Nigel C Gull will front the £1.3m Only in Blackpool media campaign

Flying overhead, squawking and occasionally swopping down to pinch to top of your ice cream, Seagulls are synonymous for any seaside town – and Blackpool is no exception.

Now, one in particular is going to take centre stage to help promote what’s in store in Blackpool this summer. Spokesbird Nigel C Gull will front the £1.3m Only in Blackpool media campaign, which is a partnership between Merlin Entertainments, Blackpool Council, Blackpool Tourism Business Improvement District. Nige has a pretty recognisable voice too, with actor and comedian Johnny Vegas is the man tasked with bringing the character to life.

The adverts, which will air across TV, radio, social media and video-on-demand, will feature straight-talking Nigel as he visits some of the seaside town’s most famous attractions, including Blackpool Tower, the Pleasure Beach, Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE.

Ahead of the launch, Nigel, who has been created by award-winning puppeteer Andy Heath, who has worked with the BBC, Lucas Films, The Jim Henson Company and Disney, said: “Think you know Blackpool? Well think again!”

While Kate Shane, Merlin Entertainments regional director for Blackpool, says the company is “hugely committed” to Blackpool and confirmed another “family-focused” attraction will open in the coming months.

She added: “We can’t wait for our guests to experience all we have to offer this summer – as Nigel would say, there is plenty to squawk about in Blackpool”.

Leader of Blackpool Council, Cllr Lynn Williams, said: “We are delighted to be showcasing everything that Blackpool has to offer through the eyes of Nigel, our very special new ambassador.

“This is a very different TV ad to those that we have produced with our partners in the past, but it is definitely a fun way to illustrate the breadth and depth of our outstanding tourism offer.

“After months of watching his development from concept to fully-fledged character, we can’t wait for Nigel to make his TV debut.”