From the 1950s to Now: Uncovering the Fascinating Transformation of Butlin's Resort Adverts!

Описание: In 1936, Billy Butlin changed the face of British holidays It all started on a short visit to Barry Island where Billy felt sorry for families staying in drab guest houses with nothing much to do. He wanted to create a "place of colour and happiness" where quality activities and entertainment would be provided so that families could really enjoy their time together. So in 1936, Billy bought a plot of land in Skegness (where the resort is to this day) and set about making this dream come true. Billy not only pioneered a whole new way for British families to enjoy a seaside break, he was also a pioneer in the world of service. During the first week of business the guests didn't seem to be using the camp as Billy had intended; many of them were only mixing with their families. It wasn't enough to just provide facilities - the campers needed some encouragement. Billy approached Norman Bradford, the senior engineer. Norman was a lively and friendly character and Billy hoped he could help breathe a little life into the camp. That evening Norman got up on stage, told a few jokes and explained a little more about the facilities. Billy soon realised that 'a few more people around like Norman would work wonders', and, if these people were to be friendly focal points, they would need to be easily identifiable. Billy instructed Norman to go and buy a distinctive blazer. Norman returned with a choice of blazers – one in blue, one in yellow and one in white to match the colour scheme - but Billy didn't think these were quite right. Billy was searching for a colour that portrayed the cheerful holiday atmosphere that he wanted to create; he eventually settled on a bright red blazer inspired by the Mounties he'd seen during his childhood in Canada. By the end of the first week, the Redcoats were born.
1930S
Skegness opened on 11 April 1936 and within a year it had doubled in size. It was officially opened by Amy Johnson, the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia. Two years later Billy Butlin's chose Clacton-on-Sea for his second camp.
1940S
To help with the war efforts, Billy's existing camps were given over to the government. Clacton became an army camp and Skegness became HMS Royal Arthur. Billy was asked to finish his new resort at Filey so it could be used by the military, along with Ayr and Pwllheli, both of which he bought back at the end of the war.
1950S
Indoor heated pools designed to be used 'whatever the weather' opened at Ayr, Clacton, Pwllheli and Skegness. And after holidaying in the Caribbean, Billy sees a gap in the market and opens Butlin's Bahamas.
1960S
A further three resorts opened, at Bognor Regis (1960), Minehead (1962) and Barry Island (1966). The 1960s also saw the famous monorails brought to Skegness and Minehead, and other new innovations being opened on the camps including chairlifts, a pool with underwater viewing windows and revolving bars.
1970S
As people fell in love with holidaying abroad, the specialness of the British seaside became lost and the idea of 'holiday camps' faded. The Butlin family sold the business to the Rank Organisation.
1980S
A very sad start to the year for Butlin's as Billy passes away. His funeral procession was lined with Redcoats. In 1986, new Water Worlds are built at the remaining resorts and in 1989 our Redcoats receive a new uniform designed by Zandra Rhodes.
1990S
The new owners tried to reverse the downturn by building new accommodation and entertainment venues but sadly Mosney, Filey, Clacton and Barry Island all had to be sold, and Ayr and Pwllheli were transferred to Haven. 1999 saw the magnificent and renowned Skyline Pavilions built across all three resorts to cater for the unpredictable Great British weather.
2000S
The new millennium saw Butlin's bought by Bourne Leisure Holdings. In 2003, our beloved Billy Bear character made his debut, and a year later The Spa in Skegness opened. 2005 saw the very exciting completion of our first on-resort hotel, The Shoreline at Bognor Regis, and after its success our second hotel the Ocean Hotel, was built in 2009.
2010S
Bognor Regis welcomed it's third hotel, The Wave Hotel in 2012, and a new swimming complex was built at Skegness in 2013. In 2015 the gorgeous take on our iconic chalets, the West Lakes chalet village in Minehead was built, as well as our new Seaside Apartments in Skegness.

00:00 Butlins 1950 advert
01:00 Butlins 1960 advert
02:56 Butlins 1970s advert
03:41 Butlins 1980s advert
04:21 Butlins 1990s advert
05:05 Butlins 2000s advert
05:35 Butlins 2010s advert
06:15 Butlins 2020s advert

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