The Cleethorpes Promenados

Tourists in our own Town®

The Cleethorpes Promenados is a cultural and heritage network bringing together creatives, historians, makers and local people who care deeply about this extraordinary seaside town.

Through talks, salons, walks, performances and shared conversations, we celebrate Cleethorpes’ rich entertainment history - from theatres and piers to postcards, pop music and popular culture - while creating space for new ideas, friendships and collaborations to emerge.

Our events take place in heritage venues across the town, including the Pier, the Town Hall, pubs, cafés and public spaces as well as Zoom! We host nationally recognised writers, artists and historians; sometimes we simply gather to listen, share stories and enjoy being together.

At its heart, The Cleethorpes Promenados is about place - how seaside towns shape us, inspire creativity, and continue to matter. It’s about honouring the past without nostalgia getting in the way of the future.

Now hosted under Grim & Gleeful CIC, the network continues to grow as a welcoming, curious and generous space - rooted in Cleethorpes, open to the world.

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Events 2026

Previous events

Join us on Cleethorpes Pier for a special seaside afternoon with bestselling author Tracy Baines, celebrating her much-loved Seaside Girls novels - all set right here in Cleethorpes.

Tracy will talk about her connection to the town, her writing life, and the real places and people that inspired the books. The event also marks the launch of the Tracy's latest book in the Seaside Girls series, Silver Linings.

A new Seaside Girls, Cleethorpes walking tour / audio trail, alongside a short film created as part of the project, will be launched.

Expect stories, laughter, nostalgia and live music - refreshments, tea and cake will be available from 2.30pm.

Signed copies of Tracy's latest installment of the Seaside Girls will be available on the day at the discounted price of £7.00 - but you must pre-order here (pay when you collect) - see the notice on checkout.

£8 Email for concessions, press or guest list.

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Auguste Van Biene was one of the most influential figures in British popular entertainment at the turn of the 20th century — actor, composer, theatre manager and impresario. His vision helped shape the Empire Theatre, Cleethorpes, and placed the town firmly on the national entertainment map.

In this illustrated talk and recital, music historian Dr George Kennaway brings Van Biene’s remarkable life and work vividly to life, exploring melodrama, music hall, touring theatre and the birth of seaside entertainment culture.

A fascinating evening for anyone interested in theatre history, music, or the hidden stories behind Cleethorpes’ most iconic venue.

£10

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Join us on Cleethorpes Pier for an early-evening gathering of live music, seaside atmosphere and a chipped potato in bun, as Tea on the Pier launches for the season. There is even Dandelion and Burdock - on tap!! Featuring Olivia Alanora (@andrastamusic) and Tom Miller, (@tomsingsjazz) with pianist Gary Bridges, plus some Friday evening tunes from @stuiewood.

🍷 Bar open | 🍟 Food available 👉 [See Facebook event & let us know you’re coming] https://fb.me/e/7tJ2BPCk7

Free! But do let us know you are coming through the Facebook link

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Tiddly Om Pom Pom! Music Hall & Variety at the Seaside

 — (BST, UTC+01) — (BST, UTC+01)

Online

Tiddly Om Pom! Music Hall & Variety at the Seaside An online event hosted by The Cleethorpes Promenados in collaboration with the British Music Hall Society Step into the world of seaside entertainment - where the lights of the pier met the magic of the stage.

As part of the Empire Theatre, Cleethorpes – 130th Anniversary Project, this special online event explores the rich history of music hall and variety at the British seaside, from the Edwardian touring circuits to the post-war revival of live entertainment.

Using the Empire Theatre as our lens, we’ll journey through:

The performers who travelled from town to town

The programmes that delighted seaside audiences

The changing fortunes of live entertainment — from music hall to variety, and beyond

Featuring contributions from members of the British Music Hall Society, alongside imagery, stories, and discussion, this promises to be a lively and insightful evening.

🎥 Online via Zoom 📅 Wednesday 22 April ⏰ 7.15pm - 8.30pm

💛 Pay What You Can All proceeds will be shared between the British Music Hall Society and The Cleethorpes Promenados, supporting ongoing heritage work.

Drawing on archival research and specialist knowledge from members of the British Music Hall Society, the evening will shine a light on the women who toured Britain’s coastal towns - performers whose lives were shaped by travel, resilience and the unique culture of seaside entertainment.

The session forms part of the Empire Theatre 130 programme, connecting Cleethorpes to a national conversation about music hall history, women performers and popular entertainment.

Pay What You Can All proceeds will be shared between the British Music Hall Society and The Cleethorpes Promenados, supporting ongoing heritage work

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Celebrating 130 Years of the Empire Theatre, Cleethorpes

Join us for an informal afternoon of tea, cake and conversation at Cleethorpes Town Hall, as we gather memories of the much-loved Empire Theatre.

Trusted historian, Dave Smith with give a short illustrated talk.

Whether you remember it as a theatre, bingo hall, Laser Quest, or simply a place full of excitement and atmosphere, this relaxed drop-in session is a chance to share your stories or discover the emeging folk lore of Cleethorpes world famous theatre. We’ll also be talking about plans for the Empire Theatre’s 130th anniversary, and how local memories, photographs and ephemera can help shape a future exhibition, events and digital projects.

Fancy a cuppa, a bun, and tales of our beloved Grade II listed Seaside Theatre?

Tea, coffee and cakes provided

Bring photos, programmes or memories (or just yourself)

Stories may help inform future heritage projects

A friendly, welcoming session - come for five minutes or stay the whole time

Part of the Cleethorpes Promenados Spring 2026 programme

Free!

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Drop in and hear about the new Empire Theatre 130 project celebrating Cleethorpes’ much-loved historic theatre and amusement palace.

Enjoy a cuppa, explore some orginal programs and tickets, photos and find out how Grim & Gleeful and The Cleethorpes Promenados are marking the Empire Theatre’s 130th anniversary. There will be plenty of time to share memories, stories and curiosities about the Empire. Everyone is welcome.

Free Event - see Facebook Event

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Highlights Of Our First Year | 2025

The Nolans

A Listening Room Love-In

 We received a note from Maureen Nolan, recalling that magical summer of 1979 when the Nolans played the Pier for seven weeks. She revealed they recorded the vocals to I'm In The Mood For Dancing in a recording van in Grimsby! 

To The Sea By Train

Andrew Martin

Andrew delighted the Clee Proms at Cleethorpes Town Hall with his tales from his book, The The Sea By Train and how the railways contributed to the creation of the British Seaside.

Dr Kathryn Ferry

20th Century Seaside Architecture

Kathryn wowed and was wowed by Cleethorpes at her talk on the pier. Her work with the Seaside Heritage Network has helped shape our network towards connecting, celebrating & cherishing Cleethorpes Seaside Heritage.

The Cleethorpes Promenados network continues to be supported and funded by Create NEL as one of their Specialist Networks

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