IT'S DESTINED to be the birthday party of the century and you're invited!

The fine details of the Blackpool Pleasure Beach's Big 100 party may still be under wraps but your priceless weekly can reveal the line-up will be breathtaking.

As well as featuring a host of top name celebrities the party on the prom will also raise thousands of pounds for the Fylde Coast's biggest-ever cash appeal.

Fun park bosses, who plan to pump more than £100, 000 into the centenary celebration, have named Blackpool Victoria Hospital's Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scanner Appeal as the sole beneficiary of the mammoth event.

And the Citizen is backing Blackpool Pleasure Beach all the way as it puts together the August 29 entertainment extravaganza - all taking place the day before the town's big illumination switch-on.

"Everybody is invited to our free birthday bash," said Pleasure Beach managing director Geoffrey Thompson. "1996 is a very special year for us and this event is being held for all our guests and will hopefully raise money for a very worthwhile cause at the same time."

The star of the Horseshoe Bar's daytime show, Jonathan Wilkes, life-long friend of former Take That heart-throb Robbie Williams, will be on stage during the party.

He added: "I'm really looking forward to performing. I'm sure it will an amazing event in true Blackpool style."

Blackpool Football Club is also expected to team up with the famous tourist attraction to mark its 100th year in the Football League.

Managing director Gill Bridge said: "It will be great for the town and wonderful for the club to be involved in such a prestigious event. I'm sure our players will look forward to being there."

Blackpool's Victoria Hospital is thrilled its appeal will benefit from the spectacle.

Appeal chairman Bryan Carr said: "I am delighted that Mr Thompson has so generously agreed to donate all the proceeds from the party on the prom to our appeal.

"On behalf of the trustees and all concerned I would like to wish the 100th birthday party every success."

Clearance from the relevant authorities about closing off the prom for the party is being sought.

The event is expected to kick off at 4pm and go on until late. The Pleasure Beach will stay open until at least midnight.

A call has gone out for 60 dare-devil volunteers to take part in a marathon ride on the Big Dipper. The charity event is being held on Tuesday, August 20, as a prelude to the party on the prom. Fund-raisers will do 100 circuits of the ride in teams of two to raise as much money as possible for the MRI Scanner Appeal.

Community groups, local businesses, sports clubs, cafes and hotels interested in taking part should collect sponsors and register their teams with Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

All participants will receive an exclusive commemorative T-shirt for their efforts.

For further details write to Helen O'Neill, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, 525 Ocean Boulevard, Blackpool FY4 1EZ.

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