Pontins made me the person I am today, says former Bluecoat
Ian Power is upset over the closure of the holiday park
AMAN has told of his devastation at the closure of Southport Pontins, which he says made him the person he is today.
Britannia Hotels, who own the holiday park in Ainsdale, announced the news of its closure on Wednesday, January 3, months after closing sites in Prestatyn and Camber Sands.
The closure of the holiday park has received a mixed reaction after it came under fire in recent years over conditions at the site.
But many holidaymakers and staff members have also shared their sadness surrounding the closure.
Ian Power, who was a Bluecoat at Southport Pontins in 1999, is among those who have happy memories of their time working there.
Ian described the closure as ‘gut wrenching.’
The Pontins Bluecoats are made up of entertainers who are famous for their performances, cabaret acts and shows at the holiday parks.
Ian, 46, said: “That gave me my big break because I auditioned in January, but never got that chance and then in May time they were looking for extra Bluecoats and I got my chance there.
“Without Pontins, I wouldn’t be the act or person I am now.”
Ian spoke of the household names that started as
Bluecoats in Southport, specifically actor Shane Richie and comedian Lee Mack.
He said: “Once a Bluecoat, always a Bluecoat.
“Even though I haven’t worked for the company since 1999, I’ve always strangely and wonderfully classed myself as a Bluecoat.
“You know it was weird, it was more like a family. We’ve always kept in touch, like the place I work in now in an office, they’ve always known about Pontins.
“I think it’s hit a lot of people in the area of Southport, listening to it on the radio and stuff.
“I know it’s had its ups and downs later on in life, but it was there for nearly 50 years in Southport so it’s a bit of a sombre day really.”
The Ainsdale Holiday Village was built in 1970 and has been offering family entertainment such as leisure activities, swimming pools, game shows and entertainment for decades.
In 2011, it was brought out of administration by Britannia Hotels for £20m.
Talking about his career that followed, Ian said he owes Pontins for the springboard that allowed him to work with the likes of Ricky Tomlinson and Gerry Marsden.
He said: “I’ve worked at the Cavern Club, I’ve worked abroad and gone up and down the UK.
“I don’t think I would have had that opportunity if I hadn’t been a Bluecoat. It’s very old school to have an all-round entertainer.
“A lot of people now want to be famous, but I had a chance to just be an entertainer and do very well out of it.
“Doing the Cavern Club with Gerry Marsden a few years ago was just a shock,” he added.
“I’ve always flown the flag for Pontins, even through the few years it’s gone down a bit I’ve always been passionate about it.”
Ian said he feels sorry for young entertainers who are starting off now, particularly as Pontins locations are shutting down.
He said: “I got help from previous entertainers to go to the next level, so I’m always there to help.”