Blackpool Tower Ballroom Winter Gardens Opera House Central Pier Blackpool Central

Blackpool's Winter Gardens and Opera House

When the famous publicist William Holland was recruited from London music halls to manage the Winter Gardens from 1887 until he died in 1894 - Winter Gardens really started to take off. Holland changed the feel of the place from up-market concerts to music hall and the renowned female human cannonballs costing only sixpence to get in.

Grade II Listed, twelve venues no less are contained within Blackpool's famous Winter Gardens, including the Opera House theatre. With a capacity for 3000, the Opera House dates from 1939 and stands as Europe's second largest theatre. Today many a famous West End Show does a tour here (see the Blackpool Live weblink right for show listings at the Opera House). The Empress Ballroom within Winter Gardens is older, built in 1896. The stunning barrel-vaulted ceiling of the Empress is a particular highlight and pop concerts are regularly hosted in here.

Also on the ground floor the modern Olympia exhibition space plays host to numerous trade shows. Move to the first floor for the 1930s deco magic of the Spanish Hall - recently extensively refurbished, the Spanish Hall serves as an atmospheric and lavish venue for a banquet or wedding. Fans of the Tower Ballroom's Wurlitzer Organ will be interested to know that the Winter Gardens Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, a tad smaller than the ballrooms but just as beautiful, has now been restored and shows are running regularly at the Opera House (see Blackpool Live weblink right for details and booking).

www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

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Blackpool Central Pier Family Attractions

Blackpool's central pier (South Jetty or The People's Pier, as it was known) was the second to be built after North Pier and dates from 1868. Always a hub for family entertainment, Central Pier is still the top pier of choice for families.

The family oriented Pier End Family Bar has been recently enlarged. Totally child friendly, the Pier End Bar offers a quick service, Tuck Shop counter and amusements centre.

Central Pier's famous big wheel is always a popular choice, and family entertainment runs night and day in the Pier End Bar.

The popular Legends Show Bar successful now for a number of years in Blackpool, runs on Central Pier and hosts performances by some of the best sound-a-like/look-a-like performers around - popular returners include Robbie Williams, Elvis and Rod Stewart. Legends runs over the Summer Season from Tuesdays to Sundays (no show Mondays) commencing 7.30pm. See the Blackpool Live weblink right for details and booking.

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Blackpool Tower Ballroom Shows & Circus

Blackpool's iconic tower and ballroom stands as one of the UK's most famous historic seaside buildings. The designer of the stunning and elegant Blackpool Tower Ballroom was the great Frank Matcham and it first opened in 1899. The tower celebrated its 110th birthday in May 2004, but there are older treasures inside including - the Aquarium originally with Dr Cockers aviary Menagerie which predates the tower by 20 years. Blackpool's stunning Tower Ballroom with mighty Wurlitzer Organ is one of the few remaining of such ballrooms which were once many around the Northwest's coastline (New Brighton's tower ballroom for example was lost to a fire and the tower demolished). Blackpool Tower Circus dates from 1900 and was also designed by the great Frank Matcham who certainly left his mark on Blackpool. Along with the Grand Theatre, also a Matcham design. the ballroom and circus are now Grade listed. If you're on the Frank Matcham trail Blackpool will top your list of Matcham locations!

The secret of Blackpool Tower's continuing success is its movement with the times. The Blackpool Tower experience is a package of attractions which can't fail to appeal to all the family, including daily circus and magic shows, special events in the ballroom including tea dances, Strictly Come Dancing shows, Soul Weekenders, Salsa Nights and Organ performances daily. A host of family attractions are also inside including Jungle Jims, the Aquarium and on-site Restaurant 1894. Entrance tickets to Blackpool Tower are inclusive of Circus or Magic Show and the Tower Top Ride for panoramic views and 'Walk of Faith' across the glass floor looking down to the promenade below. Also inclusive is the Jurassic 3D dinosaur film and Jungle Jim's indoor playground.

Blackpool Tower, Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 4BJ. General Enquiries 01253 622 242. Ticket Booking 0844 856 1111.

www.theblackpooltower.co.uk

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