealth of experience to draw on (click here for BFLOC website).

 

BFLOC have lots of exciting fund raising events planned this year and it is very fitting that they are launching their first event in March, Sam’s birthday month! Sam was a brilliant walker, he walked everywhere and anywhere, and that is this month’s fundraising challenge. March in March! Walk 10,000 steps every day in March; the distance between the three theatres that BFLOC regularly perform in. Sam’s aunty Rhiannon is also completing the March in March challenge. All money raised will go towards Sam’s Superheroes and BFLOC. In addition, Sam's aunty is hiding special memory stones called #Love2Sam for people to find during her daily challenge. The first Love2Sam stone was left on the Bandstand in Stanley Park, Blackpool, which is where BFLOC have performed. For those living in Blackpool, why not see if you can find it?


You may be wondering why Blackpool plays an important part of our charity, as Sam was born and lived in Mickleover, Derby. Sam had exceptionally close links to Blackpool, it's basically in his DNA. His mummy, Rachel, was born and grew up there, and spent a lot of her life working in Blackpool, she was a true Sandgrownian! Sam's grandparents still live there, together with some of his extended family; aunties, an uncle and cousins. Sam regularly visited Blackpool, probably twice a month, from when he was born until the world was turned upside down from Covid. He last visited in September 2020, just before he started Primary School, to proudly show off his new uniform to his Nana and Grandpa!  

 

Sam utterly adored visiting Blackpool. He loved not only seeing his family, who he was exceptionally close to, but also loved visiting the beach and the beautiful surrounding areas. We would visit the beach no matter what the weather; come rain, shine or Blackpool gales! We have so many happy memories playing on Cleveleys beach, exploring it, paddling in the sea, picking up stones and shells, walking his dog Daisy. Sam also loved visiting the Beach cafe and playing in the fountains next to it. The children's rides at Cleveleys corner was another Sam favourite, alongside visiting the parks at Poulton and Stannah. Sam's mummy loved taking him to places which she visited as a child such as Blackpool Tower circus, the three piers, watching shows as the Grand, and walking around Blackpool illuminations. 

 

As you can imagine, in Blackpool there are many family and friends who loved Sam and continue to love him. They very much want to be a part of his legacy; ensuring he is never forgotten. We thought the best way to achieve this would be to set up a dedicated Blackpool fundraising arm of Sam's Superheroes, which is led by his aunty Rhiannon. The money raised in Blackpool will remain there to help local children and vulnerable people, all in Sam's name. They are already forging close links with the local children's hospital, Blackpool Victoria.   

 

We would love you to support BFLOC at their performances this year, we promise you that you will not be disappointed! Blackpool and Fylde Light Opera Company 2022 Productions are detailed below or (click here). 

 

  • Boogie Nights, 22 to 25 June 2022, Blackpool Grand Theatre

 

  • Little Shop of Horrors, 28 September to 1 October 2022, The Lowther Pavilion, Lytham