blackpool day trips 2022 from scotland

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Coach travel to Blackpool

Frequent, daily services straight to the heart of blackpool.

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Children under 14 years of age are not permitted to travel without being accompanied throughout the journey by a responsible person aged 16 years or over. Children aged 14 - 15 years old may travel unaccompanied, as from 5am, arriving at their booked destination no later than 10pm. Unaccompanied children will be asked for proof of age or a signed letter of permission from their parent/guardian. (sms or chat based messages are not permissible)

One infant aged 0-2 travels free when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. Additional infants aged 0-2 must be paid for. If you are travelling with more than 1 infant aged 0-2, please book the additional infant as 'Children (3-15).

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Getting cheap tickets to Blackpool

Things to do in blackpool.

Blackpool knows how to have fun. Its Pleasure Beach is a massive, sprawling theme park by the sea. The famous Blackpool Illuminations light up the seafront rain or shine, while Blackpool Tower is a glittering beacon for miles around.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Blackpool’s theme park exists on a large scale: 145 rides are spread across a 40-acres site, attracting 7 million visitors per year.

There are a variety of passes that let you cut the queues too. Thrillseekers should check whiteknuckle rollercoasters like The Big One, Revolution and Infusion – the UK’s first looping coaster suspended over water.

Those preferring a smoother ride might want to head to the classic Thompson Carousel or the Pleasure Beach Express train ride, while cartoon fans can join Spongebob and friends in Nickolodeon Land.

Blackpool Tower

While it may be roughly half the size of the Eiffel Tower, a trip to the top of Blackpool’s famous landmark is still a must. There’s a lot to do at many different levels of the tower, too. Start with a visit to the ghoulish Blackpool Tower Dungeon, where you can get lost in a mirror maze, take part in a court case or try Drop Dead, a suitably gory ride on the hangman’s noose.

Next, head to the magnificent Blackpool Tower Ballroom, a grand rococo venue that could have come straight out of Beauty and the Beast. Then head up to the Tower Eye to catch a 4D film about Blackpool’s history, before taking the elevator up to the observation deck with its heart-stopping glass floor.

SEA LIFE Blackpool

Because it would be strange to go all the way to the coast without seeing some marine animals, SEA LIFE is a must-visit. This aquarium has 2,000 marine creatures including sharks, rays, octopuses and sea horses. SEA LIFE also covers a variety of different habitats, including Blackpool’s own ecosystem to the mysterious depths of the ocean. When you’ve seen enough fins and flippers, enter the leafy Amazon rainforest area for turtles, chameleons and Poison Dart Frogs. Intrepid visitors can even don a snorkel and flippers and go diving with the sharks.

Sandcastle Waterpark

With a year-round temperature of 84-degree, Sandcastle Waterpark brings some much needed tropical heat to Blackpool all year round.

As the UK’s largest indoor waterpark, Sandcastle has 18 slides – including 4 especially created for thrillseekers. Montazooma is an Aztec-themed mat slide with 360° loops and back-to-back turns, while Aztec Falls plunges you in pitch darkness. Sandcastle Waterpark also set world records with Masterblaster, the world’s longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide, and Sidewinder, the world’s first indoor vertical waterslide.

Fancy a gentler ride? Check out the Ushi Gushi River Creek or the Dueling Dragons. For younger visitors, there’s an interactive adventure game and water cannons aboard the HMS Thundersplash.

Comedy Carpet

A permanent, free exhibit under Blackpool Tower, the Comedy Carpet is a huge mosaic of over 800 funny quotes, one-liners and classic catchphrases from comedy legends – many of whom have performed in Blackpool.

Comedy connoisseurs should look out for Morecambe and Wise, Alexei Sayle and quotes from television classics such as Blackadder, Fawlty Towers and Dad’s Army. Hollywood may have its Walk of Fame, but Blackpool unites visitors with a laugh and a joke. Take your time and see if you can find a favourite.

Madame Tussauds Blackpool

Get a selfie with a celebrity without infuriating their bodyguards at Madame Tussauds. Because they’re waxworks, you can discuss space with Brian Cox, pose with Freddie Mercury or put two fingers up behind Ed Sheeran’s head until your heart’s content.

Hardcore Coronation Street fans will be delighted to visit The Rover’s Return and hang out with stationary cast members old and new. Those looking to move up in the world might want to head for HRHs William and Kate.

Popular routes to Blackpool

• Birmingham to Blackpool
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Your Open Dated Return is valid for 3 months from your outbound journey. To guarantee your seat on your return you need to confirm your ticket before you travel on www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call 0371 781 8181.

Open Dated Return Information

If your return date is not yet known, open return tickets provide flexibility. When travelling within the UK, the return journey can be made within 3 months of the outward date of travel. To guarantee your seat on your return journey you need to confirm your ticket before you travel by visiting www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call us on 03717 81 81 81. Lines open 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm (calls to this number are charged at local rate). Valid on any day throughout the year.

Open returns are not available on European journeys.

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Accessible coaches.

The majority of stops along the routes listed below are accessible to wheelchair users but are subject to change. Please call us to check the latest situation before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

To see a list of accessible coach routes please visit our Accessibility page.

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If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

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Passengers & Wheelchair accessibility

Passenger descriptions.

Our passenger descriptions are designed to help you choose the right ticket for yourself or your fellow travellers.

Adult (16+) and Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by an adult (16+). Please note, you may be required to show proof of age at any point during your journey. Failure to do so, may result in the full adult fare being charged.

Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by a responsible adult (16+).

Disabled Children

Should be booked as Children. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our Assisted Travel Helpline.

We strongly recommend that you bring a car seat appropriate to your child's age, but ask you to take responsibility to fit the seat.

Booster Seats

Children aged between approximately 4-11 years old, or up to 150cm tall, may use booster seats. We carry a limited number onboard most coaches.

If travelling with a child, you may be required to show proof of age when buying tickets or at any point during your journey. Failure to do so may result in the child being required to pay the full fare for the journey on that day.

Booster seats

Children aged between approximately 4 years and 11 years or up to 150cm tall may use booster seats, we carry a limited number onboard most coaches along with our comfort fit seat belts.

Disabled children should be booked as children rather than 'Disabled'. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or you wish to book assistance with travel please call our Assisted Travel Helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

You can find a list of accessible coach stops on our Accessibility page .

Please call us 36 hours prior to travelling to check the latest status.

If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance we recommend that you contact us on the following local rate telephone number: 03717 81 81 81 (lines open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week) 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

Adult (26 - 59)

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged between of 26 and 59 inclusive.

Child 0 - 12 inclusive

Children aged 12 or under travelling on any European service must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Unaccompanied children will not be carried

Young persons (13 - 25)

Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Young persons aged 16 or 17 years can travel alone on European services but only if they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Senior (60 and over)

Passengers aged 60 and over are entitled to receive a small discount on European journeys. On European journeys a 50% discount is given to carers, please call us on 08717 818177 to book.

Please select your passenger type first and then add your coachcards.

We have three different Coachcards available, each offering savings of 1/3 on all of our Standard and Fully Flexible coach fares all year round.

Prices shown include your coachcard discount, your coachcard number will be required during the booking process.

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged 2+. Adults under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel alone on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over or they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Infants 0-1 Inclusive

Children aged under the age of 2, must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Unaccompanied children will not be carried.

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Blackpool Coach Holiday

Why should you visit blackpool by coach .

A visit to Blackpool is a journey to the heart of Britain's vibrant seaside culture. With its inviting seafront, bustling promenade, and rich array of attractions, Blackpool is a destination that promises fun, excitement, and adventure. Now, imagine making this trip aboard a luxurious coach with all the comforts you could wish for. That's what we at Johnsons Coaches offer with our coach trips to Blackpool. 

Advantages of Coach Travel with Us 

When you choose to travel with us, you opt for convenience, luxury, and a rich travel experience. We ensure that every part of the journey is taken care of, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views. 

What is a coach trip to Blackpool with Johnsons like? 

At Johnsons, our coach trips to Blackpool are more than just a ride; they are an unforgettable holiday experience . 

Inside Our Luxury Coaches 

Our coaches are equipped with plush seats, Club Class Extra Legroom, and our own professional drivers. We make sure your journey is enjoyable from start to finish. 

What sights are on offer with Johnsons Coaches in Blackpool? 

We proudly offer diverse and attractive packages for coach holidays to Blackpool: 

Blackpool Tower 

Blackpool Tower, standing at 518 feet, is one of the most famous landmarks in Blackpool. With us, you can ascend to the top and take in breathtaking views of the city and coastline. Whether you're enjoying a romantic moment or a family adventure, the glass-floored SkyWalk offers a thrilling perspective. Don't forget to explore the Tower Dungeon or join in a dance at the elegant Tower Ballroom. 

Pleasure Beach 

Join us for a day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the UK's most ride-intensive amusement park. With over 125 rides and attractions, there's something for everyone. Feel the adrenaline rush on the Big One, the UK's tallest roller coaster, or enjoy gentler rides suitable for younger family members. We ensure that your coach trip includes the excitement and joy this park has to offer. 

Blackpool Zoo 

At Blackpool Zoo, we'll guide you through a world of wildlife in beautifully landscaped settings. Encounter animals from all continents, from African elephants to South American parrots. The zoo's dedication to conservation and education adds depth to your visit. Whether you want to feed giraffes or learn about endangered species, Blackpool Zoo offers an inspiring day out with us. 

Winter Gardens Blackpool 

The Winter Gardens in Blackpool is a complex of theatres and conference facilities that has been entertaining visitors since 1878. We'll lead you through its stunning architecture and history, from Opera House Theatre to the Spanish Hall. Check the calendar for a variety of shows, concerts, and exhibitions that you can enjoy as part of our coach holidays to Blackpool. 

Blackpool Illuminations 

Every autumn, Blackpool transforms into a city of light with the Blackpool Illuminations. Ride along with us as we take you on a magical tour through six miles of dazzling displays, featuring over a million bulbs. The festival captures the imagination of young and old alike, and our coach trips to Blackpool will ensure you don't miss this spectacular event. 

The Piers  

Blackpool's three piers – North, Central, and South – are landmarks in their own right. With us, you can explore these Victorian marvels, each offering unique experiences. North Pier provides a more traditional, relaxed atmosphere with its sun lounge and theatre. Central Pier is lively with its funfair and dance bar, while South Pier offers adrenaline-pumping rides. Enjoy shopping, dining, or simply strolling along these iconic seafront structures with our guided tours. 

Why choose Johnsons for a coach holiday trip to Blackpool? 

We at Johnsons Coaches believe in making travel a luxurious experience. Our coach trips to Blackpool stand out for their quality service, entertainment, comfort, and guided tours. A trip to Blackpool with Johnsons Coaches is an unforgettable adventure filled with beautiful landmarks and lively entertainment. We invite you to experience Blackpool with us. From the grand Blackpool Tower to the thrilling Pleasure Beach, we make sure you enjoy all that this fantastic city has to offer. Ready to embark on a journey with us? Visit our booking page or call us today. Your dream holiday awaits, and we are here to make it happen.  Click here to visit our other Holiday Destinations!

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Blackpool - Tiffanys Hotel

Blackpool - Tiffanys Hotel. Excursions to: Fleetwood and Southport

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NEW TOUR & HOTEL for 2024

Enjoy a great value winter break to Blackpool and Tiffany’s Hotel where there is never a dull moment with fantastic cabaret acts and entertainment every day of the year guaranteed to have you laughing and singing along. By day we’ll visit Fleetwood and Southport with plenty time to see the sights in Blackpool as well!

Tiffany’s Hotel, Blackpool **

Tiffany’s Hotel is renowned as one of the best hotels in Blackpool with entertainment every night and a fantastic location on the North Promenade with the main attractions close by and a tram stop outside the hotel

• Comfortable en-suite bedrooms • Television with Freeview • Tea, coffee-making facilities •Iron & ironing board • Safe • Direct dial telephone • Restaurant • Bar •Entertainment Lounge • Games Room • Lift

tiffany’shotel.co.uk

We depart local pick ups and travel to Blackpool to our hotel for a 4 night stay with dinner, bed & breakfast included.

Days 2 to 4

At leisure in Blackpool plus we include excursion FLEETWOOD Excursion along the Fylde Coast to Fleetwood on market day where you will find over 150 stalls within three heated indoor halls. SOUTHPORT Visit the traditional Victorian resort of Southport which boasts many independent eateries, a traditional pier with a tram and pleasant promenade.

We depart after breakfast and travel back home to South Wales making suitable comfort stops en route. Edwards Coach Holidays terms & conditions apply

Executive coach travel

4 nights dinner, bed & full English breakfast accommodation in Blackpool (buffet style breakfast and five course evening meals)

Fantastic live cabaret entertainment every night

Tea/coffee & treats on arrival at the hotel

Visit to the traditional town of Fleetwood on market day

Discover the Victorian resort of Southport

Free time to explore Blackpool at leisure

Opportunity to upgrade to All Inclusive for a supplement (All inclusive bar available from 3pm on day of check in & open daily from 11am – 11pm excluding day of departure drinks as advertised on arrival plus lunch at the hotel on resort days) on January, February & March dates.

DEPARTURE DATES & PRICES

22 nd Jan 4 nights  £254

19 th Feb 4 nights  £256

18 th Mar 4 nights  £259

17 th Jun 4 nights £312

12 th Aug 4 nights  £342

9 th Sep 4 nights  £342

No single room supplement – Limited availability

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Build your own Blackpool break

Sit back, relax and visit Blackpool by coach. Build your own reasonably priced break today with the reassurance that, whichever package you choose, quality comes as standard.

Why Blackpool?

If you haven’t visited the Town, what have you been doing all of your life? These are just a few of the things you will experience that 20 million visitors every year enjoy and ensure that the visitor numbers, continuously increase year on year.

The Blackpool Tower, The Winter Gardens and The Majestic Ballroom and interior, 14 miles of beautiful beach, mostly blue flagged, 3 levels of promenade throughout most of the coastline, 3 piers each offering various attractions and of course the world famous Illuminations which has been extended until the end of 2020, starting at the beginning of September.

Did you know that the Blackpool coastline and beach was voted the second best in, not just England, not even just Europe but the World.

Whether you want some peace and quiet or the other extreme, music and colourful extravaganza 24 hours a day or anything in between, you will certainly find it in Blackpool, The ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL OF THE UK.

Hotel Included

Our package tours include your hotel stay taking the stress out of finding the best hotel in the area.

With over 400 hotels within our network, we will always ensure the best hotel possible is picked when you travel with UK by Coach. 

Attractions & Shows

Personalise your trip with added days out and shows including the famous Blackpool Tower or Madame Tussauds.

The Blackpool seafront is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll during the day or to enjoy the Blackpool Illuminations in the evening.

Luxury Coach Travel

Experience luxury coach travel with UK by Coach.

All our coaches are spacious, comfortable and maintained to the highest of standards. Each coach is cleaned thoroughly to ensure a safe and worry free journey every time.

If you have never travelled by coach or it has been a while since you have, you will be amazed at the comfort and luxury of the modern day coaches. 

What could be less hassle? Collected from your pick up point of choice and dropped directly outside the Hotel with no parking issues, just relax and enjoy the journey it couldn’t be easier and more convenient.

If you have purchased add on tickets from us, they will be waiting for you on arrival all we ask you to do is to enjoy yourselves.

You are in safe hands when it comes to travelling with UK by Coach, we have over 25 years of experience in transporting passengers across the UK and Europe making us the safest and obvious choice for your next holiday. 

Things to do and see on your Coach Holiday to Blackpool

Blackpool illuminations, shopping centre blackpool, blackpool sea front, blackpool comedy carpet.

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Blackpool Coach Holidays

Tours to blackpool.

Looking for a coach trip to Blackpool? Then, look no further - we can offer special discounted prices for short-breaks or longer holidays to this lively, fun-packed seaside resort. Most tours are available throughout the year with leading coach operators, leaving from a variety of local departure points across the UK.

With more than 10 million visitors a year, Blackpool is the UK’s number one destination for holiday makers, so if you don’t drive or prefer not to, check out our tours, book yourself a coach trip and have some fun on the thrilling rides at its renowned Pleasure Beach, or just spend time with the kids building castles in the sand. Whatever you do, you’ll be sure to have a great time!

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Attractions and places of interest in blackpool.

Coach holidays to Blackpool provide the opportunity to visit a wide range of attractions and places of interest. If you are interested in a coach holiday to Blackpool read on for more information about the most popular in and around the city attractions that you can visit on a coach holiday to Blackpool

Blackpool Tower

Five amazing attractions in one iconic building. Experience spectacular views from the top of the Blackpool Tower Eye, enjoy a great family adventure through Blackpool's murky past at the Blackpool Tower Dungeon and take a seat at the Blackpool Tower Circus for the ultimate family entertainments show. Visit the stunning, world famous, Blackpool Tower Ballroom and let the children run wild in the soft play world of Jungle Jims. There's plenty for all the family to enjoy.

Blackpool Illuminations

Blackpool Illuminations sees this seaside city of fun still buzzing with excitement and laughter. At 10 kilometres long and using over one million bulbs, the Blackpool Illuminations are an awesome spectacle. Coach trips to the Blackpool illuminations are available between August - November. It is sure to be a spectacular event.

Pleasure Beach

With over 125 rides and attractions, Blackpool's pleasure beach is one of Blackpool's oldest tourist attractions, founded in 1896 with just one ride, it has since grown into the much-loved attraction that it is today, with nearly 6 million visitors per year.

Sandcastle Waterworld

An award-winning South Shore tourist attractions. If you're looking for something to do and you enjoy getting wet and having lots of fun then Sandcastle Waterworld is a recommended destination.

Madame Tussauds

A visit to Madame Tussauds Blackpool is guaranteed to leave you feeling more than a little star struck! This engaging and interactive attraction grants you an audience with some of Britains best-known celebrities; from Keith Lemon to Simon Cowell, Jamie Oliver to David Attenborough and even HRH Queen Elizabeth II as well as a multitude of other stars from the world of music, sport and entertainment.

Winter Gardens

The Winter Gardens is a large complex of theatres and conference facilities in the town centre of Blackpool, The site was opened in 1878 but a large part of the current building is relatively recent, dating back to the 1930s.

The first of Blackpool's 3 piers to appear. Escape for an hour and enjoy a relaxing drink from inside the bar conservatory or outside in our open-air Victorian Sun-Lounge. The most relaxing of the three piers.

Central Pier

Now a prominent landmark largely due to its 100ft Ferris wheel, the central pier is dedicated to fun.

Known as the most family orientated pier, the south pier is an ideal place for an afternoon out with the kids.

Blackpool Zoo

At Blackpool Zoo, fun and wild animals combine to offer a family day out like no other with easy access, education, conservation and play.

Blackpool Sea Life Centre

One of the UK's best-known aquariums the Blackpool SEA LIFE centre houses Europe's most comprehensive collection of tropical sharks. Housing more than fifty spectacular displays and over 1,000 assorted sea creatures it takes visitors on a journey from the coastline and sandy shallows to the ocean depths.

Blackpool Model Village

Blackpool's award-winning attraction the Blackpool Model Village & Gardens are set into a stunningly beautiful landscaped 2½ acres of carefully tended gardens with paved pathways that provide full access to all of our visitors.

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Blackpool history.

For hundreds of years, Blackpool was little more than a quiet seaside village. A difficult place to get to, Blackpool rarely received visitors.

What really changed everything was the arrival of the railway in the Blackpool area. by 1840 a railway had been constructed with the original objective of transporting passengers to Fleetwood a town lying to the North of Blackpool, however by 1863 another railway station was built in the centre of Blackpool to help cope with the thousands of people who wanted to get to the resort.

In the following 40 years Blackpool found itself transformed. Three piers were opened; Blackpool Tower was constructed, the Winter Gardens and Opera House were built, the Blackpool Illuminations began, the development of the Golden Mile was initiated, as well as ambitious plans to create a large amusement park, which most know today as Blackpool pleasure beach.

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Summer In Blackpool

Highlights:, tour includes:.

• Luxury Coach Travel
• Reserved Seat
• Services of an Experienced Tour Driver
• Drive On / Off Ferry with Stena Line
• 7 Nights, Bed & Breakfast
• 7 Evening Meals
• Evening Entertainment
• 3 Excursions

Single Room Supplement: £80

Accommodation, pick up points, departure dates, accommodation, sheraton hotel, queens promenade.

Based high on the Cliffs of the exclusive Queen’s Promenade, with stunning views of the Irish Sea and run by a dedicated family and a passionate team of staff. From the comtemporary lounges to classic British food, the hotel oozes comfortable indulgence. Here at the Sheraton, no matter what your age, we have something for everyone! From nightly live entertainment to board games, from coach excursions to the heated indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi, there’s always something that will keep you or the little ones entertained, all included in the price of your stay, you don’t even have to venture out of the hotel!

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Entertainment, en-suite bathroom, tour itinerary.

Following our pick-ups this morning, we will travel to Belfast to board the 07:30hrs Stena ferry toCairnryan. From Cairnryan we’ll begin our journey south to the Gretna Tourist Centre where we’ll have alunch time break. Moving on then, we’ll join the motorway as we head toward Blackpool where ourestimated time of arrival is 16:00hrs. We’ll be staying at the 3-star SHERATON HOTEL on the Queen’sPromenade for 7 nights dinner, bed & breakfast with a bonus of nightly entertainment.

Depart Hotel 09:30hrs Today is market day. We will travel the short distance to the little town of Cleveleys. Free time. We’ll then travel the short distance out to Fleetwood for further free time at the markets.

Depart Hotel 09:30hrs Today we are heading off to the market town of Bury. It has a reputation for being a bargain hunter’sparadise where everyone is welcome. It offers good old fashioned values with modern shopping and ispacked with a huge variety of goods. Remember you have to pack and carry these purchases home!

Depart Hotel 10:00hrs Our excursion today will take us to the wonderful seaside town of Southport. We’ll be dropped off in themost prestigious area – Lord Street, which has a charming, unique style all of its own. Perhaps you’d prefera walk down Southport’s promenade, visit the pier, or maybe the peace of the bowling-green andgardens. The choice is yours! Free time.

Depart Hotel 09:00hrs

Following our early departure this morning it’s time to retrace our journey homeward bound. We’ll travel north up the motorway to Gretna where we will have a lunchtime break with time to stretch our legs or shop for those last-minute little gifts. Time then to continue our journey to Cairnryan where we will be checking in for the 15:30hrs ferry back to Belfast. Time to say our fond farewells.

NB: Your driver will confirm/ amend departure times as necessary for the duration of the tour.

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Departure dates, low deposit: only £50, duration: 8 days, you may be interested in, blackpool & southport, bournemouth, we look forward to welcoming you aboard, book your seats now.

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Why blackpool.

Let us take you, your friends and family on a journey to the holiday resort that has it all.  Blackpool has been through many changes, so regardless of whether you are a regular visitor or this is your first time to Blackpool, you are certain to have a fantastic time full of new experiences. View the full list of fares HERE.

Our B66 Blackpool Express service offers fast and comfortable coach transport to and from Blackpool at a great price.

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We offer a discounted fare to children (aged 3-15 years), seniors and students.

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Should you need to cancel or amend your booking more than 72 hours before the outward journey, a charge of £5.00 per person will apply or within 72 hours of the outward journey then a 100% cancellation charge will apply.  Once the outward journey has taken place, no amendments or cancellations can be made and new tickets will be charged at the full fare. Children aged between 3 and 15 years of age inclusive may travel at the child fare. Infants under the age of 3 years old travel free of charge as long as they do not occupy a seat on the coach. If you wish for your infant to have their own seat then the child fare must be paid. For reasons of safety, JH Coaches will not carry unaccompanied children under the age of 14 years old, all children must be accompanied by a responsible person aged 16 or over. 

Passengers who take advantage of the discounted student rate must show a valid photographic student ID card when boarding the coach, otherwise the difference between the adult and student rate becomes payable. Customers are responsible for ensuring that they are at the correct pick-up point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time of departure as JH Coaches, Fell Bank, Birtley, Co Durham, DH3 2SP will not refund the ticket cost or be held liable for any loss or expense suffered by customers as a result of their late or non-arrival at their chosen pick up point, or if they are waiting at the wrong place. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure that they take their own luggage from the coach as JH Coaches will not be held responsible for any charges incurred in retrieving it from another passenger. 

JH Coaches will not be held responsible for any lost property which has not been correctly and clearly labelled. Passengers are carried in accordance with the company’s Booking Conditions of Carriage, copies of which are available for inspection at the address above. Smoking and the consumption of alcohol are not permitted at any time on any JH Coach. A penalty fare will be charged for any passenger found to be travelling without a valid ticket, the charge is £20.00 plus the full single fare from the boarding point to the destination.

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15/06/24 – Six The Musical at Edinburgh Playhouse

15/06/24 – Edinburgh City Centre

01/07/24 – Perth & Pitlochry

03/07/24 – Luss & Dunoon

06/07/24 – Blackpool Day Trip

09/07/24 – Aberfoyle, Trossachs & Callander with High Tea

13/07/24 – blackpool day trip.

16/07/24 – Three Bridges Cruise with cream tea & Peebles

24/07/24 – Kendal & Bowness-on-Windermere

30/07/24 – Oban & Inveraray

07/08/24 – St Andrews & Anstruther

09/08/24 – The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (Includes entry)

13/08/24 – Burntisland & Cupar

18/08/24 – Blair Drummond Safari Park (Includes entry)

14/09/24 – Burlesque The Musical at Theatre Royal, Glasgow

14/10/24 – Mystery Tour

16/10/24 – Castle Douglas & Kirkcudbright

26/10/24 – The Book of Mormon at Edinburgh Playhouse

26/10/24 – edinburgh city centre.

10/11/24 – Livingston Shopping Outlet

16/11/24 – 101 Dalmatians Musical at Kings Theatre, Glasgow

16/11/24 – Glasgow City Centre

17/11/24 – livingston shopping outlet.

08/12/24 – Edinburgh Christmas Markets

08/12/24 – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Edinburgh Playhouse

14/12/24 – joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat at edinburgh playhouse.

15/12/24 – Carlisle at Christmas

22/02/25 – Kinky Boots at Edinburgh Playhouse

1/03/25 – NOW That’s What I Call a Musical

13/11/25 – Tina: The Tina Turner Musical Midweek Matinee

“Was on the Liverpool trip. Had a wonderful time. Hassle free having everything arranged for us. Driver Tam was excellent and very helpful, Would highly recommend a trip with Milligan’s.”

“First time taking my mum on day trip and it was brilliant. Driver was fantastic and couldn’t do enough for everyone. Great day had by all and definitely booking soon again.”

“Thank you once again for great seats at the theatre. Special thanks to our driver Caroline. Theatre was brilliant.”

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We are thrilled to announce our extraordinary deal throughout the Summer months. Choose either a 3 Night weekend or 4 Night Midweek Blackpool stay throughout the Summer with breakfast included… all for just £99 person!

Plus upgrade to ‘All-Inclusive’ at a discounted rate of only £50pp per night extra (Inclusive Bar, Dinner & Daily Blackpool Transport pass) or Dinner B&B for £25pp per night extra when booked online. Be quick – once they’ve gone… they’ve gone!

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Please call 0800 804 4444 to book your 50% off return travel after you’ve booked online.

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At home in the UK’s most inspiring and exciting location, Blackpool is a vibrant coastal gem. Our hotels, nestled in the heart of this seaside paradise, offers a warm and inviting escape for visitors seeking a quintessential British experience. From stunning seafront views to the lively promenade, Blackpool’s charm is complemented by the comfort, elegance and superb value of our accommodations. Whether you’re here to enjoy the iconic Blackpool Tower, explore the Pleasure Beach, or simply relax by the sea, our hotels are the perfect base for your memorable stay. Discover the allure of Blackpool, and make our hotels your home away from home.

Offering quality accommodation, delicious home cooked meals and the very best live entertainment in Blackpool all at unbeatable prices. Join our many regular return guests who choose to make our hotels their home away from home. We’re obsessive about detail and we know investing the time to understand you means better experiences for all.

**All our additional services, including our all-inclusive packages and dinner & travel pass can be easily added once you’ve selected your room and proceed to the next step in your booking process.

If you would prefer to book over the phone please call us on 0800 804 4444

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Friday briefing: Labour wins Blackpool South and Tories suffer heavy local election losses

In today’s newsletter: Archie Bland breaks down the winners and losers from the UK’s day at the polls

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Good morning. Look, I’m not going to call it Super Thursday: there frankly aren’t enough results in yet to warrant that kind of description for local elections in England, and it feels a bit glamorous for a bunch of returning officers in half-empty sports halls in any case.

Even so, as well as their importance for local governance, the results now coming in are being closely watched as the last big test with voters ahead of the general election. It will not shock you to learn that so far, they do not point to Rishi Sunak staying in Downing Street. At 5am, the Tories had lost more than half of the seats they were defending - and with the caveat that it’s still very early, that would be the worst government result in decades if it persists. There’s also the now-traditional matter of a Conservative by-election candidate getting a thumping after their predecessor was forced out by scandal.

For the very latest as results land this morning, head to the live blog . Today’s newsletter, with the Guardian’s early bird political correspondent Kiran Stacey, runs you through what we know so far, and what’s still to come. Here are the headlines.

Five big stories

UK-Israel relations | David Cameron personally recommended that the UK should continue to sell arms to Israel two days after three British aid workers were killed in an Israeli airstrike. The decision appears to have been made based on an assessment of Israel’s compliance with humanitarian law over a period that did not cover the deaths of the World Central Kitchen workers.

Scotland | John Swinney is expected to be crowned Scotland’s next first minister within days , after his only rival for the SNP leadership ruled herself out. Kate Forbes, the former finance secretary who has the support of the party’s social conservatives, said she was persuaded to step aside because Swinney had promised he would “govern from the mainstream”.

Campus protests | More than 2,000 people have now been arrested during pro-Palestinian protests across dozens of US college campuses. In the UK, the prime minister has backed a police crackdown on any disorder on campuses after Jewish students said pro-Palestinian encampments were creating a “hostile and toxic atmosphere” .

UK news | A man has appeared in court charged with murdering Daniel Anjorin, 14, with a samurai sword. Marcus Arduini Monzo appeared at Westminster magistrates court on Thursday morning, charged with the murder of the teenager in Hainault, east London.

Asylum seekers | Hundreds of protesters have blocked an attempt to collect asylum seekers from a London hotel and take them to the Bibby Stockholm barge, moored at Portland in Dorset. The coach sent for the asylum seekers was forced to leave Peckham seven hours after it arrived, without anyone on board.

In depth: ‘People are working out how to vote to get rid of the Tories’

The funniest thing to happen yesterday was Boris Johnson being turned away from a polling station because he forgot the photo ID that his own Elections Act mandated him to bring. The rest is a bit crunchier.

A few minutes before 7am, and with 35 of 107 councils declared, the Conservatives had lost 122 council seats, while Labour had gained 52. The Greens and Lib Dems had also made advances, with Green support looking like it’s continuing to grow. The Tories have lost three councils so far, while Labour have gained four and lost one to no overall control. You can see all the latest results here .

Sky News’ vote share estimate – a bit earlier in the night, and likely to still be changing - suggests that compared with 2021, the Tories have lost 13.5%, while Labour have gained 7.4%. The change against last year’s results (already very bad for Rishi Sunak) was much smaller, but still a swing from Tories to Labour. “The overall headline so far is that it looks consistent with heading for a big Labour majority,” Kiran said.

Blackpool South byelection | Another big swing towards Labour

Labour held Blackpool South from 1997 until Boris Johnson won it for the Conservatives in 2019. There wasn’t a lot of suspense about who would win this time: given the dire national backdrop and the fact that the byelection was forced by the resignation of Tory MP Scott Benton over a lobbying scandal, Labour were certain to take the seat . Even so, the scale of the defeat was pretty grim news for Sunak. On a turnout of 32% - normal for a byelection - their candidate Chris Webb (above) won with 10,825 votes, more than the Conservatives and Reform UK combined.

That’s a swing of 26% - the third biggest in Labour’s favour since the second world war, and the fifth swing of more than 20% since Keir Starmer became leader, more than there were under Tony Blair before 1997.

There was some interest in whether the Tories could hang on to second place against Reform - which they just about did, by 3,218 votes to 3,101. Avoiding that symbolic blow will be cold comfort. “We expected a Labour win, but the swing is massive,” Kiran said. “They’re turning out these big by-election wins pretty consistently now.” And while the Conservatives like to call these mid-term elections, the blunt reality is that they have very little time to turn things around.

Local elections | Grim reading for Sunak, problems for Labour with Muslim voters

“The top line so far is that this is a set of results which show Labour having recovered a huge amount in the places it lost in 2019,” Kiran said. Dr Will Jennings, a political scientist at Southampton university crunching the numbers for Sky News, pointed out that the Conservative vote share so far is falling the most in areas that voted Leave in the Brexit referendum.

Ben Walker of poll aggregator Britain Elects said that with more than 10% of results in, the early pattern was of a similar Conservative vote share to last year, but much worse losses in terms of seats. The anti-Conservative vote seems to be very efficient: election researcher Dylan Difford said that shortly before 4am, the number of seats lost seems to be about 30% worse for the Tories than you would expect on the basis of their overall vote share.

“We shouldn’t underestimate what tactical voting is going to do,” Kiran said. “The Lib Dems are very chipper this morning about what they see as good gains in the ‘blue wall’. People have become very good at working out which party to vote for to get rid of the Tories.”

Meanwhile, Labour made important gains, picking up councils in Leave-supporting areas like Hartlepool, Thurrock in Essex, and Rushmoor in Hampshire. But these were somewhat offset by losses in (mostly) safer boroughs.

One really interesting factor in Labour’s position: it looks like they’re losing seats in wards with high Muslim populations , perhaps because of Keir Starmer’s stance on Gaza. Those losses have translated to gains for Green and independent candidates. Because those tend to be areas where Labour is strong, that has had a relatively limited impact on council control - but one ominous sign was the loss of Oldham to no overall control thanks to the election of seven new independent councillors.

“They’re going backwards in areas with big Muslim populations,” Kiran said. “I’ve been tracking this for a while now, and it’s something they are perhaps not aware enough of.” It also suggests that where George Galloway’s Workers’ Party has strong local candidates (er, Monty Panesar?), it might be able to hurt Labour’s chances of picking up seats in the general election.

“It’s important to say that if Labour gets the big national swing it’s currently on course for, it would still have a big majority,” Kiran said. “But people I talk to think there are as many as 12 seats they hope to win where they might not, because the loss of Muslim support will balance out the gains of Leave-supporting voters.”

Meanwhile, Reform does seem to be winning a meaningful number of votes, but remains some distance from the highs that Ukip reached before Brexit. Political analyst Sam Freedman said that their figures are “more consistent with them getting 7-8% in a general election than 15%. But that’s still enough to do serious damage to the Tories.”

Whatever’s going on under the bonnet, it’s important not to lose sight of the big point: these results suggest that if nothing changes, the Conservatives will lose the next election heavily, and Keir Starmer will be prime minister.

What we don’t know yet | Key mayoral races – and some careful expectation management

We’re only getting started, really – here’s a full timeline of what’s still to come.

It’ll largely be quiet – other than the drone of relentless spinning – for the next few hours, but at about 12.30pm we’ll get the result of the Tees Valley mayoral contest, where Conservative candidate Ben Houchen’s personal popularity appears likely to save him from the general Tory bloodbath.

About half the council results will arrive between noon and 6pm today. As well as their local significance, they will make it much easier to draw concrete conclusions about the state of the parties nationally, and Sky and the BBC will both produce projections of what they tell us about the general election in the afternoon.

We’ll also find out if Labour has held off the challenge of their former mayor and now independent candidate Jamie Driscoll in the North East. The two biggest mayoral races, in the West Midlands and London, aren’t due until Saturday. (Look out for any signs of whether Labour’s problems with Muslim voters held up in each.)

If Andy Street wins in the West Midlands and Houchen wins in Tees Valley, Rishi Sunak will try to present that as evidence of the Tory vote holding up – but these are races with strong local candidates who have distanced themselves from the Westminster party, so beware of over-interpretation. “The Tories have done a great job of expectation management,” Kiran said. “To turn an election where they’ll certainly lose several hundred coucillors into a relative success is quite the piece of political manoeuvring.”

Conversely, if the Conservatives do lose both, and considering their generally grim performance, a leadership challenge to Sunak will begin to look like a real possibility. “I don’t think it’s likely that the Tories lose both – but if it does, we’ll know Sunak is in a totally catastrophic position,” Kiran said. “And I suspect we’d know the date of the election by the end of the weekend.”

What else we’ve been reading

25 years of disastrous mismanagement left Southend United in tatters, tumbling out of the league to the despair of fans. Tim Burrows’ long read is full of amazing details about the unwavering spirit of the club’s supporters and whether, after all this time, a revival could still be possible for the club. Nimo

You can keep your McCartneys and Colmans: no national treasure can touch snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan . Simon Hattenstone, who knows him well, has a lovely piece about a gesture of extraordinary sportsmanship this week that should cement his status in the pantheon with Dench and Attenborough. Archie

Brazil has announced an ambitious 2% tax on the world’s billionaires. Larry Elliott explains why , even if it does not happen, it has put the issues of wealth and inequality on the agenda. Nimo

I can’t wait to see Love Lies Bleeding , Kristen Stewart’s new bodybuilding noir. Peter Bradshaw gives it five stars and asks the right question: “Why aren’t we talking more, or in fact all the time, about what a great actress Stewart is?” Archie

There is no shortage of horror stories from the sets of reality TV shows, but Susunu! Denpa Shōnen could quite easily take the crown for the cruelest and darkest series of all time. Adrian Horton takes a look at the documentary that delves into how, in 1998, Japanese comedian Tomoaki Hamatsu was left in a Truman Show-style predicament for 15 months while millions watched and laughed. Nimo

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Football | In the Premier League, headers in either half from Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson gave Chelsea a 2-0 victory against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge. Aston Villa will need a big turnaround after losing the first leg of their Uefa Conference League semi-final 4-2 at home to Olympiakos.

Cricket | Worcestershire have been left “heartbroken” and “devastated” following the death of Josh Baker , their promising left-arm spinner, at the age of 20. Announcing the news, a club statement paid tribute to Baker’s “warmth, kindness, and professionalism”.

Basketball | WNBA star Brittney Griner said she thought about killing herself during her first few weeks in a Russian jail after her 2022 arrest on drug-related charges. The 6ft 9in center spoke for the first time about her months-long detention during an ABC interview.

The front pages

“PM to allow oil and gas exploration at sites intended for offshore wind” reports the Guardian this Friday morning. “Migrant protests ‘won’t stop us doing what is right’” –that’s the Daily Express , while the Daily Telegraph has “PM to offer Ireland Rwanda deal”. Also on the topic of immigration, the Daily Mail asks “Whose side is Labour really on?” “Wrecking ball hits housing plans” says the Times . “Labour woos Team Trump as Starmer prepares for power” is the i’s top story. “‘Mystic’ Samurai suspect” the Metro reports after the Hainault sword murder accused appeared in court. “FA talks over cup crisis” – the replays saga continues in the Daily Mirror . “Gazprom plummets to worst loss in decades as European sales collapse” – happy news for Ukraine and its allies in the Financial Times .

Something for the weekend

Our critics’ roundup of the best things to watch, read and listen to right now

TV A Man in Full Netflix This six-part adaptation by David E Kelley of Tom Wolfe’s satirical novel is largely about dicks. Metaphorical, mostly, but with the occasional real one popping up to cause trouble here and there. The biggest metaphorical dick is Charlie Croker (Jeff Daniels). He is a good ol’ boy, Atlanta born and raised, turned real-estate mogul who has enjoyed swinging his appendage all over the state for many years. Shortly after his lavish 60th birthday, however, he is summoned by the bank to find that they are calling in the nearly $1bn of loans they have made to him. The party, and the quail hunting, are over. Lucy Mangan

Music Yunchan Lim: Chopin: Études Op 10 & Op 25 album Lim’s first disc for Decca more than reinforces the great first impressions that the prodigious South Korean musician has made. These are thrilling performances of Chopin’s studies, the technique dazzlingly immaculate and the musical impulses propelling it often startlingly original. There are still moments when youthful impetuosity leads him to misjudge things or rush them just a bit too much, but those are few and far between, and it’s much better to enjoy the brilliance of Lim’s playing, whether in the breathtaking evenness of the A minor study Op 10 no 2, or in the fresh details he consistently reveals, especially in the left hand. Andrew Clements

Film Love Lies Bleeding Available in UK and Irish cinemas from today British film-maker Rose Glass lets rip with some pure roid-rage cinema in this uproarious, horribly violent and lethally smart noir thriller (starring Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian, above), sited in the Venn diagram overlap between bodybuilding, murder and sex. The bodycount climbs so alarmingly that the characters are in danger of running out of rugs to roll the corpses up in. Glass has assembled a great cast – but first among equals has to be Stewart as gym manager and twitchy nicotine addict Lou. Peter Bradshaw

Podcast Green Wing: Resuscitated Audible, all episodes available now Seventeen years after the anarchic and gloriously inappropriate medical show ended, it is revived in podcast form. The original cast, including Olivia Colman, Tamsin Greig and Stephen Mangan are all present. The medics have aged disgracefully, making the trip back to East Hampton hospital worthwhile – and Statham (Mark Heap) is still the greatest character, marking his territory when the new boss takes his parking space. Hannah Verdier

Today in Focus

Are we on the brink of a ceasefire deal for Gaza?

With the threat of famine and the invasion of Rafah looming over Gaza, the leaders of Israel and Hamas are discussing a ceasefire deal . Julian Borger reports

Cartoon of the day | Martin Rowson

A bit of good news to remind you that the world’s not all bad

Cities across the world have been embracing green roofs, made up of specially selected plants designed to manage the extra weight of biomass. In Amsterdam, the city has gone one step further with blue-green versions that can capture rainwater, and which cover approximately over 45,000 sq metres of the city’s roofs.

This “sponge city” concept soaks up downpours that are getting heavier as the world warms, simultaneously reducing flooding and recharging the underlying layer of absorbent rock. The philosophy, explains Kasper Spaan, a policy developer for climate adaptation, is “not that on every roof, everything is possible, but that on every roof, something is possible”.

Sign up here for a weekly roundup of The Upside, sent to you every Sunday

Bored at work?

And finally, the Guardian’s puzzles are here to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until Monday.

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Britain’s Conservatives suffer historic losses in elections as Labor edges closer to power

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Britain’s governing Conservative Party suffered heavy losses in local election results Friday, further cementing expectations that the Labor Party will return to power after 14 years in a U.K. general election that will take place in the coming months.

Labor won control of English councils that it hasn’t held for decades and was successful in a special election for a seat in Parliament. If those results are repeated in the general election, it would lead to one of the Conservatives’ biggest-ever defeats.

In some areas with large Muslim populations, such as Blackburn and Oldham in northwest England, however, Labor candidates appear to have suffered as a result of the leadership’s strongly pro-Israel stance in the war in Gaza.

Perhaps most important in the context of the general election, which has to take place by January but could come next month, Labor won back the parliamentary seat of Blackpool South in the northwest of England. The seat had gone Conservative in the last general election in 2019, when then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson made big inroads in Brexit-supporting parts of the country.

World & Nation

This 5-year-old from Gaza is learning to live with one leg and untold loss

Israel-Hamas war: In Qatar’s capital, a compound housing Palestinian medical evacuees from Gaza is a living catalog of what war does to the human body.

April 24, 2024

Labor leader Keir Starmer went to Blackpool, a coastal resort town, to congratulate Labor’s Chris Webb and urged British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call a general election. Sunak has the power to decide on the date, and has indicated that it will be in the second half of 2024. “This was directly to Rishi Sunak to say we are fed up with your decline, your chaos and your division and we want change,” Starmer said.

John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, said Conservatives were losing about half the seats they are defending.

“We are probably looking at certainly one of the worst, if not the worst, Conservative performances in local government elections for the last 40 years,” he told BBC radio.

Conservative Sunak became prime minister in October 2022 after the short tenure of Liz Truss , who left office after 49 days after the presentation of a budget of unfunded tax cuts that roiled financial markets and sent borrowing costs for homeowners surging.

Pummeled by airstrikes, Ukrainians in Kharkiv defy Russia by getting on with daily life

Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, is facing intense Russian airstrikes, but its residents are defiant. “We can stand up, no matter what they do,” one said.

April 26, 2024

Her chaotic leadership compounded the Conservatives’ difficulties after the turmoil surrounding her predecessor, Johnson, who was forced to quit after being found to have lied to Parliament over COVID-19 lockdown breaches at his offices on Downing Street.

Nothing Sunak has tried to do has shifted the political needle, with Labor consistently 20 percentage points ahead in opinion polls.

Pylas writes for the Associated Press.

More to Read

Scotland’s leader resigns after split with Green Party over climate change, other conflicts

April 29, 2024

Former U.K. leader Liz Truss blames others for her brief, chaotic tenure — and she endorses Trump

April 16, 2024

Britain’s David Cameron in D.C. for Ukraine talks, first presses Trump in Florida

April 9, 2024

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