1 9 7 5 – 1 9 7 9 (UK)
This popular Saturday night BBC variety show was broadcast from a big top tent which toured British seaside resorts.
The hosts were popular Radio 1 DJ’s, including Tony Blackburn, David Hamilton, Noel Edmonds, Mike Read and Peter Powell.
The programme regularly featured the New Edition song and dance team which included Geoff Richer, Ali Minto, Dee Smith, Steve Payne, Leslie Meadows, Alison Bashem and Lyn Jolly.
Ronnie Hazlehurst and his Orchestra and the Maggie Stredder Singers were also regular fixtures.
A long line of guests from Britain’s variety royalty included Ken Dodd, Mike & Bernie Winters, Cilla Black, Dick Emery, The Bachelors, Lulu, Sacha Distel, Larry Grayson, Val Doonican, Les Dawson – to name but a few.
The 1977 series featured a beauty competition.
Seaside Special was briefly (but unsuccessfully) revived in the 1980s.