The seaside resort of Blackpool, Lancashire holds a unique place in the affections of UK holidaymakers. In 2018 alone, over 16M for visited its iconic landmarks of the Blackpool Tower and Pleasure Beach, followed in autumn by the unique Blackpool Illuminations.

However, soaring deprivation measures reveal a different resort. The percentage of pupils achieving good school exit exam grades is declining and is substantially below the UK average (40% compared to 65% nationally). It is estimated that in certain wards only 12% of young people will enter higher education. Blackpool is a prime example of a region with exceptionally “low science capital”.

This work describes preliminary results of an ambitious three-year longitudinal public engagement programme within the resort funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council; Blackpool PIER. Two main engagement strands will be outlined.

Firstly, the programme works with a specific cohort of young people and consists of school visits and community events plus trips to specialised outreach facilities at UCLan, all with a focus on astronomy and astrophysics engagement. An overall aim is to inspire the group through activities that increase their exposure to and enhance their confidence in engaging with science and technology.

Secondly, plans will be outlined for an innovative solar physics-themed art installation to be premiered in the resort in Autumn 2019. Part-funded by STFC, “SUN” is a 7m diameter, suspended sphere with internal laser projection of NASA's SDO EUV imagery, forming a unique, 360-degree “shining” presentation of our closest star.